Chongqing 1.5h drive to the “Natural Air-Conditioned Room”!
The river inside the cave descends from the sky, you’ll need a jacket in summer
Ladies, listen up!
If your idea of summer is still just air-conditioned rooms and cold watermelon, you’re really missing out!
This time I discovered a hidden treasure deep in Huaying Mountain, known by tourists as the “River in the Cave” — Huaying Mountain Tianyi Valley. Here, waterfalls cluster, caves are deep, and the forest coverage exceeds 95%. The average summer temperature is only about 22°C. The best part — just a 1.5-hour drive from Chongqing, tickets cost only a few dozen yuan, you can finish the trip in 3 hours without tiring your legs, and have a “cool lung-refreshing” weekend getaway! 💦
1. Why is Tianyi Valley called the “River in the Cave”?
Asia’s No.1 “River in the Cave,” instantly 10°C cooler upon entering
The highlight of Tianyi Valley is the “River in the Cave” hidden inside the Three Heavenly Spirits Cave. A hundred-meter-high waterfall thunders down from the cave ceiling, the sound of water like thunder. Standing beneath the waterfall, the mist hits your face, instantly wrapping you in coolness. Geological experts have confirmed that this cave was once an ancient river channel of the Jialing River, shaped by billions of years of water erosion into this geological wonder. Inside the cave stands a 52-meter-tall natural stalactite resembling a giant Buddha chanting sutras, locally called the “Heavenly Buddha.” Many visitors join hands in prayer here.
The “Three Wonders” scenery: waterfalls, caves, and springs all in one place
Tianyi Valley combines the “Three Wonders”: dozens of waterfalls falling from the sky, dozens of mysterious deep caves, and dozens of springs bursting through the rocks. From the entrance to the end, streams connect waterfalls, and waterfall groups form streams. Almost every few steps you’ll see a cascade of white water pouring down.
Waterfall welcome: drenched in refreshing coolness right at the entrance
Right at the entrance, you’re greeted by the “Waterfall Welcome” — a waterfall dozens of meters high pouring down, splashing water everywhere. Even from over ten meters away, you can feel the coolness on your face. Visitors with kids excitedly shout, “Mom, it’s raining!” This natural “opening ceremony” immediately takes away the summer heat.
Old Dragon Pool + Earth Fissure Gorge: hiding inside the earth’s “crack”
The Old Dragon Pool waterfall hangs all year round, the pool beneath the water curtain is unfathomably deep, and the pool walls have dark caves where the water echoes. Some joke that it’s the “Dragon King snoring.” Further inside is the Earth Fissure Gorge, where the canyon suddenly narrows, with cliffs on both sides like they were carved by knives and axes. Looking up, you can only see a sliver of sky, as if walking inside a crack in the earth.
2. How to play? Lazy route to copy directly!
Transportation Guide (self-driving fans rejoice)
🚗 Self-drive (highly recommended!): Navigate to “Huaying Mountain Tianyi Valley Scenic Area.” About 1.5 hours from Chongqing, about 3 hours from Chengdu. All highway, good road conditions, last section is winding mountain road, beginners drive slowly.
🚄 High-speed rail version: Chengdu East → Guang’an South Station (about 1.5 hours), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus for about 40 minutes.
🎟️ Ticket reference: Adults about 80-85 RMB, seniors/children half price. Open 7:30-17:30 (last entry at 17:30).
⏰ Best time to visit:
· Summer June-September: perfect for cooling off, waterfalls are full
· 8-10 AM: soft light, fewest visitors
· After rain clears: waterfalls most majestic, air fresh and clean
One-day highlight route (3-4 hours, follow this to avoid getting lost)
Morning: Waterfall Welcome → Old Dragon Pool → Earth Fissure Gorge
Arrive before 9 AM to enjoy the best light. Get drenched by the “Waterfall Welcome” at the entrance, then follow the stream upstream, passing the Old Dragon Pool waterfall — the water sound echoes in the canyon, really feels like the “Dragon King snoring.” Walking through the Earth Fissure Gorge, cliffs on both sides squeeze you in, making you feel tiny, with only a sliver of sky above.
Noon: River in the Cave (the core highlight)
The big moment! Deep inside the scenic area, enter the Three Heavenly Spirits Cave, where a hundred-meter waterfall thunders down from the cave ceiling. Standing under the waterfall looking up, the mist hits your face, the coolness penetrates your heart. Next to it is the 52-meter-tall natural stalactite shaped like a giant Buddha; many close their eyes to pray here. The cave is dimly lit, so wear non-slip shoes and walk carefully.
Afternoon: Return the same way / scenic trail back
After seeing the River in the Cave, return the same way (about 30 minutes to 1 hour), enjoy the waterfall and stream from another angle, the scenery is still healing. Near the exit are snack stalls to recharge.
Photo spots to lock in your album:
· In front of Waterfall Welcome: shoot looking up from under the waterfall, splashing water creates a full atmosphere
· Earth Fissure Gorge sliver of sky: shoot looking up at the cliff crack, person standing in the middle looks tiny
· Under the River in the Cave waterfall: side silhouette, mist acts as natural soft light filter
3. Must-bring list + outfit tips
🎒 Must-bring items
· 👟 Non-slip creek shoes/sneakers are a must! Trails in the canyon are slippery, wearing slippers will make you doubt life
· 🧥 Light jacket: it’s cooler inside the cave, bring one even in summer
· 👕 At least one change of clothes: you’ll get wet playing with water, don’t ask why
· ☀️ Sunscreen + hat: some sections have direct sunlight
· 🦟 Mosquito repellent: mountain mosquitoes are fierce
· 🍱 Bring your own snacks and water: limited supplies inside the scenic area
Outfit formula
· 👗 Light-colored quick-dry clothes: super photogenic among green mountains and clear water
· 🚫 Absolutely no skirts: there are iron ladders inside the River in the Cave, easy to flash
· 👒 Hat + sun sleeves: essential for sun protection outdoors
4. Accommodation recommendations + nearby extras
🏡 Shangshan Shang · Mountain Wild Time Retreat (Huaying Mountain private hot spring guesthouse, highly recommended!)
A newly opened wild luxury guesthouse at the foot of Huaying Mountain, designed with Chinese natural healing aesthetics, with private hot spring pools and terraces surrounded by endless forest. Soaking in the hot spring while watching mountain views is so healing! The guesthouse has a café, wild mountain restaurant, and a book room. Vegetables and fruits are freshly picked year-round, and in winter they have smoked local cured meats. About a half-hour drive from Tianyi Valley, perfect for sisters wanting to stay overnight for a deep experience.
🏡 Huaying Mountain Grand Hotel (near the scenic area, worry-free choice)
Not far from Tianyi Valley, fully equipped with breakfast included, suitable for families with elders and children. Price reference about 300-500 RMB/night.
🌿 Nearby extras (don’t miss if you’re here)
· Huaying Mountain Scenic Area: only 18 km from Tianyi Valley, see karst stone forests, the Red relics of the Double Gun Old Lady, and watch pandas “Linxi” and “Family”
· Heilong Gorge: summer water rafting, bring water guns for water fights, cool and fun
· Hobbit Small Loop Trail: nearby hiking route, great for sisters who love wild fun
· Baoding Mountain sunrise / Route 21 sunset: hidden activities around Huaying Mountain
Final words
Tianyi Valley is not some “internet celebrity check-in spot,” it’s a cool secret where waterfalls have rushed through the canyon for billions of years, a “natural air-conditioned room” hidden deep in Huaying Mountain, a breathtaking river descending from the cave ceiling.
Here, you can be wrapped in mist under the Waterfall Welcome, empty your mind in the roar of the River in the Cave, and feel your smallness in the Earth Fissure Gorge’s sliver of sky. Tickets cost only a few dozen yuan, 1.5 hours direct from Chongqing, 3 hours to finish without tiring your legs — this kind of “slowing down” luxury can’t be bought in the city.
Before summer officially arrives, while the River in the Cave is still cool, sisters, just go for it! 💦🏔️