CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- In Chongqing, we often hear the word “Karst", which is represented by the ground crevices of karst topography, underground rivers and water-eroded caves. You may not have thought that Chongqing, which is famous for its mountains, also has a kind of landscape that is quite similar to karst, and even its name sounds so fascinating — Danxia landform.

Picture provided by Chongqing Geographical Center

The Chongqing Planning Bureau and Chongqing Geographic Information Center have launched the Map of Danxia Landform in Chongqing. Let’s walk through the mountains and rivers, and walk through the seas and fields, and appreciate the beauty of Danxia landforms in Chongqing together.

Jiangjin Simian Mountains 江津四面山

Simian Mountains is the most prominent representative of Danxia landform in Chongqing. Over the 200 square kilometers of land, there are Danxia landforms everywhere. It is located in the north extension of Dalou Mountain of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with "peculiar mountains", "different water", and “red stones" as the main characteristics. Walking into the mountain, the huge curved cliff presents a captivating red color, as a hanging waterfall flows from the top of the peak. Danxia is more attractive because of its green trees and clouds.

Qijiang Gujian Mountains 綦江古剑山

Gujian Mountains is also known as the "Mountain Emei of East Sichuan". It looks like a red sword piercing into the clouds. Gujian Mountains is a relatively “young” Danxia landform, which is mainly the mountain original canyon and narrow ridge. The highest peak of Jigongzui is at an attitude of 1145 meters. The three-sided cliff shape makes it tall and straight, and it is the famous Danxia landform and geological heritage in the southwest.

Dazu Baoding Mountains 大足宝顶山

Baoding Mountains is 15 kilometers at the northeast of Dazu District. It is the best example of the integration of Danxia with humans. Because of the bright red rock, it gives people a solemn and auspicious feeling, and the mountain lines are lively and easy to engrave. In the old times, it was the best place to preach Buddhist and moral principle. Now it is the main part of the Dazu Rock Carvings, a World Heritage Site.

Youyang Yipin Danxia 酉阳一品丹霞

Yipin Danxia is located at Xiaohe Town, the southwest of Youyang. In southeast Chongqing, which contain several karst landforms, this Danxia landform is really an outstanding part. Standing there, the brown red Danxia cliff extends ten li, the solitary peak rises from the ground, together with the thousands of strange stones, green forest, waterfalls and the flowing spring, it is so beautiful, people don’t want to leave.

Qijiang Laoying Mountains 綦江老瀛山

The Laoying Mountains are located in east Qijiang. There are various Danxia landforms including columnar, turreted, and arc-like within a limited area, which is unique and has earned the nickname of the “Red Virgin Land” in Chongqing. In addition to the beautiful natural landscape, there also are cultural highlights like the Baiyun Taoist Temple, Tianshen Temple and Furong Academy.

(Translated by Pan Yingying, Fathom Language Limited)