Geographical Location

Da You Dong is nestled in the Xiyang Tujia Hui Autonomous County of Chongqing, China. It’s located inside the Xiyang Taohua Yuan Scenic Area at 232 Taohua Yuan Road, on the eastern side of the park. This hidden gem lies in a remote yet stunning region, surrounded by mist-covered mountains and lush forests. If you’re visiting from downtown Chongqing, it’s about a 4-hour drive, but the journey feels worth it once you step into this tranquil paradise.

How to Get There

To reach Da You Dong, most travelers start from Chongqing Main City. Here’s a simple route:

  1. Take a train or long-distance bus to Xiyang County.
  2. From Xiyang, take a local taxi or scenic shuttle bus straight to the Taohua Yuan Scenic Area.
  3. Once inside the park, follow signs to the eastern section—Da You Dong is easy to spot, thanks to its iconic entrance.
    The road winds through valleys and traditional villages, offering glimpses of rural life along the way.

Natural Wonders

Da You Dong is a limestone cave shaped by nature over thousands of years. Standing at the entrance, you’ll see a 30-meter-tall arch framed by stalactites, with a flat path leading deeper into the cave. Inside, a clear stream flows gently, creating a soothing soundtrack as water drips from the ceiling like tiny crystals. The cave’s walls are adorned with majestic stalactites and stalagmites, some resembling waterfalls frozen in time.

What makes Da You Dong unique is its “double structure”: after walking through the cave, you emerge into a huge, bowl-shaped sinkhole (called a “karst tempe”). This sinkhole is 80 meters deep with a 4-hectare basin at its base. A perennial spring bubbles up here, feeding the Taohua Creek, which later flows into the Xiyang River. On sunny days, sunlight filters through the sinkhole’s opening, creating a magical play of light and shadows.

Cultural Connections

Here’s a fun fact: Da You Dong is often called the “real-life inspiration for Tao Yuanming’s Peach Blossom Garden”. Tao Yuanming was a Chinese poet who wrote about a hidden utopia in the 5th century. While no one can prove it’s the exact same place, the similarities are striking:

  • A hidden cave entrance (like the “mouth of the peach blossom” in the story).
  • A peaceful valley beyond the cave, filled with streams and flowers.
  • The isolated location, which feels worlds away from city noise.
    Even if you’re not into history, the connection adds a mystical charm to the visit.

Practical Tips

  • Tickets: Da You Dong is part of the Taohua Yuan Scenic Area. Entry costs around 100 RMB (~$14), which includes access to other attractions.
  • Guides: Rent an audio guide or join a tour group—they’ll explain the geology and cultural stories in simple English.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for cool weather. Avoid weekends for a quieter experience.
  • Facilities: The area has clean restrooms, souvenir shops, and a local food stall serving spicy Chongqing noodles and rice cakes.

The Adventure of Exploring

Walking through Da You Dong feels like stepping into a fairytale world. The cave’s path is smooth and well-lit, but with enough dim corners to spark curiosity. Kids love spotting strange rock formations, while adults appreciate the cool, humid air—a perfect escape from summer heat.

When you reach the sinkhole, climb up to the viewing platform for a bird’s-eye view. On foggy days, the basin below looks like a cloud-filled cra