Twenty-two scenic areas recommended by provincial (district-level/municipal) culture and tourism departments concerned are planned to be accredited as national 5A tourist attractions by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), following China’s national standards — Standard of Rating for Quality of Tourist Attractions and Administrative Measures for the Quality Grade Evaluation of Tourist Areas, the MCT released on December 25. Ayi River Scenic Area in Pengshui County is on the list, making it the ninth 5A tourist attraction in Chongqing.

Pengshui Ayi River

The other eight 5A tourist attractions in Chongqing

Dazu Rock Carvings: Dazu Rock Carvings is a collective name of all cliff inscriptions in the area. It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Wushan Lesser Three Gorges & Mini Three Gorges: Wushan Mountain lies at the northeast of Chongqing. It has been known as the “Gateway to East Chongqing” and spans the Wuxia Gorge of the Yangtze River.

Wulong Karst National Geopark: It comprises the Three Natural Bridges, Fairy Mountain (Xiannv Mountain), and Furong Cave.

Taohuayuan Scenic Area in Youyang: It consists of Shiwai Taoyuan (literally otherworldly land), Fuxi Cave, Youzhou Ancient City, Taohuayuan Forest Park, and Eryou Mountain.

Wansheng Heishan Valley (Black Mountain Valley) & Longlin Stone Forest: It features surface stone forests, underground karst caves, and other karst landscapes.

Mount Jinfo & Shenlong Gorge (Dragon Gorge) in Nanchuan District: Mount Jinfo, sitting in the south of Chongqing, is part of the Dalou Mountains and also known as Jinshan Mountain.

Yunyang Longgang (Dragon Jar) National Geopark: Situated in the southeast of Yunyang County, it is a national 5A tourist attraction and a national geopark and known as the “little Huashan Mountain” of Chongqing among outdoor enthusiasts.

Simian Mountain Scenic Area: Located in Jiangjin District, Chongqing, it is 130km away from downtown Chongqing and 90km from central Jiangjin District. The attraction has over 100 waterfalls that cascade down the mountainsides together to shroud the area in mist and tremendous roar.

Source: Shangyou News