Liangping Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea

　　The Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea is a municipal-level scenic area in Chongqing, located in the northwest of Liangping District, about 36 kilometers from the county town. National Highway 318 runs through the area, and it is close to the Chongqing-Wanzhou Expressway. It takes only 90 minutes to drive to Chongqing and 30 minutes to Wanzhou. This is a comprehensive tourist destination integrating bamboo forests, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Naturally formed, continuous bamboo groves stretch across the mountain valleys for a hundred miles, hence the name “Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea.” In 1995, it was approved as a provincial-level scenic area by Sichuan Province.

　　The Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea features 350,000 acres of contiguous bamboo groves with 37 different bamboo species, making it China’s largest alpine bamboo sea, situated at an altitude between 600–1,180 meters. It is hailed as a “bamboo museum.” The area includes over 50 attractions such as Mingyue Lake, Hundred Bamboo Garden, Guanyin Cave, Tianxing Pond, Zhufeng Tianchi, Little Emei Mountain, the revolutionary base of Ma'erzhai, and Fox Mouth. Revolutionary leaders such as Li Guanghua, Wang Weizhou, Kuang Jixun, and Cai Kui led the First Route Army and Third Guerrilla Division of the Sichuan Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in guerrilla warfare and underground party activities here. The scenic area boasts dense bamboo forests, majestic peaks, uniquely shaped mountains, wild ducks flying over lakes, and reflections of green bamboo — a breathtaking landscape. The natural scenery, combined with “bamboo culture” and human landscapes, is densely spread throughout the Hundred-Mile Valley, forming a harmonious “Peach Blossom Spring” scene where nature and humanity blend seamlessly. Winding through clear springs to explore ancient towns, gazing at layers of bamboos over the mountains, and staying with local families to experience regional customs offer a beautiful pastoral view and a poetic, picturesque Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea — an ideal destination for leisure, sightseeing, and recuperation. Sites such as Guanyin Cave and Little Emei Temple host temple fairs annually on the 19th days of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months.

　　Major Attractions:

　　Guanyin Cave: The scenic area houses a small temple that has flourished in worship for over 1,000 years. Legend says it was built by three young warriors fleeing persecution during the late Tang Dynasty. Inside the temple, a thin stream of sweet, cool spring water flows year-round. Descending the stone steps, visitors find expansive bamboo groves and quaint, exquisitely crafted bamboo pavilions. In the steeply walled Black Dragon Pool Gorge, a waterfall over ten zhang long cascades from the cliffs, creating a world apart.

　　Little Emei Mountain: Lush with bamboo and trees, and crisscrossed by murmuring streams at its base, Little Emei Mountain stands out as graceful and serene among the surrounding peaks. Its beauty has earned it the name Emei. The entire mountain resembles a seated Buddha, remarkably lifelike. The mountain is home to Emei Temple, which enjoys great fame and bustling incense offerings. The most famous and magical sight on Emei Mountain is the “Five Lions Worshiping the Buddha.” Rolling, majestic peaks rise before Emei, especially five towering stone formations that stand like stone lions. With smooth, dust-free limestone cliffs polished by rain, the stone stripes resemble lions lifting their heads with flowing manes. Further behind the cliffs, the gradually receding and lowering mountain ridges resemble lion bodies and tails. The five lions take on various poses: some roar with heads held high, others run fiercely, some gaze upward, while others seem to listen attentively. All face Emei Mountain together, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring scene known as the “Five Lions Worshiping the Buddha.”

　　Zhufeng Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Hundred-Mile Bamboo Sea, this lake is known as the “Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)” of Liangping. With a V-shaped surface, visitors can board a cruise boat and see the viewing tower directly opposite. Standing atop the tower, one can gaze at the reflections of the bamboo sea in the lake amid hazy mist, where water and fog merge seamlessly. To the west of the tower, two mountains face each other, forming a crescent valley. After sailing a hundred meters, you enter the “Little Three Gorges,” where emerald-green cliffs tower and the gorge shimmers with mist — embodying grandeur, danger, beauty, wonder, tranquility, serenity, and lushness in perfect harmony. It’s a naturally-formed paradise where worldly concerns vanish. It's an ideal retreat for escaping the heat and relaxing.

　　Tianxing Pond: A massive stone pit surrounded by dense, orderly groves of longevity bamboo. Walking through it feels like navigating a maze — thrilling and exciting.

　　Red Army Cave: A relic from China’s revolutionary era. When the Fourth Front Army of the Red Army faced setbacks in attacking the bandits of Ma'erzhai, they retreated here, laying the foundation for establishing the Ma'erzhai Revolutionary Base later.

　　Nameless Tomb Cluster: According to research by relevant departments, this site contains the burial grounds of some brave fighters who sacrificed their lives during the White Lotus Rebellion during the Qing Dynasty. The entire tomb cluster is neatly arranged like an orderly army, presenting a spectacular sight.