Liangping Baili Bamboo Sea

Liangping Baili Bamboo Sea

China’s Largest Alpine Bamboo Sea — Baili Bamboo Sea (Municipal Scenic Area)

Baili Bamboo Sea is a municipal-level scenic area in Chongqing, situated in the northwest of Liangping District, approximately 36 kilometers from the county town. National Highway 318 crosses through the area, closely passing by the Chongqing-Wanzhou Expressway. It is a 90-minute and 30-minute drive from Chongqing and Wanzhou respectively. It is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating bamboo forests, landscapes, and cultural heritage. The vast stretches of bamboo naturally grow between two mountains and a valley, extending for hundreds of miles — hence the name “Baili (Hundred Miles) Bamboo Sea.” In 1995, it was approved as a provincial-level scenic area by Sichuan Province.

Baili Bamboo Sea boasts 350,000 acres of contiguous bamboo groves with 37 bamboo species, making it China’s largest alpine bamboo sea. Its elevation ranges from 600 to 1,180 meters, earning it the title of “Bamboo Museum.” The scenic area features over 50 attractions including Mingyue Lake, Hundred Bamboo Garden, Guanyin Cave, Tianxing Pond, Zhufeng Tianchi, Little Emei Mountain, the revolutionary base of Ma’erzhai, and Fox Mouth. Leaders such as Li Guanghua, Wang Weizhou, Kuang Jixun, and Cai Kui led the First Route Army and Third Guerrilla Unit of the Sichuan Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in guerrilla warfare and underground party activities in the Baili Bamboo Sea. The area features dense bamboo forests, picturesque peaks, uniquely shaped mountains, wild ducks gliding on lake surfaces, and reflections of emerald bamboo, presenting a breathtaking landscape. The natural scenery blends with “bamboo culture” and cultural landmarks densely scattered across the Baili Valley, creating a heavenly and harmonious “Peach Blossom Garden” atmosphere that unites strength and grace. Stroll around clear springs to explore ancient towns, gaze at layers of elegant bamboo against overlapping mountains, stay with local families to experience regional customs — the enchanting pastoral scenery and poetic charm of Baili Bamboo Sea make it an ideal destination for leisure, sightseeing, and recuperation. Temples such as Guanyin Cave and Little Emei Temple hold temple fairs annually on the 19th days of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months.

Major Attractions:

Guanyin Cave: The scenic area is home to a small temple that has flourished in worship for over a thousand years. Legend says it was built more than 1,000 years ago by three young warriors fleeing persecution during the late Tang Dynasty. Inside the temple flows a thin stream of sweet, cool water that never runs dry throughout the year. Descending the stone steps, you’ll find vast bamboo forests and quaint, exquisitely crafted bamboo houses. Within the steep, cliff-surrounded Heilongtan Gorge, a waterfall over ten zhang long cascades from the cliffs — a hidden paradise.

Little Emei Mountain: Lush with bamboo and trees, and graced by murmuring streams at its base, Little Emei Mountain stands out as graceful and serene amid the surrounding peaks. Its beauty has earned it the name “Emei.” The entire mountain resembles a seated Buddha, remarkably lifelike. On the mountain sits Emei Temple, which enjoys great fame and bustling incense offerings. The most renowned and mystical sight on Emei Mountain is the “Five Lions Worshiping the Buddha.” In front of Emei Mountain, rolling peaks rise dynamically. Notably, five towering stone peaks stand like stone lions, emerging abruptly from the ground with sheer cliffs. With smooth limestone surfaces untouched by dust, rainwater has carved vertical streaks that resemble lions raising their manes. Further behind, the mountain ridges gradually stretch and lower, resembling the bodies and tails of lions. The five lions take on various poses — some appear to be neighing proudly, others charging forward, some looking up, and others standing still as if listening. Together, they face Emei Mountain in a majestic and spectacular tribute known as the “Five Lions Worshiping the Buddha.”

Zhufeng Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Baili Bamboo Sea, this lake is hailed as the “Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)” of Liangping. Its surface forms a “V” shape. Boarding a sightseeing boat, you’ll see a viewing tower directly ahead. Standing atop the tower, you can admire the reflection of the bamboo sea on the lake, with mist swirling and water and fog merging into one. To the west of the tower, two mountains face each other, forming a crescent-shaped valley. After sailing a hundred meters, you’ll enter the “Little Three Gorges,” where verdant cliffs and vast misty waters combine grandeur, danger, beauty, wonder, serenity, tranquility, and lush greenery in a naturally formed spectacle. Being here makes one forget all worldly concerns — an ideal retreat for summer escape and leisure.

Tianxing Pond: A massive rock crater surrounded by dense, well-ordered stands of Phyllostachys bambusoides bamboo forest, entering which feels like venturing into a thrilling maze.

Red Army Cave: A relic from China’s revolutionary era. After the Fourth Front Army of the Red Army suffered setbacks while attacking the bandits at Ma’erzhai, they retreated here, laying the foundation for establishing the Ma’erzhai Revolutionary Base in the future.

Nameless Tomb Cluster: According to research by relevant departments, this site contains the burial grounds of some Shays’ Rebellion fighters from the Qing Dynasty. The tomb cluster is arranged as neatly as a military formation, presenting a spectacular sight.