Geographic Location & Transportation

Liyindong Scenic Area lies in Yong'an Village, Nanping Town, Nanchuan District of Chongqing. It’s about a 2-hour drive from central Chongqing, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. If you’re coming by public transport, take a bus to Nanchuan City and then transfer to a local shuttle bus—ask the driver for “Liyindong,” and they’ll know the way. The entrance is nestled among green hills, so keep an eye out for signs!

Natural Wonders: A Giant Cave Adventure

Liyindong Scenic Area is famous for its massive cave, stretching over 4.5 kilometers. What makes it unique? Unlike other caves, it’s huge—up to 80 meters wide and 100 meters tall, with three layers stacked like a underground Grand Canyon. Inside, you’ll find rivers, dry land, and towering stalactites. The cave stays cool year-round (18-23°C), so it’s a great escape from the summer heat.

One of the coolest things? You can drive a golf cart through parts of the cave to save energy for exploring. And there’s a hidden river where they discovered a 200-year-old giant salamander—locals call it the “baby fish,” but don’t worry, it’s super rare and protected!

Human-Made Highlights

Liyindong isn’t just natural beauty—it’s also a movie star! Chongqing Film Group uses the cave for filming, and you might recognize it from movies like Plebeian Actor or Chaotic Love. There’s even a huge underground theater where they host performances for thousands of people. Imagine watching a show in a cave with epic acoustics!

Buddhism fans will love the Buddhist cultural experiences here. There are meditation spots and statues carved into the rock, blending spirituality with nature.

Fun Activities & Unique Experiences

This place is packed with stuff to do. Want to rock climb on cave walls? Check. How about escaping from a secret chamber or rafting down the underground river? There’s even a U-shaped rock slide that drops into a pool—perfect for thrill-seekers.

For something calmer, try sailing a boat on the underground lake or visit the giant salamander exhibit to learn about these ancient creatures. If you’re feeling creative, you can film your own mini-movie in the cave’s movie-ready scenes.

Food, Rest, and Souvenirs

After all that exploring, grab a meal at the on-site casual restaurants serving Sichuan classics. They even have cave-aged wine—think of it as “cellar-aged” but way cooler. For souvenirs, pick up local honey or handmade crafts from nearby villages.

If you want to stay overnight, there are lodges and camping areas nearby. Just note that the cave gets chilly at night, so bring a jacket!

Tips for Your Visit

  • Wear comfy shoes: Even with golf carts, you’ll walk a lot.
  • Bring a jacket: The cave is cool, even in summer.
  • Check the weather: Heavy rain might affect the underground river paths.
  • Tickets: Around 100-150 RMB (~$14-21) for entry + activities.

Liyindong Scenic Area is one of Chongqing’s hidden gems. Whether you’re into nature, adventure, or movies, it’s got something for everyone. Just be sure to charge your phone—you’ll want to snap photos of every mind-blowing moment!