Youyang Taohuayuan is located in Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of 2,734 hectares, it integrates Qin-Jin historical culture, Tujia folk culture, and natural ecological culture. The scenic area features well-preserved ancient karst caves, underground rivers, and other natural landscapes, as well as Qin-style architecture and other cultural attractions. The Taigu Cave, one of the core attractions, stretches about 2,500 meters in length and is filled with stalactites of various shapes, earning it the reputation of an "underground Peach Blossom Spring." The Qin-style ancient street, about 1 kilometer long, is lined with shops that recreate the daily life scenes of the Qin Dynasty. With its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage, Youyang Taohuayuan attracts numerous visitors seeking the mystery and beauty of the legendary "Shangri-La."
History and Culture
The history and culture of Youyang Taohuayuan have deep roots. Tao Yuanming’s The Story of Peach Blossom Spring from the Eastern Jin Dynasty adds a layer of mystery to the area. According to research, the geographical environment of Youyang Taohuayuan closely matches the description in the tale. Historically, the Youyang region has been home to the Tujia, Miao, and other ethnic minorities, giving rise to distinctive folk customs. The Qin-style buildings within the park recreate the appearance of the Qin era, allowing visitors to experience the social life and cultural atmosphere of that period. At the same time, the folk traditions of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups are also showcased, including traditional dances such as the Tujia Hand-Waving Dance and the Miao Lusheng Dance, as well as handicrafts like Tujia brocade and Miao embroidery, reflecting the creativity and wisdom of these ethnic minorities.
Major Attractions
Taigu Cave
Taigu Cave is one of the core attractions of Youyang Taohuayuan. The cave is about 2,500 meters long, with spacious chambers and a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars in diverse forms—some resembling fairies descending to earth, others like sacred turtles exploring the sea, all vividly lifelike. An underground river meanders through the cave, complementing the karst formations. Following the walkway inside, visitors feel as though they have entered a mysterious underground world, marveling at nature’s masterpieces.
Youzhou Ancient Town
Adjacent to the Taohuayuan scenic area, Youzhou Ancient Town stretches 1.3 kilometers and covers about 300 mu (approx. 20 hectares). Its architecture is predominantly in the Tujia stilted-house style, blended with Miao and Han influences. The town features buildings such as the Tusi Mansion, the Hand-Waving Dance Hall, and the Folk Custom Museum, showcasing Youyang’s Tusi culture and ethnic traditions. More than 200 shops line the streets, selling Tujia brocade, Miao silverware, and local specialty foods. At night, the town is brilliantly lit and often hosts folk performances like the Hand-Waving Dance and bonfire parties, making it a prime spot for experiencing the local nightlife.
Peach Blossom Spring (Shiwai Taoyuan)
The "Peach Blossom Spring" core area of Youyang Taohuayuan is a re-creation based on Tao Yuanming’s The Story of Peach Blossom Spring, covering about 2 square kilometers. After passing through the "Dayou Cave," visitors are greeted by an open vista: peach groves in full bloom with falling petals in spring, orderly farmland crisscrossed by paths, a clear stream flowing through ponds, and dozens of rustic thatched cottages nestled among mulberry and bamboo groves, with chickens and dogs audible in the distance—perfectly recreating the idyllic scene of "flat and open land, with neatly arranged houses." Buildings such as the "Tao Gong Shrine" and "Qin Residence" display traditional farming tools and daily-life scenes, while staff dressed in Qin-style costumes move about, making visitors feel as if they have traveled back to a secluded paradise a thousand years ago, experiencing the peace and harmony of a place "unaware of the Han Dynasty, let alone the Wei and Jin."
Taohuayuan National Forest Park
Surrounding the core area of Taohuayuan, the Taohuayuan National Forest Park covers 2,734.3 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of 92% and an average elevation of 1,200 meters. The park is home to nationally protected plants such as dove trees and yew trees, as well as rare animals like forest musk deer and golden pheasants. Major scenic spots include Longtou Mountain, Eryou Mountain, and Dayou Cave. Eryou Mountain is famous for the historical allusion of "books hidden in Eryou" and is said to have been a site for storing ancient texts. On the mountain, there are cultural structures such as a library pavilion and a book-viewing pavilion, making it an excellent place for hiking and enjoying the blend of nature and culture.
Suggested Tour Route：
Upon entering the scenic area, visitors can first head to Taigu Cave to explore the mysterious underground karst formations. After exiting the cave, take a stroll along the Qin-style ancient street to experience life in the Qin Dynasty. Then proceed to the Taohuayuan Square to enjoy folk performances by ethnic minorities. At noon, sample local specialties such as Youyang oil tea and the Tujia "Eight Big Bowls" at restaurants within the park. In the afternoon, visit the peach groves to admire the blossoms. Finally, purchase some local snacks like Youyang spicy preserved meat as souvenirs. The entire tour takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Travel Tips：
It is recommended to visit Youyang Taohuayuan in spring, when the peach blossoms are in full bloom and the scenery is at its most beautiful, enhancing the "Peach Blossom Spring" experience.
When visiting Taigu Cave, note that the temperature inside is relatively low, so it is advisable to bring a jacket to keep warm.
When tasting local food, the distinctive flavors of Youyang oil tea and the Tujia "Eight Big Bowls" are unique—try them in moderation to avoid waste.
It is helpful to read up on The Story of Peach Blossom Spring beforehand, so that you can better appreciate the cultural connotations of the scenic area during your visit.
The best seasons to visit are March–April (when peach blossoms bloom) and September–October (when the weather is cool). The "Peach Blossom Spring Peach Blossom Festival" is held from mid-to-late March to early April, featuring folk performances and other activities.
Important Notes：
Follow the park regulations, protect the environment, and do not litter.
Inside Taigu Cave, stick to the designated paths, pay attention to safety, and do not touch the stalactites or other formations.
When buying local snacks and handicrafts, choose reputable shops and check the quality and prices of the goods.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask the park staff, who will provide relevant information and services.
Respect local customs and do not touch ritual objects casually.
Transportation：
From downtown Chongqing, you can take a long-distance bus to Youyang County, and then take a local bus or taxi to the Youyang Taohuayuan scenic area.
For self-driving visitors, use a navigation app and follow routes such as the Baotou–Maoming Expressway to reach the scenic area, where parking lots are available for visitors.
Opening Hours：
Youyang Taohuayuan is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket Price：
The ticket price for Youyang Taohuayuan is 100 RMB per person. Please note that the price may be adjusted according to seasons and special events; check the official announcement for the latest information.