Tongjing Gorge

　　Located on the banks of the Yulin River in the eastern part of Yubei District, Chongqing, about 65 kilometers from Yuzhong District, it was formerly known as Tongjing Gorge. The scenic area covers approximately 10 square kilometers. Known for the “Tongjing Gorge Monkeys,” which rank first among the “Twelve Scenic Spots of Bayu,” the area encompasses mountains, water, forests, springs, gorges, caves, waterfalls, tarns, islets, ancient stockades, and flocks of eagles, earning it the reputation of a “natural museum.” It has been praised by poets and scholars throughout history as a “fairyland akin to Wuling.” In 1989, it was designated as a provincial-level scenic spot.

　　The hot springs of Tongjing are renowned far and wide, with some even hailing them as “the best hot springs under heaven.” The Tongjing Hot Spring City, with a total investment of over 8 million yuan, was officially opened on May 8, 1997. Covering an area of 17,500 square meters — including a 9,500-square-meter garden-style landscape and 8,000 square meters of building space — the complex consists of three main sections: an outdoor swimming pool, indoor couples’ pools, and an entertainment area. The water temperature in all pools ranges between 30–53 degrees Celsius. The outdoor pool is divided into children’s and adult sections, accommodating up to 500 people simultaneously. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, dance halls, lounges, cold drink bars, and physiotherapy and health care centers. In summer, under the bright sunshine, visitors can enjoy both hot spring baths and sunbathing. In winter, the warm springs offer a taste of springtime warmth. The overall scale of the hot spring city ranks first in the southwestern region.

　　The Shitan River stretches for ten li, winding through nine bends and eighteen turns. Tongjing Gorge is made up of Wentang Gorge, Tongjin Gorge, and Eagle Gorge, often referred to as the “Little Three Gorges.” Upon entering the gorge, towering cliffs and verdant rock faces rise dramatically from the earth, while lush bamboo forests blanket the hillsides, creating breathtaking scenery. The gorge is intricate and enclosed, with steep walls that seem to form a barrel shape, allowing only a sliver of sky and water to be seen. Troops of monkeys can be spotted climbing cliff edges, dangling from treetops, or playing with visitors… Here, you can experience the joy of being close to nature. In summer, cascading waterfalls hang high above, shrouded in misty clouds, presenting a spectacular scene, while hundreds of eagles circle the skies, forming a marvelous spectacle.

　　The scenic area contains over 70 karst caves, each adorned with magnificent and uniquely shaped stalactites. The Monkey Cave stretches 2,000 meters, featuring densely clustered stone pillars full of wild charm. The Yangjia Cave spirals downward to a depth of 105 meters, with stalactites densely packed like stars, glowing faintly. The Xiaying Cave extends 437 meters, where a murmuring underground river adds to its mysterious allure.

　　Tongjing Scenic Area boasts warm springs, perilous gorges, magical caves, peculiar rocks, gentle mountains, serene valleys, and elegant bamboo. It shines brilliantly amid the landscapes of Bashan and Shu water, radiating an enticing charm that draws curious travelers and adventurers from near and far.