Tongjing Scenic Area

　　 The Tongjing Scenic Area in Chongqing is situated on the banks of the Yulin River in the eastern part of Yubei District, about 65 kilometers from Yuzhong District. Featuring the “Tongjing Gorge Apes,” which ranks first among the “Twelve Scenic Spots of Bayu,” the area encompasses mountains, water, forests, springs, gorges, caves, waterfalls, tianchi (heavenly lakes), small islands, ancient stockades, and flocks of eagles. It is hailed as a “natural museum” and 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 bestowing upon them the title “Tongjing Hot Springs Are the Best Under Heaven.” The Tongjing Hot Spring City, with a total investment of over 8 million yuan, was put into use on May 8, 1997. Covering an area of 17,500 square meters—including a 9,500-square-meter garden-style park and 8,000 square meters of building floor space—the complex includes 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 swimming pool is divided into children’s and adult sections, with a capacity to accommodate 500 people simultaneously. Facilities also include changing rooms, showers, a dance hall, lounge areas, a cold drink bar, and physiotherapy and health care rooms, all equipped with modern amenities. In summer, under the bright sunshine, visitors can enjoy both hot spring baths and sunbathing. In winter, the warm springs offer a comforting embrace that still evokes the freshness of spring. Overall, the scale of the entire hot spring city ranks first in Southwest China.

　　　　Stretching ten li along the Fan Tang River, with nine bends and eighteen turns, Tongjing Gorge consists of Wen Tang Gorge, Tong Jin Gorge, and Lao Ying Gorge, often referred to as the “Little Three Gorges.” Entering the gorge, you’ll see steep cliffs and verdant cliffs rising dramatically against the sky, while lush bamboo covers the hillsides on both banks—truly a feast for the eyes. The gorge features overlapping mountains and winding waters, enclosed by cliffs on all sides as if in a barrel, with only a sliver of sky and water visible. (Groups of apes can be seen climbing cliff edges, dangling from tree tops, or playing with visitors... Here you can experience the joy of humans in harmony with nature. In summer, cascading waterfalls hang high amid misty cliffs, creating a magnificent scene, while hundreds of eagles circle the skies—a remarkable spectacle.)

　　　　The scenic area is home to more than 70 karst caves, each adorned with spectacular and uniquely shaped stalactites. The Monkey Cave stretches 2,000 meters, with numerous stone pillars inside, full of wild charm. The Yang Family Cave spirals downward to a depth of 105 meters, with stalactites densely clustered like stars, shimmering faintly. The Xiang Ying Cave extends 437 meters in length, featuring murmuring underground rivers that are truly captivating.

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