Xiaowu Gorge Scenic Area of Guangwu Mountain

Xiaowu Gorge Scenic Area of Guangwu Mountain

Xiaowu Gorge, a marvel in Shu, is located 26 kilometers east of Nanjiang County in Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, at the border of Sichuan and Shaanxi, and 6 kilometers from Ganchang Town. It is one of the five major sections of the Guangwu Mountain National Key Scenic Spot. The scenic area combines spectacular gorges, beautiful caves, majestic peaks, peculiar rocks, lakes, and sea of clouds. The scenery changes magically with the seasons; spring, summer, autumn, and winter all offer fantastical views. Rare birds and animals bring a wild charm, while Bashan folk customs showcase a unique village atmosphere. Tunnel drifting offers thrilling excitement. The “Ten Oddities and Three Uniques” are distinctive and thought-provoking. The deep gullies of the scenic gorge open like a slit in the sky; the Stone Gate seems about to close, soaring toward the heavens; the peaks are uniquely shaped, with cliffs as picturesque as brush paintings; the grotesque rocks resemble honeycombs and whirlpools; chrysanthemum stone inkstones were once presented to the imperial court; the statue of Erlang stands under the blue sky, while the Goddess of Mercy remains unharmed, overlooking the rushing currents; the jade-like green waters and layered forests are lush; macaques and flying squirrels leap among the trees; on Monkey Rock, golden monkeys gaze at the mountains; before the Green Lion Cliff, white elephants drink water; the Poet Immortal enjoys the view while two turtles welcome the dragon. The Xiaowu Gorge Scenic Area of Guangwu Mountain is densely packed with caves, presenting a myriad of sights. Among the developed ones are Tongtian Cave (also known as Wuse Cave), Chuanhua Cave, and Xiaoyao Cave. There are over 20 identified caves including Yuejia Cave, Yangyu Cave, Jing Cave, Shuanglong Cave, Houzi Cave, and Feiyun Cave. These form a cave group with uniquely structured chambers—caves within caves, caves outside caves—stalagmites, stalactites, stone flowers, and stone curtains spread throughout, crisscrossing in an endless display of wonders, vividly resembling human forms and objects. The magical oddities of nature compose a stunning natural scroll. It is a massive karst resource depot with grand scale, peculiar formations, densely concentrated caves, and gorges intertwined with caverns. It is an important part of China’s “Hometown of Caves,” hailed as the “Treasure of Qinba, a Unique Wonder of Northern Sichuan.” It blends beautiful imagery, vibrant colors, and unfathomable scientific mysteries. Not only does it hold high tourism value, but it is also an ideal site for karst research, as well as a place for spiritual cultivation and peaceful retreat. With over 180 scenic spots, every step brings a new view, overwhelming the senses. Xiaowu Gorge has long been praised as the “World’s Number One Marvelous Gorge.” According to experts, its geological landforms are of great scientific research value. It is a multi-layered, three-dimensional eco-tourism destination; an excellent spot for sightseeing, exploring wonders, and leisure vacations.

Tongtian Cave, also known as Wuse (Five-Color) Cave, earned its name because the scenery inside shimmers with natural, radiant colors that seem to connect directly to the heavens. Inside the cave, there is a giant rock painting, two large grottoes, three main halls, four branch caves, five levels of labyrinthine passages, six emerald pools, and seven waterfalls. Tongtian Cave stretches over 10,000 meters in length and covers 120,000 square meters, including 1,800 meters of underground river and 2,800 meters of developed area spanning 100,000 square meters. The scale is grand, with winding paths, layered structures, connected waterfalls and pools, crisscrossing streams, caves within caves, and scenes within scenes. The fantastic scenery takes on a myriad of forms, delicate yet magnificent, lively and ingenious, forming a natural tapestry that combines beauty, color, and mysterious scientific wonder. It not only holds high tourism value but is also an ideal location for karst research, as well as a serene place for spiritual rejuvenation. The “Heavenly Granary” and “Milky Way Waterfall” are especially breathtaking, their majestic and splendid views qualifying as underground wonders and marvels of the world.

Chuanhua Cave is located on the eastern bank of the middle section of Xiaowu Gorge, about 100 meters above the bottom of the gorge. It gets its name because there are over 20 open caves near the main cave, all interconnected, allowing visitors to weave in and out among them like threading through flowers. One moment you see one side of the gorge, the next another mountain—exploring feels like playing hide-and-seek, hence the name Chuanhua (Flower-Threading) Cave. Also called “Chuanhua Cave,” it earned this nickname because there are three open caves outside that directly penetrate the opposite mountain. The cave entrances are strip-shaped, arranged in a staggered fashion reminiscent of the Chinese character “川” (meaning “river” or “stream”), which is also a play on Sichuan’s name. Additionally, the cave contains many unique stone flowers, hence the alternate name. Chuanhua Cave stretches over 10,000 meters, with 300,000 square meters of explorable area; 1,200 meters have been developed for tourism, covering 100,000 square meters. The cave features three types: wind caves, dry caves, and water caves, and consists of seven main halls: the battle-scarred Ancient Battlefield Site; the auspicious Hundred Beasts Presenting Auspiciousness; the magical Fairy Scattering Flowers Hall; the historically recreated Imperial Court of Harmony; the majestic and mystical Giant Waterfall Singing Stage; the heavenly Grand Stage carved by nature; and the Dragon Cave Divine Spring that invites exploration and reflection. The “Giant Waterfall Singing Stage” and “Grand Stage of Heaven” are especially magnificent, their grand and splendid views considered unparalleled among caves. The structural composition of the cave’s landscape is unique, with spectacular internal scenes where you can view the gorge from within the cave and the cave from within the gorge. The karst wonders complement the majestic gorges, creating a distinctive experience. It is hailed as the “Flower of Sichuan’s Caves” and the “Flower of Tourism.” Chuanhua Cave embodies grandeur, peculiarity, danger, and mystery. Nestled beside the gorge, it twists and turns with dramatic shifts in terrain. Its perilous location, guarded by the natural barrier of the gorge, has made it a contested military site since ancient times. With its interconnected caves, stunning scenery, and beautiful environment, it has also been a haven of peace for local mountain dwellers throughout history.

Xiaowu Gorge boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. In the fifth year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, Nanjiang County Magistrate Wang Jingfang composed the “Ode to Xiaowu Mountain” and inscribed the words “Xiaowu Gorge Health Pool” on a cliffside stone, along with other engravings from the Tongzhi and Guangxu eras. The former residence of He Caixia, one of the “Three Elders of the Xinhai Revolution,” is located atop Xiaowu Mountain. Battlefield sites from the Ming Dynasty and modern times lie adjacent to the spectacular gorges.