Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek is located in the northwest of Jiuzhong Mountain in Luojiang Township, stretching approximately 12 kilometers in length. It lies just across a mountain from Bengxi River, with about 300 meters separating the two. The creek is shaded by lush green trees and flanked by steep cliffs, with particularly notable spots including the First Gorge, Second Gorge, Third Gorge, Male and Female Dragon Caves, Immortal Cave, Black Child Cave, Yin River, Grand Karst Cave, and Jar Pool. The First Gorge is about 100 meters long and 3 meters wide. Between the sheer cliffs, the intermittent spring of the Male Dragon Cave erupts unpredictably, shooting over 20 meters before crashing down about 50 meters below the cave, resembling a thunderous roar. The sudden surge of water causes the creek to rise rapidly, trees to sway, and mist to rise. On the opposite cliff, halfway up, lies the roughly 5-meter-long Immortal Cave. Passing through it, you’ll find the Female Dragon Cave on the middle side, where a gentle stream flows with cool, sweet-tasting water. About 150 meters ahead is the Second Gorge, filled with the fragrance of flowers and breathtaking scenery. The cliffs along the gorge resemble a golden dragon playing with a pearl, creating a naturally delightful scene. The Third Gorge features oddly shaped rocks scattered across the creek, where the water complements the surrounding flowers and trees. Looking up at the mountaintop, massive rocks resemble an eagle gazing at the moon, seemingly ready to cry out but holding back. About 1,000 meters past the Third Gorge, you enter Heidongzi (Black Cave), where towering cliffs on both sides lean toward each other, blocking out the sun. Looking up, the sky is not visible; looking down, all you hear is the sound of flowing water—visitors are always left in awe. After walking about 300 meters into Heidongzi, on the right side of the cliff, lies the pitch-dark Yin River, its depth unfathomable. Inside the cave, springs trickle with a chilling atmosphere. Moving forward and turning left, you cross a small stream about two meters wide. On the rock face above is the Pangjia Cave, a large karst cave approximately 20 meters high, 50 meters wide, and 15 meters deep, facing the Luojia Cave across the way. Lush grass and fragrant flowers grow around the cave, filling the air with a pleasant aroma. Below the cave, the crystal-clear creek water sparkles as frogs and fish play together. About 100 meters upstream, the Jar Pool is about 10 meters deep and 10 meters in diameter, resembling a round mirror facing the sky—so deep that it can only be crossed by boat.

Source: People's Government of Chengkou County, Chongqing Municipality