Youyang Taohuayuan is located in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of 2,734 hectares, the scenic area integrates Qin and Jin historical culture, Tujia folk culture, and natural ecological culture. It features well-preserved natural landscapes such as ancient karst caves and underground rivers, as well as cultural landscapes like Qin-style buildings. The Taigu Cave in the scenic area is approximately 2,500 meters long, with various forms of stalactites inside, earning it the reputation of "Underground Peach Blossom Source". The Qin-style ancient street is about 1 kilometer long, with numerous shops, recreating the living scenes of the Qin Dynasty. With its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage, Youyang Taohuayuan attracts many tourists to explore the mystery and beauty of the "paradise".
Historical Culture
The historical culture of Youyang Taohuayuan has a long history. The "Peach Blossom Spring" written by Tao Yuanming in the Eastern Jin Dynasty adds a mysterious color to this place. According to research, the geographical environment of Youyang Taohuayuan is extremely similar to that described in "Peach Blossom Spring". Historically, the Youyang area was a settlement for ethnic minorities such as the Tujia and Miao, with unique folk culture. The Qin-style buildings in the scenic area reproduce the style of the Qin Dynasty, allowing tourists to experience the social life and cultural atmosphere of that era. At the same time, the folk cultures of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups are also displayed in the scenic area, such as traditional dances like the Tujia Baishou Dance and Miao Lusheng Dance, as well as handicrafts like Tujia brocade and Miao embroidery, reflecting the wisdom and creativity of ethnic minorities.
Main Attractions
Taigu Cave
Taigu Cave is one of the core attractions of Youyang Taohuayuan. With a length of about 2,500 meters, the cave has a spacious interior, featuring various forms of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. Some resemble fairies descending to earth, while others look like divine turtles exploring the sea, all vivid and lifelike. The underground river in the cave flows gently, forming a delightful contrast with various stalactite landscapes. Walking along the trails inside the cave, visitors feel as if they have entered a mysterious underground world, marveling at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Youzhou Ancient Town
Adjacent to the Taohuayuan Scenic Area, Youzhou Ancient Town is 1.3 kilometers long and covers an area of about 300 mu. It mainly features Tujia stilted building styles, integrating architectural characteristics of the Miao and Han ethnic groups. The ancient town houses buildings such as the Tusi Mansion, Baishou Hall, and Folk Custom Museum, displaying Youyang's Tusi culture and ethnic customs. There are over 200 shops along the streets, selling Tujia brocade, Miao silver ornaments, and local specialties. At night, it is brightly lit, and there are often folk performances such as Baishou Dance and bonfire parties, making it the core area to experience the local nightlife.
Paradise
The "Paradise" of Youyang Taohuayuan is a core area reconstructed based on the real scene described in Tao Yuanming's "Peach Blossom Spring", covering an area of about 2 square kilometers. After entering the "Dayou Cave", the view suddenly opens up — patches of peach forests are full of falling flowers in spring, fertile fields are scattered among the fields, gurgling streams flow through the ponds, dozens of simple thatched cottages are built against the mountains, surrounded by mulberry and bamboo, with the sounds of chickens and dogs heard, perfectly recreating the idyllic scene of "flat land, neat houses". Buildings such as "Taogong Temple" and "Qinren Residence" in the area display traditional farm tools and living scenes. Staff dressed in Qin Dynasty costumes walk around, as if traveling back to a secluded paradise thousands of years ago, allowing tourists to experience the tranquility and peace of "not knowing the Han Dynasty, let alone the Wei and Jin Dynasties".
Taohuayuan National Forest Park
Taohuayuan National Forest Park surrounds the core area of Taohuayuan, covering a total area of 2,734.3 hectares with a forest coverage rate of 92% and an average altitude of 1,200 meters. The park is home to national first-class protected plants such as Davidia involucrata and Taxus chinensis, as well as rare animals like forest musk deer and golden pheasants. Major landscapes include Longtou Mountain, Eryou Mountain, and Dayou Cave. Among them, Eryou Mountain is famous for the allusion of "books stored in Eryou", which is said to be an ancient book storage place. There are cultural buildings such as the Book Collection Pavilion and the Book Viewing Pavilion on the mountain, making it a great place to climb high and look far, and feel the integration of nature and humanity.
Tour Route
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first visit Taigu Cave to experience the mystery of the underground karst cave. After exiting the cave, stroll along the Qin-style ancient street to experience the living scenes of the Qin Dynasty. Then come to Taohuayuan Square to enjoy the folk performances of ethnic minorities. At noon, taste local specialties such as Youyang Oil Tea and Tujia Eight Major Bowls in the restaurants in the scenic area. In the afternoon, go to the peach forest to admire the beautiful peach blossoms. Finally, buy some local snacks like Youyang Spicy Meat as souvenirs. The entire tour takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended that tourists visit Youyang Taohuayuan in spring, when the peach blossoms are in full bloom, the scenery is the most beautiful, and they can better experience the atmosphere of the "paradise".
- When visiting Taigu Cave, the temperature inside is relatively low, so it is recommended that tourists bring a coat to keep warm.
- When tasting food, local specialties such as Youyang Oil Tea and Tujia Eight Major Bowls have unique flavors. It is recommended that tourists taste them in moderation to avoid waste.
- Tourists can learn about the content of "Peach Blossom Spring" in advance, so that they can better feel the cultural connotation of the scenic area during the tour.
- The best tourist seasons are March-April (when peach blossoms are in full bloom) and September-October (when the climate is cool). The "Taohuayuan Peach Blossom Festival" is held from mid-to-late March to early April, with folk performances and other activities.
Matters Needing Attention
- After entering the scenic area, please abide by the regulations of the scenic area, protect the environment, and do not litter at will.
- When visiting Taigu Cave, walk along the designated route, pay attention to safety, and do not touch the stalactites and other landscapes in the cave.
- When buying local snacks and handicrafts, choose regular stores and pay attention to the quality and price of the goods.
- If you have any questions or need help, you can consult the staff of the scenic area, and they will provide relevant services and information.
- Respect local customs and do not touch sacrificial items at will.
Transportation
- Starting from downtown Chongqing, you can take a long-distance bus to Youyang. After arriving in Youyang County, take a local bus or taxi to Youyang Taohuayuan Scenic Area.
- Self-driving tourists can use navigation software to go to Youyang Taohuayuan Scenic Area along routes such as Baomao Expressway. There is a parking lot in the scenic area for tourists to use.
Opening Hours
Youyang Taohuayuan is open from 8:30 to 17:00 every day.
Tickets
The ticket price of Youyang Taohuayuan is 100 yuan per person. The scenic area may adjust the ticket price according to different seasons and activities, and the specific price is subject to the announcement of the scenic area.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area "酉阳桃花源风景区" to get the latest news or buy tickets online.