Location & How to Get There

Tiankeng Zhaizi Scenic Area sits in Xingmeng Village, Wulong District, Chongqing, nestled near the famous Tianran Sanqiao (Natural Three Bridges) and Impression Wulong show. It’s part of Wulong’s World Natural Heritage site, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. To reach here, take a 2-hour train from Chongqing to Wulong Station, then a 30-minute taxi ride. If you’re driving, follow signs to Xiannv Mountain Town—the scenic area shares parking lots with nearby attractions.

Nature’s Masterpiece: The “Earth’s Heart”

The centerpiece of Tiankeng Zhaizi is its twin sinkholes, home to the Zhongshiyuan Tiankeng (Middle Stone Courtyard Sinkhole). This giant sinkhole, shaped like a heart, is the world’s largest by mouth diameter (645 meters)! Walk inside and you’ll feel dwarfed by its sheer scale. Misty forests, winding trails, and hidden streams make it look like a hidden paradise. Don’t miss the seasonal rice terraces—spring brings fog-covered fields, summer glows green, autumn turns golden, and winter wraps everything in snow. Perfect for photos year-round!

Culture Collides: Traditions Alive

What makes Tiankeng Zhaizi special? It’s not just nature—it’s the Tujia and Miao people who’ve lived here for centuries. Wander through their wooden stilted houses (diaojiaolou) and watch elders weave cloth, farm ancient rice paddies, or perform ritual dances. Daily shows include jaw-dropping acts: a man walks barefoot on 18-meter-long knives (“Blade Walker”), another twirls knives like a human pinball machine (“Little Li Flying Knives”), and fire-walkers dance through flames. Evenings burst with lion dance drums, folk songs, and shamanistic performances—it’s like stepping into a living museum of China’s rural soul.

For Families: “Where Are We Going?” Magic

Got kids? Tiankeng Zhaizi was featured on Hunan TV’s Dad, Where Are We Going? Season 2! Follow in the footsteps of celebrity dads and their kids. Let your little ones feed ducks in the terraces, learn to grind soybeans, or join a folk dance workshop. The village even recreates scenes from the show—imagine your own photo-op in the same rice paddy where stars once played!

Off-the-Beaten-Path Tips

  • Best time to visit: Spring (cherry blossoms) or late秋 (harvest festivals). Avoid weekends for fewer crowds.
  • What to wear: Comfy shoes! The terrain is hilly, and you’ll want to climb those terraces.
  • Foodie alert: Try Tujia sour fish (preserved in fermented rice water) and Miao rice wine—it’s stronger than it looks!
  • Stay overnight: Nearby Xiannv Mountain offers cozy lodges. Wake up to misty mountains and star-studded skies.

Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, a culture buff, or a family traveler, Tiankeng Zhaizi blends adventure, tradition, and tranquility. It’s not just a sightseeing spot—it’s a chance to connect with China’s wild heart and warm-hearted people. Pack your curiosity and camera—this hidden gem is waiting to be discovered!