Youyang Taohuayuan is located in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing City, and it is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The total area of the scenic area is 2,734 hectares, integrating the historical culture of the Qin and Jin dynasties, the folk culture of the Tujia ethnic group, and the natural ecological culture. Here, there are well-preserved natural landscapes such as ancient karst caves and underground rivers, as well as cultural landscapes such as Qin-style buildings. The Taigu Cave in the scenic area is about 2,500 meters long. The stalactites in the cave have various shapes and it enjoys the reputation of the "Underground Peach Blossom Spring". The Qin-style ancient street is about 1 kilometer long, with numerous shops inside, reappearing 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 "Peach Blossom Spring in the World."
History and Culture
The history and culture of Youyang Taohuayuan have a long history. "The Peach Blossom Spring" written by Tao Yuanming in the Eastern Jin Dynasty adds a mysterious touch to this place. According to research, the geographical environment of Youyang Taohuayuan is extremely similar to the description in "The Peach Blossom Spring". Historically, the Youyang area is a settlement of ethnic minorities such as the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups, boasting unique folk cultures. The Qin-style buildings in the scenic area reproduce the appearance of the Qin Dynasty, allowing tourists to experience the social life and cultural atmosphere of the Qin Dynasty. At the same time, the folk cultures of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups are also displayed in the scenic area. Traditional dances such as the Tujia Hand-waving Dance and the Miao Lusheng Dance, as well as handicrafts like Tujia brocade and Miao embroidery, reflect the wisdom and creativity of ethnic minorities.
Main Attractions
Taigu Cave
The Taigu Cave is one of the core attractions of Youyang Taohuayuan. The cave is about 2,500 meters long, with a spacious interior. The stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars and other landscapes in the cave have various shapes. Some are like fairies descending to the mortal world, and some are like turtles exploring the sea, vivid and lifelike. The underground river in the cave flows gurgling, forming an interesting contrast with various stalactite landscapes. Tourists walking along the trail in the cave seem to enter a mysterious underground world and feel the great craftsmanship of nature.
Qin-style Ancient Street
The Qin-style ancient street is about 1 kilometer long, and the buildings in the street are simple and elegant, reappearing the street scene style of the Qin Dynasty. There are numerous shops on both sides of the street, including those selling traditional handicrafts and restaurants offering special delicacies. Tourists can wear Qin Dynasty costumes here, experience the lifestyle of the Qin Dynasty, and feel the charm of history.
Taohuayuan Square
Taohuayuan Square is an important activity place in the scenic area. There are large-scale folk performances of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups on the square, such as the Hand-waving Dance and the Lusheng Dance. Tourists can enjoy the wonderful dances and music of ethnic minorities. The square is surrounded by shady trees and has a beautiful environment, which is a good place for tourists to rest and take photos.
Peach Blossom Forest
The Peach Blossom Forest is a major characteristic landscape in the scenic area. Every spring, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, and the pink flowers are all over the mountains, with a fragrant smell. Tourists strolling in the Peach Blossom Forest seem to be in a sea of flowers and feel the breath of spring. There are winding trails in the Peach Blossom Forest, and tourists can enjoy the peach blossoms along the trail and take photos.
Delicacies
Youyang Oil Tea
Youyang Oil Tea is a local characteristic delicacy. It is made from raw materials such as tea leaves, glutinous rice, peanuts, sesame, etc. through multiple processes such as stir-frying and boiling. The oil tea has a rich taste and a strong aroma, and it has the effect of refreshing the mind. Tourists can taste the authentic Youyang Oil Tea in the restaurants and snack stalls in the scenic area.
Eight Dishes of the Tujia Ethnic Group
The Eight Dishes of the Tujia Ethnic Group is a traditional food combination of the Tujia ethnic group. It includes eight dishes such as braised pork, baba meat, steamed pork with rice flour, etc., and each dish has a unique flavor. The Eight Dishes of the Tujia Ethnic Group pays attention to the selection of ingredients and has exquisite production techniques, which are delicious dishes for the Tujia people to entertain guests. Tourists can taste this characteristic delicacy in the Tujia restaurants in the scenic area and experience the food culture of the Tujia ethnic group.
Youyang Spicy Meat
Youyang Spicy Meat is a local characteristic snack. It is made from pork as the main raw material through processes such as pickling and baking. The Youyang Spicy Meat has a bright red color, a spicy and delicious taste, and it is a popular leisure snack among tourists. Tourists can buy Youyang Spicy Meat in the shops and snack stalls in the scenic area and take it home as a souvenir.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket price of Youyang Taohuayuan is 100 yuan per person. The ticket price of the scenic area may be adjusted according to different seasons and activities, subject to the announcements of the scenic area.
You can search for the official WeChat account of the scenic area, "酉阳桃花源风景区", to obtain the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Youyang Taohuayuan are from 8:30 to 17:00 every day.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first go to the Taigu Cave to feel the mystery of the underground karst cave. After coming out of the cave, stroll along the Qin-style ancient street to experience the living scenes of the Qin Dynasty. Then come to the Taohuayuan Square to enjoy the folk performances of ethnic minorities. At noon, taste local characteristic delicacies such as Youyang Oil Tea and the Eight Dishes of the Tujia Ethnic Group in the restaurants of the scenic area. In the afternoon, go to the Peach Blossom Forest to enjoy the beauty of the peach blossoms. Finally, buy some characteristic snacks like Youyang Spicy Meat as souvenirs. The whole tour process takes about 4 to 5 hours.
Transportation
- Starting from Chongqing urban area, you can take a long-distance bus to Youyang County. After arriving in Youyang County, you can take a local bus or taxi to Youyang Taohuayuan Scenic Area.
- Tourists driving by themselves can follow routes such as Baomao Expressway to Youyang Taohuayuan Scenic Area, and there is a parking lot in the scenic area for tourists to use.
Must-visit Attractions
- Taigu Cave: The stalactite landscape in the cave is unique, and the underground river flows gurgling. It is about 2,500 meters long. It is a good place to experience the great craftsmanship of nature, allowing tourists to feel the mystery of the underground world.
- Qin-style Ancient Street: It is about 1 kilometer long. The buildings in the ancient street are simple and elegant, reappearing the style of the Qin Dynasty. Tourists can experience the life of the Qin Dynasty here and feel the charm of history.
- Peach Blossom Forest: In spring, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, and the pink flowers are all over the mountains. It is an excellent place to enjoy the natural scenery and take photos, allowing tourists to feel the breath of spring and the beauty of nature.
Tour Suggestions
- It is recommended that tourists go to Youyang Taohuayuan in spring. At this time, the peach blossoms are in full bloom, and the scenery is the most beautiful, enabling them to better experience the atmosphere of the "Peach Blossom Spring in the World."
- When visiting the Taigu Cave, the temperature in the cave is relatively low. It is recommended that tourists bring a coat and pay attention to keeping warm.
- When tasting the delicacies, the characteristic delicacies such as Youyang Oil Tea and the Eight Dishes of the Tujia Ethnic Group have unique flavors. It is recommended that tourists taste them in moderation to avoid waste.
- Tourists can learn about the content of "The Peach Blossom Spring" in advance, so that they can better feel the cultural connotation of the scenic area during the tour.
Notes
- After entering the scenic area, tourists should abide by the regulations of the scenic area, take good care of the environment, and not litter.
- When visiting the Taigu Cave, tourists should walk along the designated route, pay attention to safety, and do not touch the stalactites and other landscapes in the cave.
- When purchasing characteristic snacks and handicrafts, tourists should choose regular shops and pay attention to the quality and price of the goods.
- If tourists encounter problems they don't understand or need help, they can consult the staff of the scenic area, who will provide relevant services and information.