The Karst Miracle of Eastern Sichuan: Tianyi Valley and the Legend of the Cave Heaven River

The Backyard Garden of Eastern Sichuan

1.Located in Linshui: County, Guangan City, at the southern foot of the majestic Huaying Mountain, Tianyi Valley (Tianyi Gu) is a hidden geological gem often referred to as the "Backyard Garden of Chongqing" and a premier summer resort in Eastern Sichuan. Covering an area of about 20 square kilometers with a relative elevation drop of 700 meters, this scenic area is a masterpiece of Karst landforms. It is characterized by deep fracture gorge fissures, countless karst caves, and over 120 waterfalls, creating a cool, moist environment that is warm in winter and cool in summer. The valley was formed by the collision of the water flow from thousands of peaks in Huaying Mountain with the karst fracture layers over hundreds of millions of years, carving out a landscape that is often described as "Ten thousand ravines competing to flow, strange, dangerous, and beautiful." It is a place where geology meets mythology, offering a retreat that washes away the dust of the mortal world,,.

The Legend of the Ba Prince and "Heaven's Will"

The name "Tianyi" translates to "Heaven's Will," a moniker derived from a poignant historical legend. Around 300 BC, when the Qin army destroyed the ancient Ba Kingdom, a Ba Prince took his remaining treasures and troops to retreat into this canyon. Using the natural dangers of the terrain, he hid here, eventually disappearing into the mists of history. It is said that in this valley, he realized the will of heaven, allowing his people to survive and multiply. This story gives the valley its profound motto: "Worship the Three Heavens in Tianyi Valley, and gain Heaven's Will when in life's low valley." The "Three Heavens" refer to the natural wonders found here: the Tianmu (Heavenly Mother) mountain shape that resembles a Sleeping Beauty, the Tianfo (Heavenly Buddha) natural giant stone statue formed by dripping water over eons, and the Tianhe (Heavenly River) waterfall that pours down from a cave roof.

The Miracle of the Cave Heaven River

The absolute highlight of the scenic area is the Cave Heaven River (Dongzhong Tianhe), also known as the "Three Heavens Spirit Cave." It is reputed to be Asia's number one and a world-rare cavern waterfall. The waterfall spans a total length of over 800 meters and is divided into three tiers—upper, middle, and lower. The water crashes down from the roof of the cave like a pouring Milky Way, creating a thunderous roar and a misty spectacle that is particularly magnificent during the rainy season. Inside the cave, which resembles a dragon palace, the water winds around the feet of the natural Giant Buddha statue before flowing out. The entrance to the cave is shaped like a symbol of fertility (Tianmu), completing the triad of sacred natural symbolism. Walking through this cavern feels like entering a mythical world where the power of nature reigns supreme.

A Symphony of Waterfalls and History

Beyond the central cave, Tianyi Valley is a corridor of waterfalls. The Fuchen Waterfall (Whisk Waterfall) at the entrance greets visitors like a white ribbon; its shape resembles a horsetail whisk used by Daoist deities to sweep away dust, symbolizing the purification of the soul. The Qianzhang Waterfall plunges from high cliffs with immense momentum, while the Laolongtan (Old Dragon Pool) is a deep, mysterious pool surrounded by legends of dragon kings. Culturally, the valley is also the birthplace of the ancient Ba People's Cave Culture, with relics like the Ba People's Yin Yang Cave and the Ba King's Seal. In modern history, it served as a base for the Huaying Mountain guerrillas, adding a layer of "Red" revolutionary history to its ancient mystique. Whether exploring the Golden Cave (Huangjin Dong) rumored to hide the Prince's treasure or walking through the narrow geological fissures, visitors are constantly surrounded by the raw power of water and stone,.