Tiankeng Difeng Scenic Area is located in Fengjie County, Chongqing Municipality, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Integrating grandeur, uniqueness, steepness, and elegance, the scenic area boasts a distinctive karst landform. The tiankeng (giant sinkhole) is named Xiaozhai Tiankeng, with a mouth diameter of 622 meters, a bottom diameter of 522 meters, and a depth of 666.2 meters, making it the world's largest karst funnel in terms of depth and volume. The difeng (grand rift valley) is called Tianjing Gorge Difeng, stretching 37 kilometers in length. Its two walls are as steep as if cut by a knife, and there is an underground river at the bottom of the valley. Covering a total area of approximately 454 square kilometers, the scenic area features abundant natural landscapes and holds certain geological research value.
Historical Culture
The area of Fengjie Tiankeng Difeng has a long history. In ancient times, it was an important region of Ba culture, where the Ba people lived and multiplied, leaving behind numerous relics and legends related to Ba culture. The formation of Xiaozhai Tiankeng and Tianjing Gorge Difeng has undergone millions of years of geological changes, being a masterpiece of nature's uncanny craftsmanship. In the past, local residents lived in harmony with the tiankeng and difeng, developing a unique lifestyle and regional culture. Today, the development of the scenic area not only showcases natural wonders but also provides certain conditions for studying the local historical culture.
Major Attractions
Xiaozhai Tiankeng
Xiaozhai Tiankeng is the core attraction of the scenic area. It is a huge karst funnel with steep walls, and there are underground caves and rivers at the bottom. The tiankeng is surrounded by abundant vegetation and presents a magnificent scenery. Tourists can go down to the bottom of the tiankeng along the plank road to experience its grandeur and the magic of nature. The unique geological structure and rich biodiversity in the tiankeng have attracted many geologists and tourists to explore.
Tianjing Gorge Difeng
Tianjing Gorge Difeng is 37 kilometers long. The two sides of the rift valley are sheer cliffs, and there are gurgling streams and underground rivers at the bottom. The rift valley features beautiful scenery and many unique geological landscapes such as stalagmites and stalactites. Tourists can hike in the rift valley to enjoy the exotic peaks and rocks on both sides and feel the tranquility and mystery of nature. The underground river in the rift valley adds a touch of mystery, attracting adventure enthusiasts to explore.
Maocaoba Scenic Area
Maocaoba Scenic Area is part of the Tiankeng Difeng Scenic Area, where there are vast forests and alpine meadows. With an average altitude of 1,800 meters, Maocaoba is cool in summer and an ideal place for summer resort. Tourists can engage in activities such as hiking and camping here to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. The scenic area also has some local characteristic buildings and folk culture, allowing tourists to understand the local cultural customs while appreciating the natural landscapes.
Hankuimen
Located about 15 kilometers away from Xiaozhai Tiankeng, Hankuimen is a natural stone peak landscape resembling Kuimen (a famous gorge on the Yangtze River). It is called "Hankuimen" (Dry Kuimen) because no river flows through it. Hankuimen consists of two opposite stone peaks: the left one is about 600 meters high, and the right one is about 580 meters high. The distance between the two peaks is about 400 meters, forming a natural "gate"-shaped landscape, which is quite similar to the magnificent momentum of Yangtze River Kuimen.
Tour Routes
Tourists can first visit Xiaozhai Tiankeng, go down to the bottom along the plank road to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the tiankeng and visit attractions such as the caves at the bottom, which takes about 2-3 hours. Then, proceed to Tianjing Gorge Difeng and hike in the rift valley to appreciate the unique geological landscapes on both sides, which takes about 3-4 hours for the whole journey. If time permits, they can also visit Maocaoba Scenic Area, where they can engage in activities like hiking and camping to experience the charm of alpine meadows and forests.
Travel Tips
- The hiking distance in the scenic area is relatively long, so it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
- The light in the tiankeng and difeng is relatively dim, so you can bring lighting equipment such as flashlights.
- When visiting the scenic area in summer, pay attention to taking sun protection measures and bring enough drinking water.
- Follow the arrangements of the staff in the scenic area, do not enter undeveloped areas without permission, and ensure safety.
- When tasting local food, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too much spicy food to prevent discomfort.
Notes
- Some sections of the scenic area are relatively steep, so the elderly and children should be accompanied by adults when visiting.
- Protect the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, and do not damage vegetation and geological landscapes.
- When walking in the tiankeng and difeng, pay attention to the safety under your feet to avoid slipping or falling.
- When driving to the scenic area, pay attention to the road conditions, especially when driving on mountain roads, you should slow down.
- The scenic area ticket is only valid on the day of purchase; keep the ticket properly for inspection.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Tourists can first reach Fengjie County in Chongqing, take a bus from Fengjie Coach Terminal to Xinglong Town, and then transfer to local vehicles in Xinglong Town to reach Tiankeng Difeng Scenic Area.
- Self-Driving: Depart from downtown Chongqing, take the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway to get off at Fengjie, then head to Xinglong Town, and finally reach Tiankeng Difeng Scenic Area. The total distance is about 400 kilometers, and the self-driving time is about 5 hours.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open from 08:00 to 17:00 (open all year round), and tourists must enter the scenic area before 16:00. The scenic area may be closed in special weather conditions. Please refer to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tickets
The ticket prices of Fengjie Tiankeng Difeng Scenic Area are as follows: the ticket for Xiaozhai Tiankeng is 45 yuan, the ticket for Tianjing Gorge Difeng is 40 yuan, and the combined ticket (for Tiankeng + Difeng) is 85 yuan. Please refer to the actual price of the scenic area.