Qidonggou Scenic Area

Qidonggou Scenic Area

Qidonggou Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Qidonggou, anciently known as Hutiaoyan and Feiquan Gorge, is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a key national cultural heritage site, a national forest wellness base, and a provincial-level film shooting location. The scenic area is located in Changning County — known as the Land of Longevity, one of China’s Top Ten Eco-Wellness Tourism Counties, and recognized as one of China’s Most Beautiful Counties in 2019. It lies 12 kilometers from Changning Station on the Chengdu-Guiyang High-Speed Railway. Featuring typical Danxia canyon landforms, the area boasts a forest coverage rate of up to 96%, vast clusters of Alsophila spinulosa (tree ferns), and an exceptionally high negative ion concentration of 47,000 ions per cubic centimeter, ranking first in Sichuan. In summer, temperatures here are nearly 10 degrees lower than in Yibin city proper, making it a famous summer retreat and natural oxygen bar. Attractions include the Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster (Eastern Han Dynasty), an ancient Eastern Han temple called Feiquan Temple, a millennium-old nanmu forest, the 9D Cloud Sea Glass Bridge, Ganquan Cave, Alsophila Valley, Hongmo Valley, Elephant Trunk Valley, and Rouge Valley, among others. There are also adventure activities such as eco rafting in the grand canyon, zip-lining, and dry slides.

Qidonggou lies in the middle of a plateau spanning nearly 100 square kilometers and about 10 kilometers wide. This plateau extends from Hejiang County in Luzhou City and Jiangjin District in Chongqing in the northeast to Fulaishan Mountain in Kaifo Town, Changning County, Yibin, in the southwest. The Mianxi River cuts through the plateau, forming the Mianxi River Grand Canyon. According to aerodynamic principles, hot air rises while cold air sinks. The cold air on the plateau continuously flows and accumulates in the Mianxi River Grand Canyon, maintaining a consistently cool temperature that makes it a natural air conditioner and an excellent summer retreat. In summer, temperatures within the scenic area stay around 20°C, offering exceptional coolness, while outside temperatures can soar to over 30°C, even approaching 40°C. During the peak summer vacation season, nearby farmers, residents of Guhe Town, and even people from Changning and Jiang’an counties flock here to escape the heat.

The Qidonggou 9D Cloud Sea Glass Bridge spans the canyon between Nanping Mountain and Fulaishan Mountain ranges. It is 386 meters long, 3.3 meters wide, and has a vertical drop of 188 meters, ranking first in length, width, and height in southwestern China. It is one of the shining new highlights of tourism development in Changning. The glass bridge utilizes cutting-edge 9D technology, combining simulated scenes and sensory triggers to create various special effects and three-dimensional visuals, seamlessly integrating visual, auditory, tactile, and motion experiences to deliver a thrilling and exhilarating ride. Walking across the bridge, visitors can not only overlook the Mianxi River but also take in the majestic views of the Nanping and Fulaishan mountain ranges. On clear days, the reflections of the blue sky and white clouds spread across the transparent bridge, offering a thrilling yet delightful sensation of walking on clouds. In misty weather, the bridge appears to float ethereally amid the fog, creating a breathtaking scene that feels like a journey between heaven and earth.

The bridge deck is constructed with three layers of ultra-clear tempered laminated glass: 12+2.28+12+2.28+12 mm, with a load-bearing capacity of approximately 3.5 kN (kilonewtons) per square meter (equivalent to about 378 kilograms), and each glass panel can withstand a weight of 1.4 tons. The glass also features high resistance to bending, impact, and overall strength. The foundation of the bridge is made of reinforced concrete with steel bars, with pile foundations extending about 12 meters deep and a total concrete volume of around 2,200 cubic meters. The main cables consist of 14 high-strength galvanized steel wires (7 on each side), each with a diameter of 46 mm, serving as the load-bearing elements. The bridge can support up to 3,000 people simultaneously. To ensure safety, the scenic area has installed wind speed monitors and real-time crowd monitoring systems on the bridge, limiting the number of visitors to 800 at a time. Additionally, comprehensive anti-rust and anti-corrosion treatments have been applied to the bridge, along with a regular maintenance schedule, to guarantee visitor safety.

Starry Sky Dry Slide

The dry slide is 328 meters long with a height difference of 188 meters, spiraling down along the Fulaishan Mountain range like a soaring dragon — magnificent and spectacular. The foundation is built with reinforced concrete, and the main chute is constructed from high-density granite. The slide is fully enclosed with polycarbonate panels to ensure safe sliding even on rainy days. The slide accommodates approximately 8,000 riders per day, providing both an exciting experience and a convenient way to descend the mountain. It is one of the most popular attractions at Qidonggou.

Mianxi River Grand Canyon Rafting

The Mianxi River Grand Canyon Rafting course stretches 3 kilometers, featuring 7 rapids and 6 crystal-clear pools. It offers non-motorized rafting...

...using specialized inflatable rafts for self-guided adventure. The riverbanks are surrounded by stunning scenery — lush mountains, clear waters, and dense forests that block out the sun, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 96% and an abundance of negative ions, keeping the air refreshingly cool even in the height of summer. As you float downstream, you’ll alternately ride thrilling rapids and gently paddle through calm waters, enjoying a rare cool respite in the summer heat and a refreshing release for the mind and spirit.

Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster and Time Rope Bridge

The Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster is located on the red sandstone cliffs on the eastern bank of the Mianxi River, carved approximately 2,000 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty. In the past, locals referred to the seven caves as “Manzi Caves,” believing them to be dwellings of ancient ethnic minorities. Later, archaeological experts identified them as cliff tombs from the Eastern Han period. Cliff tombs are characterized by chambers hollowed directly from mountain cliffs. From the Eastern Han Dynasty and for about 500 years thereafter, this burial method was typical in Sichuan, especially along the Yangtze River and its tributaries in southern Sichuan, and is highly representative throughout China.

Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster

The Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster consists of 28 cliff tomb caves of varying sizes, scattered along the hillsides by the Mianxi River. Seven of these tombs are clustered closely together, while the remaining 21 are more dispersed. The seven clustered tombs are arranged in the shape of the Big Dipper, all featuring rectangular arched chambers with interconnected interiors. The tomb entrances are square and gradually taper inward from the outside. The chambers, stone coffins, and cliffs are adorned with a total of 189 reliefs, including depictions of Fuxi and Nüwa, couples feasting, flying dragons, dancing girls, flowers, acrobatics, lanterns, and more — all exquisitely crafted. There are also 7 rare inscriptions in Chinese characters, divided into two types: chronological records such as “Xi Ping First Year” and “Yan Guang First Year,” and family names like “Huang (氏) made this grave, ? (illegible character) only those who know me will see my honesty, those who don’t will call me a slave,” referencing surnames such as Li, Huang, and Zhao. These are the earliest known Chinese inscriptions found in Yibin, with the appearance of Chinese characters and Han surnames indicating that the tomb owners were ancient Han Chinese. About thirty meters up the Seven Caves hiking trail, there are over twenty shallow cliff tombs accessible via steps leading into their interiors. Additionally, nearby cliffs preserve several unfinished ancient cliff tombs, offering a vivid glimpse into the tomb-carving techniques of two thousand years ago. Within a few kilometers upstream along the Mianxi River, dozens more Eastern Han cliff tombs can be found.

The Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster was designated as a provincial cultural heritage site by the Sichuan Provincial Government in 1991. In May 2013, it was recognized as part of the seventh batch of national key cultural heritage sites by the State Council. The Eastern Han Seven Cave Cliff Tomb Cluster is the oldest among the sites in Yibin to receive this national honor. Adjacent to the Seven Caves is the 60-meter-long Time Rope Bridge, which spans the Mianxi River. At dusk, the cliff tombs and swaying bridge bathe in the glow of the setting sun, as if time itself stands still — a truly enchanting sight.

Alsophila Valley

Alsophila Valley is located on the eastern bank of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon, locally referred to as Lianghe River. It originates from Baomin Village in Guhe Town and stretches over 3 kilometers. The valley is named after the Alsophila spinulosa (tree fern), a “living fossil” and a second-class nationally protected plant that densely populates the gully. Alsophila Valley features dozens of these ancient ferns, making it the most concentrated area for tree fern viewing in the scenic zone. Further up the valley, the stream forms a three-tiered waterfall dropping over 100 meters. The planned development area of Alsophila Valley spans 5 square kilometers, with over 2 kilometers of scenic walking trails built around the stream and waterfalls, connecting to the hiking paths leading up to the 9D Cloud Sea Glass Bridge.

Elephant Trunk Valley

Elephant Trunk Valley is situated on the eastern bank of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon and stretches 3 kilometers in length. Legend has it that during the Eastern Han Dynasty...

...a temple called Xiangzhi Temple stood in Elephant Trunk Valley, enshrining the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra. People often saw a six-tusked white elephant drinking from the stream, leading to the valley being named after the elephant. Zhou Hongmo, a renowned scholar, often studied at Xiangzhi Temple under the guidance of his teacher, Abbot Mou Bingchang, when he attended school at Ba’en Temple in Shijiapu. A zip line is also built on the mountainside of Elephant Trunk Valley.

Rouge Valley

Rouge Valley is located on the western bank of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon and originates from Xinglong Village in Guhe Town, stretching nearly 4 kilometers. Legend says that on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the Seven Fairies descend to Rouge Valley, drawing the attention of various deities who come out to welcome them — especially crabs, which are said to fill the stream that night. The fairies bathe and play in the valley, and over time, the stream becomes infused with their rouge, giving the water a faint floral fragrance, hence the name Rouge Valley.

In reality, the floral scent in the stream comes from the rich content of metasilicic acid in the water. Washing hands or face in the stream gives the feeling of having applied rouge, which is how the valley got its name. Rouge Valley has the highest water flow among the Seven Valleys. It features a vibrant collection of waterfalls. Where Rouge Valley meets the Mianxi River, there is the Gaotanzi Hydropower Station, adjacent to which is the Rouge Tuo Hydropower Station.

Hongmo Valley

Hongmo Valley is located on the eastern bank of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon and stretches over 3 kilometers. It is named after Zhou Hongmo, a Ming Dynasty philosopher, statesman, educator, and Confucian scholar, who studied here in his childhood. While attending Ba’en Temple nearby, Zhou found the natural rock shelters in this valley to be quiet and perfect for studying, so he often came here to read in seclusion. Later, he ranked first in Sichuan’s provincial exams and excelled in the national metropolitan exams. During the palace examination presided over by Emperor Yingzong (Zhu Qizhen), he impressed the emperor so much that Yingzong initially wanted to name him the top imperial scholar (Zhuangyuan), but due to his “less imposing stature,” which was considered unfitting for the empire’s image, he was named second-place scholar (Bangyan). Even today, visitors often bring their children here to study for a while, hoping for good fortune. The valley now features attractions such as Hongmo Residence and the Scholars’ Gate.

Zhou Hongmo built his career in literature, holding positions such as Attendant Reader at the Hanlin Academy, Libationer at the Imperial College, Vice Minister and later Minister of Rites, and eventually earning the title of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent and Advisor on Political Affairs. He was posthumously honored with the title “Wen’an” and served as an official for 46 years across five reigns and four emperors, surviving major events such as the Tumu Crisis, the Defense of the Capital, and the Jingnan Coup. Emperor Xianzong of Ming (Zhu Jianshen) praised him as a “nationally renowned Confucian scholar,” commending him for “mastering classics and history, understanding astronomy, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, enlightening both capitals, and spreading our civilization.” In his later years, he helped establish the Cuiping Academy (now Yibin No.1 High School). Zhou Hongmo, famed for his Confucian scholarship, authored numerous works, including the phrase “Mount Emei is the most beautiful under heaven,” which originated from his book “Meishan is the Most Beautiful Under Heaven.” Many have since aspired to raise their children to become accomplished individuals like Zhou Hongmo, often bringing them here to learn about traditional Chinese studies. To commemorate these stories, the valley was named Hongmo Valley. Along the stream, a 720-meter circular walking trail has been built, where visitors can admire natural Danxia formations such as Hongmo Study, Hongmo Inkstone, and Hongmo Ink Slab, as well as marine fossils dating back to the Cretaceous Period 100 million years ago.

Baima Valley

Baima Gully is located on the eastern bank of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon, stretching over 3 kilometers in length. It earned its name because during the Ming Dynasty, Zhou Hongmo—a renowned Confucian scholar, Minister of Rites, and Vice Tutor to the Crown Prince—often tied his white horse here when he came to study or visit his family while serving in the capital. Legend has it that Zhou Hongmo loved riding a white horse. While studying at Bao'en Temple, he frequently rode the horse to explore and research Han culture in the Mianxi River Grand Canyon. His white horse was often tethered in this very spot.

Zhou Hongmo was a family-oriented individual. In the 10th year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1445), at the age of 26, he ranked second in the imperial examinations and was appointed as a compiler at the Hanlin Academy. Even after assuming this prestigious post, he often returned home to visit his wife. To ensure he arrived at the academy on time without being late, yet still manage to see his wife, he transformed the hardy yellow bamboo native to his hometown—specifically from the Mianxi River Grand Canyon—into a white horse. He would ride this magical horse back and forth between his hometown and the capital. When returning home to see his wife, he would mostly turn the horse back into the bamboo and hide it in Baima Gully to avoid being noticed.

Baima Gully is the area with the densest distribution of Eastern Han Dynasty cliff tombs. On the red sandstone cliffs, more than 20 cliff tombs are scattered at varying heights. Some of the shorter ones allow visitors to walk inside for exploration or appreciation. A 760-meter-long walking trail has been built in Baima Gully, connecting the riverside pathway along the Mianxi River, the Seven Caves Eastern Han Cliff Tomb Cluster, forming a complete tourist loop. The Baima Gully loop is further linked to the opposite side of the canyon via the Time Rope Bridge, creating one of the major tourist circuits of Qidonggou.

On the mountainside of Baima Gully, there are five statues of the Five Tiger Generals from the Three Kingdoms period—Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Huang Zhong, and Zhao Yun. Due to the passage of time, only the stone pillars that once supported the statues remain today.

Qinwa Stone

On the eastern bank of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon, there is a protruding red sandstone rock by the roadside, shaped like a frog playing a musical instrument. Locals call this massive stone "Qinwa Stone" (literally “Musical Frog Stone”). Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty, Zhou Hongmo once carried a young girl named Mu Huai across the Mianxi River. Unexpectedly, the girl fell in love with him. From then on, she often returned to the same spot, hoping Zhou would reappear. Unbeknownst to her, Zhou had left for his studies and never returned. To pass the time during these lonely waits, Mu Huai learned to play the zither. As time flowed like the waters of the Mianxi River, never to return, Mu Huai transformed from a lively girl into an elderly woman with silver hair. Her unwavering devotion and love moved the Taoist deity Laozi, who was refining elixirs nearby. Touched by her loyalty, Laozi turned her into a lively, musical frog, forever stationed there, playing her music and waiting for Zhou Hongmo. Even today, except in winter, you can hear the sound of “ding-ding, dong-dong” as if Mu Huai is playing the zither at night near Qinwa Stone.

Nanmu Ancient Temple – Feiquan Temple

Feiquan Temple is situated at the valley entrance of the Mianxi River Grand Canyon within the Qidonggou Scenic Area. It is surrounded by nearly a hundred ancient nanmu trees, some over a century old. During the Han Dynasty, it was named Feiquan Temple (Flying Spring Temple) because a clear spring cascaded down from the Lailong Mountain behind the temple. The main structure of the temple is entirely built from nanmu wood. Historical inscriptions within the temple and records from the Changning and Jiang’an county annals state that the temple was originally built during the Han Dynasty, flourished in the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and was renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, boasting a history of over 1,700 years. In the temple’s courtyard once stood a massive, diagonally lying boulder about 8 meters high, resembling a mighty rhinoceros gazing at the starry night sky. Monks would often sit in meditation here under the night sky, contemplating life. Hence, it was named “Rhino Watching the Moon.” Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

The front hall of Feiquan Temple features four massive stone pillars as its main support. Originally, these pillars bore engraved couplets, but due to age, only faint traces of the carvings can be discerned upon close inspection. The main hall is primarily supported by four enormous nanmu pillars, each with a diameter of about 70 cm. Additionally, other columns, beams, and rafters in the temple are also made of nanmu wood, which is why it is called the Nanmu Ancient Temple. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the temple served as the office of the Feiquan Township Government in the Guhe District of Changning County. This spared it from the fate of destruction that befell many other temples, allowing it to be preserved intact to this day. It is one of the few temples not rebuilt in modern times. During the Cultural Revolution, to protect the temple's stone tablets from being destroyed in the campaign to "Smash the Four Olds," the local government and residents glued a layer of stone slabs onto the tablets using glutinous rice and lime, effectively hiding them. Today, you can still clearly see the marks where the slabs were adhered.

Millennium Nanmu Forest

Nanmu is known as the king of woods and was historically reserved for imperial use, earning it the title “Wood of Emperors.” Qidonggou naturally grows hundreds of nanmu trees, with nearly a hundred centuries-old specimens concentrated around Feiquan Temple. This nanmu forest is the only one among China’s 26 confirmed authentic nanmu forests (where small-leaved Phoebe zhennan and Machilus velutina are often mistaken for nanmu) located below an altitude of 300 meters (at 276 meters), making it the lowest-altitude nanmu forest in China. About one-tenth of these are golden-thread nanmu. It is Sichuan’s only genetic resource base for golden-thread nanmu seed collection. When golden-thread nanmu leaves are held up to the sunlight, their vein patterns resemble golden threads. After the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle Emperor Zhu Di moved the capital to Beijing, the nanmu trees from this area were offered to the imperial court as sacred timber, used as key beams in the Forbidden City.

Danxia Wonder – Ganquan Cave

Ganquan Cave is a rare large cave in the Danxia landform. The cave is approximately 200 meters long, nearly 20 meters wide, and about 6 meters high. Since it is a dry cave with no water year-round, locals call it the “Dry Rock Cave.” The interior remains warm in winter and cool in summer, with no mosquitoes. Experts suggest three reasons for the cave’s formation: first, differential weathering of the rocks. Beneath thick, erosion-resistant sandstone layers lies weaker mudstone that continuously weathers away, causing the cave to expand. Second, constant river erosion. The cave floor is level with the stream bed, and yearly floods gradually widen it. Third, human quarrying. Villagers mining stone for road construction have broken away parts of the harder rocks inside, increasing the cave’s volume.

The ancient fortress is located on Lailong Mountain behind Feiquan Temple in the Qidonggou Scenic Area. Before the road was built, it was the only route up and down the plateau and surrounding rocky terrain covering nearly 100 square kilometers. The fortress wall consists of a natural stone ridge about 300 meters long and 4 meters high, with gaps filled by flagstones. The gate was cut through the stone ridge, now covered in moss and partially damaged. The front features modern carvings of Bodhisattva statues and inscriptions related to forest fire prevention in the Guhe District. The origins of the fortress remain a mystery—locals do not know which dynasty it was built in, and it is not recorded in any ancient texts.

Internet-Famous Swing Bridge

The internet-famous swing bridge is located at the starting point of the rafting area.

Shouting Fountain is located at the entrance of the Fern Valley and the Glass Bridge area, featuring a 30-meter and an 80-meter ultra-high shouting fountain.

The Grand Canyon Zipline is situated on the mountainside of Xiangbi Valley, stretching nearly 400 meters in length and nearly 100 meters in height, spanning the Mianxi River Grand Canyon. Future plans for the scenic area include adding attractions such as a high-altitude bicycle, bungee jumping, and extreme flight experiences.