The Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Area in Fengjie is located in Fengjie County, Chongqing City and is a national 4A-level tourist scenic area. The scenic area combines grandeur, strangeness, danger and beauty, with unique karst landform landscapes. The Tiankeng is named Xiaozhai Tiankeng, with a diameter of 622 meters at the crater mouth, 522 meters at the bottom of the crater, and a depth of 666.2 meters. It is the largest karst funnel in the world in terms of depth and volume. The Difeng is named Tianjingxia Difeng, with a total length of 37 kilometers. The two walls of the crack are as steep as a knife cut, and there is an underground river at the bottom of the valley. The total area of the scenic area is about 454 square kilometers, with rich natural landscapes and certain geological research value.
History and Culture
The Tiankeng and Difeng area in Fengjie has a long history. In ancient times, this was an important area of Ba culture. The Ba people lived and multiplied here, leaving many relics and legends related to Ba culture. The formation of Xiaozhai Tiankeng and Tianjingxia Difeng has gone through millions of years of geological changes and is a masterpiece of nature's craftsmanship. In the past, local residents lived in harmony with the Tiankeng and Difeng, forming 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 history and culture.
Main Attractions
Xiaozhai Tiankeng
Xiaozhai Tiankeng is the core attraction of the scenic area. It is a huge karst funnel with steep crater walls and underground caves and rivers at the bottom of the crater. There is rich vegetation around the Tiankeng, and the scenery is magnificent. Tourists can go down to the bottom of the Tiankeng along the plank road to feel the grandeur and magnificence of the Tiankeng and experience the magic of nature. The unique geological structure and rich biodiversity in the Tiankeng have attracted many geologists and tourists to explore.
Tianjingxia Difeng
Tianjingxia Difeng is 37 kilometers long. The two sides of the Difeng are cliffs, and there is a gurgling stream and an underground river at the bottom of the valley. The scenery in the Difeng is beautiful, with many unique geological landscapes such as stalagmites and stalactites. Tourists can hike in the Difeng, admire the strange peaks and rocks on both sides, and feel the tranquility and mystery of nature. The underground river in the Difeng adds a mysterious color and attracts adventure enthusiasts to explore.
Maocaoba Scenic Area
The Maocaoba Scenic Area is part of the Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Area. There are vast forests and alpine meadows here. The average altitude of Maocaoba is 1,800 meters, and it is cool in summer, making it a good place for summer vacations. Tourists can carry out activities such as hiking and camping here to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. There are also some local characteristic buildings and folk cultures in the scenic area, allowing tourists to understand the local cultural customs while enjoying the natural scenery.
Delicacies
Fengjie Navel Oranges
Fengjie navel oranges are a local characteristic fruit. The fruits are large and full, with rich juice and a sweet taste. The unique climate and soil conditions in Fengjie make the navel oranges of excellent quality, rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, and deeply loved by tourists.
Kuizhou Sour Zharou
Kuizhou Sour Zharou is a traditional delicacy in Fengjie. Fresh pork is selected, pickled and fermented. The meat is delicious, with a unique sour taste and rich texture. This dish reflects the local food culture and is a good choice for tourists to taste local cuisine.
Zhahaicai Fried with Bacon
Zhahaicai Fried with Bacon is a characteristic dish in Fengjie. The bacon is pickled and smoked, with a strong flavor, and the zhahaicai has a unique spicy taste. The two are stir-fried together, with an attractive aroma and are a common delicacy on the local table.
Tickets
The ticket price for the Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Area in Fengjie is 45 yuan for the Xiaozhai Tiankeng ticket, 40 yuan for the Tianjingxia Difeng ticket, and 85 yuan for the joint ticket (Tiankeng + Difeng). Subject to the actual price of the scenic area.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the scenic area are from 08:00 to 17:00 (open throughout the year), and tourists need to enter the scenic area before 16:00. The scenic area may be closed in case of special weather. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Tourists can first go to Xiaozhai Tiankeng, go down to the bottom of the crater along the plank road, admire the magnificent scenery of the Tiankeng, and visit the karst caves and other landscapes at the bottom of the crater, which takes about 2-3 hours. Then, they can go to Tianjingxia Difeng and hike in the Difeng to appreciate the unique geological landscapes on both sides. The whole journey takes about 3-4 hours. If there is enough time, they can also go to the Maocaoba Scenic Area, where they can carry out activities such as hiking and camping and experience the charm of the alpine meadows and forests.
Transportation
- Public transportation: Tourists can first reach Fengjie County, Chongqing, take a bus to Xinglong Town at the Fengjie Bus Passenger Transport Center, and then transfer to a local vehicle to the Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Area.
- Self-driving: Starting from Chongqing City, go down the expressway at Fengjie via the Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, then go to Xinglong Town, and finally reach the Tiankeng and Difeng Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 400 kilometers, and the self-driving time is about 5 hours.
Must-visit Attractions
- Xiaozhai Tiankeng: The largest karst funnel in the world in terms of depth and volume, with steep crater walls, underground caves and rivers at the bottom of the crater, magnificent scenery, and unique geological structure.
- Tianjingxia Difeng: 37 kilometers long, with cliffs on both sides, an underground river at the bottom of the valley, and unique geological landscapes. Hiking in it can feel the tranquility and mystery of nature.
- Maocaoba Scenic Area: With an average altitude of 1,800 meters, there are vast forests and alpine meadows. It is cool in summer and is a good place for summer vacations and outdoor activities. It can also experience the local folk culture.
Tour Tips
- The hiking distance in the scenic area is relatively long. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
- The light in the Tiankeng and Difeng is relatively dark. You can bring lighting equipment such as flashlights.
- When going to the scenic area in summer, pay attention to sun protection measures and bring enough drinking water.
- Follow the arrangements of the staff in the scenic area and do not enter undeveloped areas without permission to ensure safety.
- When tasting local delicacies, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating too much spicy food to avoid discomfort.
Precautions
- Some sections in the scenic area are relatively steep. The elderly and children need to be accompanied by adults when playing.
- Take good care of the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, and do not damage the vegetation and geological landscapes.
- When walking in the Tiankeng and Difeng, pay attention to foot safety and avoid slipping or falling.
- When driving to the scenic area, pay attention to the road conditions, especially when driving on mountain roads, slow down.
- The scenic area tickets are only valid on the day of purchase. Keep the tickets properly for inspection.