Geographical Location & Access
Yunyang Da'An Cave is nestled in Tongma Village, Qing Shui Township, Yunyang County, Chongqing—a hidden gem perched on a cliff by the west bank of the Shisun River. The entrance hangs 200 meters above the river and 100 meters below the cliff’s summit, with a seasonal waterfall cascading near its southern side. To reach this natural wonder, visitors can drive to Yunyang County and then take a local bus or taxi to Qing Shui Township, followed by a short hike along winding mountain paths.
Natural Wonders Inside the Cave
Stepping into Yunyang Da'An Cave feels like entering another world. This 3,000-meter-long cavern unfolds like a grand palace, divided into nine halls, each more breathtaking than the last. The first hall, towering 50 meters high with a vaulted ceiling, greets you like a majestic “entrance hall.”
The second hall, named “Dragon Bell Hall,” holds the cave’s crown jewel: a 20-meter-tall, 7-meter-wide limestone stalactite dubbed the “Dragon King’s Bell.” Tap it with a rock, and its deep, echoing chime reverberates through the cave—a surreal symphony!
Deeper still lies “Dragon Ze Hall,” where a 25-meter-wide underground river flows silently. Dominating this chamber is a 25-meter-tall, milky-yellow stone pillar—the “Sea-Tameing Needle”—standing defiantly in the water, as delicate as it is imposing.
Dramatic Water Features
The “Flying Falls Hall” steals the show with three thunderous waterfalls plunging from 30-meter-high ceilings. The largest, a 40-meter-wide cascade, splits into twin streams: one pure white, the other tinged with yellow, earning its nickname “Gold-Silver Falls.” Sunlight filtering through cracks illuminates the mist, creating an ethereal rainbow effect.
Adventure & Exploration Tips
Exploring Yunyang Da'An Cave is an immersive adventure. The cave’s pathways twist and dive, revealing stalagmites, glittering soda straw formations, and delicate stone flowers that look like frozen lace. Wear sturdy shoes: some paths get slippery near the underground river. A guided tour (offered in Chinese) enhances the experience, as guides share tales of how these formations took millennia to shape.
Bring a jacket: the cave stays cool year-round, even in summer. And don’t forget your camera—every corner of Da'An Cave is a photographer’s paradise!
Local Legends & Cultural Touches
Though Yunyang Da'An Cave isn’t steeped in ancient myths, locals whisper that the “Dragon King’s Bell” once summoned river spirits. Today, visitors leave stones stacked near the bell as modern-day offerings. Nearby villagers sell handmade snacks and crafts, adding a warm, human touch to this wild landscape.
Practical Visiting Info
Yunyang Da'An Cave is open daily, but check seasonal hours (the waterfall dries up in summer). No fancy amenities here—come prepared with water, snacks, and cash for local vendors. The cave’s entrance is unmarked, so ask villagers for directions. For a full day, pair your visit with a hike along the Shisun River or a meal of spicy Yunyang fish in town.
This cave isn’t just a sight; it’s a journey into Earth’s creativity. Whether you’re marveling at the golden-silver falls, listening to the dragon’s bell, or gazing up at towering stone cathedrals, Yunyang Da'An Cave promises memories as vivid as its landscapes.