Shuibodong Cave

Shuibodong Cave

Shuibodong Cave is located in Yanjing Town, Hechuan District, at the mouth of the Libi Gorge in the Lesser Three Gorges of the Jialing River, nestled between the tail ends of the Jinyun Mountain Range and the Bayue Mountain Range. Bordered by Jinyun Mountain to the south and the Fishing City to the north, it is part of the national-level natural scenic area of the Lesser Three Gorges. The cave is 17 kilometers from Hechuan urban area and 71 kilometers from Chongqing. The Jialing River and the Chongqing–Nanping National Highway 212 run along the mountain base, with local roads connecting directly to the cave entrance via National Highway 212. Both land and water transportation are extremely convenient. Shuibodong Cave stretches over 6,000 meters in total and is divided into a left cave and a right cave. It is a karst cave system gradually formed over twenty million years as rainwater seeped into the white limestone layers, making it a rare and unique natural resource. Legend has it that the cave was once a cultivation site for a white dragon and a divine turtle. A battle between the two summoned the waters of the Jialing River, flooding farmlands and harming local residents. The chaos was eventually quelled by the True Martial Immortal, who subdued the two beasts, causing the floodwaters to recede and leaving behind the cave as it appears today. The cave is divided into three levels: the upper level is a dry cave, the middle level features an intermittent underground river, and the lower level is an aquatic cave. Currently, 1,500 meters have been developed for tourism. The largest chamber spans over 800 square meters, while smaller chambers are around 200 square meters, with ceilings reaching over 20 meters in height. The cave is a marvel inside and out—featuring caves within caves, natural scenery, echoes, water, and even fish swimming within. The temperature remains mild year-round, averaging around 15°C. In early spring and deep winter, mist often rises from the cave, resembling a white dragon swirling, bringing a chilly mist that sends shivers down the spine. The gurgling streams, shimmering silver waves, and the continuous rumble of the underground river enhance the mysterious atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for winter warmth, summer cooling, scientific exploration, adventure, gatherings with friends, and leisure retreats.

The Shuibodong Natural Scenic Area integrates mountains, caves, peaks, lakes, waterfalls, and forests into a unique landscape. With its towering peaks, lush forests, clustered karst caves, and distinctive features, it boasts a total of 21 attractions including five caves, four peaks, two lakes, six waterfalls, and four cultural heritage sites. Among these wonders, Shuibodong Cave stands out for its extraordinary beauty characterized by the “strange, perilous, majestic, elegant, and mystical.”

The natural formations inside the cave dazzle the eye—stalactites hang upside down in peculiar shapes, while stalagmites, stone flowers, stone peaks, flowstones, and other limestone formations abound throughout the cave. These natural wonders are vividly lifelike. Over a hundred attractions formed by stalactites, such as “Two Immortals Greeting Guests,” “Gateway to the Outer Heaven,” and “Crystal Palace,” are truly breathtaking. Inside the cave, the summer heat instantly dissipates, refreshing every visitor. The winding passages lead to secluded corners, with caves within caves creating a labyrinthine or even temple-like atmosphere. The karst formations take on countless shapes and forms, making visitors feel as though they’ve stepped into a heavenly jade pool. Modern city dwellers can’t help but marvel at nature’s incredible craftsmanship, stirring a sense of nostalgia and wonder.

Attractions such as “Two Immortals Preaching,” “Divine Turtle Guarding the Cave,” “Immortals’ Assembly Hall,” “Soaring Giant Buddha,” “Vulture Peak,” “Moon Palace,” “Marvels of the Divine Cave,” “Labyrinth Exploration,” “Deep Waves in the Lake,” “Monkey King Battling Heavenly King Li,” “Dragon Submerged in Water,” “Dragon Palace Jade Pool,” and “Pillar of Heaven” showcase a stunning variety of scenes. One breathtaking view follows another, each more spectacular than the last, captivating visitors and making them linger in awe. About 500 meters from Shuibodong Cave lies Shatangwan, home to Shuibodong Lake. Covering over 10 acres with a depth of 10 meters, this pristine lake is currently under development. Fishing here is rewarding, and it is set to become a “water recreation paradise,” adding further charm to the Shuibodong Natural Scenic Area.

The Shuibodong Natural Scenic Area is embraced by mountains and offers convenient land and water transportation, along with comprehensive services. Facilities include dining, accommodation, conference halls, parking lots, dance halls, entertainment tea houses, horseback riding, and fishing. The rustic mountain villas and elegant comprehensive service building serve up authentic Chongqing–Sichuan rural cuisine, giving visitors a taste of unique countryside flavors.

Address: Yanjing Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing