Shuibo Cave

　　    Shuibo Cave is situated in Yanjing Town, Hechuan District, at the mouth of the Libi Gorge in the Lesser Three Gorges of the Jialing River, between the southern ends of the Qiyun Mountain Range and the Bayue Mountain Range. To the south lies Qiyun Mountain, and to the north is Fishing City. It is part of the national-level Lesser Three Gorges Natural Scenic Area, located 17 kilometers from Hechuan urban area and 71 kilometers from Chongqing. The Jialing River and the Yunan Section of National Highway 212 run along the mountain base, while local roads connect directly to the national highway and lead straight to the cave entrance, making both land and water transportation extremely convenient. The cave stretches over 6,000 meters in total and is divided into a left cave and a right cave. It is a karst cave system gradually formed over twenty million years as rainwater seeped into layers of white limestone—a rare and unique natural wonder. Legend has it that the cave was once a cultivation site for a white dragon and a divine turtle. A battle between the two summoned the waters of the Jialing River, flooding farmland and harming local people, until the deity Zhenwu subdued the monsters, causing the floodwaters to recede and leaving behind the cave as it is today. The cave is divided into three levels: the upper level is a dry cave, the middle level features intermittent underground rivers, and the lower level is a water cave. Currently, 1,500 meters have been developed for tourism. The largest chamber spans over 800 square meters, smaller chambers are around 200 square meters, and ceiling heights can exceed 20 meters. The cave is a marvel inside and out—caves within caves, scenic views, echoing sounds, flowing water, and fish swimming within. The temperature remains mild year-round, averaging around 15°C. In early spring and deep winter, mist often billows out like a white dragon rolling, bringing a cool chill. The murmuring streams, silver waves, and the constant roar of underground rivers enhance the sense of mystery. It is an ideal destination for winter warmth, summer cooling, scientific exploration, adventure, gatherings with friends, and leisure retreats.

　　    The Shuibo Cave Natural Scenic Area integrates mountains, caves, peaks, lakes, waterfalls, and forests. With towering peaks, lush forests, and clustered karst caves, it offers distinctive scenery. It features five caves, four peaks, two lakes, six waterfalls, and four cultural heritage sites, totaling 21 attractions. Among these wonders, Shuibo Cave stands out with its unique beauty characterized by the “strange, perilous, majestic, elegant, and mysterious.”

　　    The natural formations inside the cave dazzle the eye—stalactites hang upside down in peculiar shapes, with stone stalagmites, stone flowers, stone peaks, flowstones, and stalactite curtains spread throughout the cavern. These natural wonders are vividly lifelike. Over a hundred attractions formed from stalactites, such as “Two Immortals Greeting Guests,” “Gateway to the Outer World,” and “Crystal Palace,” are truly remarkable. Inside the cave, the summer heat instantly fades, refreshing visitors. The winding passages lead to secluded corners, with caves within caves forming a labyrinth akin to a divine temple. The karst formations take on countless shapes and forms, creating an otherworldly scene reminiscent of a celestial paradise. Modern city dwellers can't help but marvel at nature’s incredible craftsmanship, evoking a deep sense of historical nostalgia.

　　    Attractions like “Two Immortals Preaching,” “Divine Turtle Guarding the Cave,” “Immortals’ Assembly Hall,” “Soaring Giant Buddha,” “Vulture Peak,” “Moon Palace,” “Marvels of the Divine Cave,” “Labyrinth Exploration,” “Deep Waves in the Lake,” “Monkey King Battling Heavenly King Li,” “Dragon Submerging in the Waters,” “Dragon Palace Jade Pool,” and “Pillar of Heaven” showcase a dazzling array of scenes, each more breathtaking than the last, leaving visitors enchanted and reluctant to leave. Just 500 meters from Shuibo Cave lies Shatang Bay, home to Shuibo Lake. Covering over 10 acres with a depth of 10 meters, this pristine lake is currently under development. Fishing here is rewarding, and it is set to become a “water recreation park,” adding further charm to the Shuibo Cave Natural Scenic Area.

　　    The Shuibo Cave Natural Scenic Area is surrounded by mountains and enjoys convenient land and water transportation, along with comprehensive services. Facilities include dining, accommodation, conference halls, parking lots, dance halls, entertainment tea houses, horseback riding, and fishing. The rustic mountain villas and comprehensive service buildings offer an elegant, traditional charm, serving up authentic Bayu (Chongqing) farm-style cuisine to give visitors a unique taste of rural life.

　　    Address: Yanjing Town, Hechuan District, Chongqing