Liuer River Gorge

Liuer River Gorge

Liuer River Gorge

Liuer River Gorge is situated at the junction of Puyi Town and Datun Yi Ethnic Township, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of the city. The Liuer River is an upstream tributary of the Chishui River. Although its total length is only around 10 kilometers, the area boasts numerous attractions and stunning scenery that captivate travelers.

Within the scenic area, near the boundary between Datun and Longchang along the Dafang–Naxi Highway, there is a Natural Bridge. Built atop this bridge is the Dongfeng Bridge, which stands 40 meters high, spans 9 meters wide, and extends over 30 meters, creating the picturesque sight of a “bridge upon a bridge.” The area features wonders such as Half-Side Mountain, Half-Side Cliff, Solitary Peak, Stone Bamboo Shoots, Stone Pillars, Token Mountain, Husband-and-Wife Mountain, Big Silver Mountain, Five Sons Mountain, Lion Mountain, and Boy Worshiping Guanyin, all of which are magically beautiful. Deep within the mountain forests, wild plants like Bamao, Bazu, Rock Cypress, and Rock Pine remain well-preserved, making it a natural treasure trove of tourism resources for the region.

Upstream on the Liuer River lies Ladder Rock, featuring seven cascading levels, each approximately 8 meters in height and width. Crystal-clear mountain spring water flows down the tiers, splashing into layers of spray that scatter like pearls and jade—truly poetic and picturesque.

To the left of Ladder Rock is the “Dog Passing Cave,” which is over 30 meters high and more than 100 meters deep. The cave entrance faces the sky and is less than two feet wide. Below it lies a pond roughly ten square meters in size. Water dripping from the cave mouth into the pond creates the illusion, when looking up, of “looking at the sky from the bottom of a well.”