Chongqing Youyang Peach Blossom Spring

Chongqing Youyang Peach Blossom Spring

Chongqing Youyang Peach Blossom Spring is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

Introduction: Less than 500 meters from Youyang County town lies a limestone karst cave, about 30 meters in height and width. The Peach Blossom Stream in front of the cave flows out from within, crystal clear and gurgling into Quankong River. By the stream stands a small four-cornered wooden pavilion. Legend has it that this was where the fisherman inquired about the way, hence the name “Inquiry Pavilion.” Looking up at the high part of the cave entrance are the three large characters “Peach Blossom Spring,” inscribed by the renowned historian Mr. Ma Shitu. On the tall and majestic stone memorial archway are two couplets written by the famous poet Liu Shahe: “A time tunnel connecting ancient and modern, mulberry and bamboo gardens entertaining hosts and guests” and “No trace left of the fisherman’s path, but solid evidence in Tao Yuanming’s writings.” Entering the cave against the flow of the Peach Blossom Stream, one finds stalactites hanging upside down in a myriad of shapes—resembling Guanyin sitting on a lotus, the ancient Buddha of Infinite Light, palace jade lamps, silver mountains and snow seas, birds and beasts—all breathtaking. The dripping water inside the cave sounds like pearls falling, tinkling like a bronze clepsydra. Tapping gently on the Stone Bell and Stone Drum produces crisp and pleasant sounds, which is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of the Cave, known as “Stone Bells and Drums.” There are many stone inscriptions on the cave walls, but due to the passage of time, they are all blurred and hard to discern. Only on the high left side at the end of the cave can the vigorous and simple four characters “Ancient Hidden Books” still be clearly seen.

Chongqing Youyang County