Youyang Peach Blossom Land in Chongqing

　　Introduction    Less than 500 meters from the county town of Youyang, there is a limestone karst cave, approximately 30 meters high and wide. A clear stream known as Peach Blossom Creek flows out from the cave, its waters transparent and gurgling into Quan Kong River. By the creek stands a small four-cornered wooden pavilion. Legend has it that this was where the fisherman inquired about the way in ancient times, hence the name “Inquiry Pavilion.” Looking up at the upper part of the cave entrance, one can see three large characters “Peach Blossom Land” inscribed by the renowned historian Ma Shitu. The grand stone memorial archway bears two couplets written by the famous poet Liushahe: “A time tunnel linking past and present, mulberry and bamboo gardens entertaining guests,” and “No trace left of the fisherman’s path, but solid evidence in Tao Yuanming’s writings.” Entering the cave against the flow of Peach Blossom Creek, one finds hanging stalactites in myriad shapes — resembling Guanyin sitting on a lotus, the ancient Buddha of Lamp-Lighting, palace jade lamps, silver mountains and snow seas, birds and beasts — all breathtaking. Inside the cave, dripping water falls like pearls, producing a sound like an ancient water clock. Tapping the Stone Bell and Stone Drum lightly produces crisp, pleasant tones — this is one of the Eight Scenic Wonders of the cave, known as “Stone Bells and Drums.” The cave walls are covered with many stone inscriptions, but due to age, most are blurred and illegible. Only on the high left side at the end of the cave can one still clearly make out the vigorous and simple characters “Ancient Hidden Books.”

　　 Youyang County, Chongqing