Papaya Water Silver River

Papaya Water Silver River

Papaya — River

Located 90 kilometers south of Tongzi County, 157 kilometers north of Chongqing City, 25 kilometers from Songkan Railway Station on the Sichuan-Guizhou Railway, 19 kilometers from Shimenkan Railway Station, and 29 kilometers from the Sancha Bay ramp of the Chongzun Expressway, the conveniently accessible town of Papaya has a river originating from Tongzi Pass at the junction of Zheng’an, Suiyang, and Tongzi counties. This river flows through Huanglian Township’s Upper and Lower Luoxie, Papaya Town, Longtan, and Papaya, eventually joining the Songkang River at Mu Zhu River. The east-west flowing river spans a section from upstream to Tiger Post that is highly valuable for tourism development, offering “a day’s hike to discover wonders and ten miles of river gorges to enjoy serene beauty.” From May to October, over fifty travel agencies in Chongqing compete to organize group tours here.

This ten-mile river gorge sits at an elevation between 500 and 550 meters. The annual average temperature ranges from 17.2°C to 17.0°C; the hottest month (July) averages between 27.2°C and 27.0°C. With mild winters and cool summers, the climate is pleasant. Traveling upstream along the river, towering cliffs rise on both sides, while tenaciously growing trees cling to crevices in the rock, dotting the hundred-meter limestone cliffs painted in black-and-white hues. The view is like a series of natural landscape paintings, overwhelming the eye with their beauty and inspiring awe for nature’s craftsmanship. Along the way, wild bamboo—lush as jade, dense as hair, soft as cotton—forms a natural carpet covering slopes and rocky terrain. Birds and beasts roam freely, filling the air with birdsong and floral fragrance that refreshes the soul. The clear, mirror-like stream reveals every fish and stone beneath. The landscape features majestic mountains, emerald waters, rugged rocks, elegant peaks, peculiar stones, and unique caves. The untouched native vegetation remains in its pristine, ancient state, with no human presence—truly a paradise on earth.

Crossing the iron suspension bridge of the village group to enter the river gorge, one encounters grotesque rocks, ever-changing scenery, deep beauty, and vibrant diversity. In the sunlight, the “Rainbow Cave” emits wisps of purple mist, creating a dreamy, otherworldly welcome for visitors and drawing them deeper into its allure. The “Shoulder-Pole Gorge,” approximately 300 meters long and about 6 meters wide, is flanked by hundred-meter cliffs. Except at noon or midnight when the sun or moon may be visible, the light of day rarely penetrates this “narrow slit in the sky,” locally known as “One-Line Sky,” which feels eerie and foreboding. Solo travelers may feel a thrill of fear, while groups can share the adventure and discovery. Ahead, a stream feeds into a deep pool whose dark green waters conceal the bottom. Schools of fish swim busily, darting up and down in lively commotion. Local fishermen use unique methods to lure the fish before scooping them up with nets, hence the name “Scoop Fish Pool.” Beyond the pool, a waterfall cascades from a hundred-foot cliff, shrouded in white mist halfway up the mountain. Looking down at the streambed beneath the falls, however, no droplets can be seen—instead, the high temperature at the bottom vaporizes the falling water into mist that floats mid-slope. Truly, the “Mystic Mist Cliff” lives up to its name. Further ahead, a silver waterfall spills over upward-growing stalactite formations covered in moss-like tufts, sending droplets splashing and glimmering like snowflakes in the sunlight. This is the wondrous and spectacular “Snowfall Peak.” Continuing onward, the view suddenly opens up, and the distant sound of thunderous echoes captivates the senses. Looking up, a stream plunges down a hundred-foot cliff like thousands of silver serpents, crashing into a deep pool. “As if the Milky Way had fallen from the heavens,” the “Flying Sky Waterfall” is truly majestic and imposing. Ahead lies the “Fairy Cave,” an even more astonishing sight. A clear spring emerges halfway up the cliff face. Over millennia, minerals in the spring have accumulated into a stalactite canopy, beneath which formed a cave. Climbing in via a small path, visitors find myriad stalactite formations inside and water droplets cascading like pearls outside. Legend says immortals once dwelled here, hence the name Fairy Cave. After exploring the cave, a hilly outcrop resembling a crouching tiger comes into view—that’s Tiger Post, the endpoint of the ten-mile river gorge. From Tiger Post, another small stream can be seen winding its way to join the main river. To the south of the confluence lies a flat riverside beach and a plain shaped like a lotus. Chongqing tourists often bring their own tents and cooking gear to camp here, leaving behind the city’s hustle and enjoying peaceful leisure in nature, immersed in the charm of mountain life. Many are so captivated they never want to leave. This area has potential for developing a Lotus Pond Summer Resort to offer accommodation, dining, and entertainment.

If a 20-meter-high dam were built at the gorge entrance of the iron suspension bridge to form a ten-mile lake, along with a 1,000-kilowatt hydropower station to supply electricity for the town’s industry and agriculture, the site could also purchase boats and water recreation equipment. Visitors could take boat tours to admire the gorge scenery or paddle for fun, fully enjoying the tranquil delights of the canyon. Walking paths, pavilions, and footbridges could be constructed along the riverbanks, connecting bridges, roads, and scenic spots to facilitate sightseeing, resting, fishing, and playing in the water. At the gorge entrance, a visitor management and reception center could be established, integrating dining, lodging, transportation, shopping, sightseeing, and entertainment to provide warm and attentive service.

In recent years, visitors from Chongqing and surrounding counties have flocked to the - River during holidays, undeterred by the long journey, and have marveled endlessly at its stunning scenery.

Scenic Spot Transportation: Take the Chongzun Expressway to Sancha Bay Station, then proceed directly to Papaya Town and the scenic spot.

Scenic Spot Food and Accommodation: Food and lodging services are available around the scenic spot and in Papawa Town.