Big and Small Flat Barrel Gorges

　　Big Flat Barrel Gorge is located to the north of Yanhe Township, within the territories of Beishu Village and Beipo Village between Yanhe and Zhongxi, about 2 kilometers from the Yanhe Township government. The gorge extends along the road, stretching approximately 2 kilometers. A stream flows into a river, and within the gorge there is a deep valley over 80 meters long, dozens of meters high, and about 2 meters wide—when you look up, you can only see a strip of sky. The rock walls appear as if cleaved by an axe, resembling flat barrels, hence the name Flat Barrel Gorge. Along the banks of the gorge, the vegetation is lush, while the valley bottom features a cool, bone-chilling stream. During the rainy season, long pools of green water form, and in the dry season, the depth is around 2 meters. After the first long pool, there is an open area with smooth, piled large rocks where one can sit or lie down, offering a spectacular view of the strange peaks on both sides. Divided by the river, the eastern side belongs to Yanhe Township of Chengkou County, while the western side is Bai Guo Township of Wanyuan City.

　　Small Flat Barrel Gorge is located about 1 kilometer above Big Flat Barrel Gorge. The gorge runs from east to west, with the stream flowing eastward. It stretches several li in length and resembles Big Flat Barrel Gorge in shape. However, it surpasses the latter in the seclusion and primitiveness of its mountains, the clarity and purity of its valley, and the verdancy and freshness of its waters. The sheer vertical cliffs on both sides are barren of vegetation, but the upper parts of the cliffs are covered with dense woods that block out the sun. The widest part is less than 10 meters, and the narrowest is under 2 meters. Inside the gorge are long pools over 100 meters in length with water depths exceeding 2 meters. On the rock walls of the gorge, there is a Longdong Waterfall that flows year-round, cascading straight down. In the dry season, it resembles a heavy downpour, while during the flood season, it looks like a white dragon crossing the river. In front of and behind the long pools, there is an open riverside beach covering about 300 square meters, with barrel-shaped walls all around, making it the ideal spot for camping and summer retreat.

　　Source: People’s Government of Chengkou County, Chongqing Municipality