By Xinyi Li, EDITOR

In summer, where there is water, there will be cooling and refreshing enjoyment. Along rivers flowing through Chongqing, you can indulge in different beautiful sceneries in the following summer resorts with the average temperature of no more than 25°C, which will bring you an enjoyable experience.

Nanchuan: Shenlong Gorge - Chinese people should seek for dragon tales there

Shenlong Gorge is an original natural valley extruded from the crustal movements hundred millions of years ago, and the mountains generally have high altitudes around 1,300 meters. Baozi Ridge, the highest peak of 1,380 meters, is the most original ecological valley with the shortest distance to the extension of Chongqing’s central urban region. Shenlong Valley looks like a giant lying dragon along the mountain stream, so it won the name of Shenlong (fairy dragon) as people are telling stories about this legendary creature. The rafting waterway along Shenlong Gorge is 2.8 kilometers in total, and it will cost about 50 minutes for a whole journey, with the total fall of 86 meters.

Pengshui County: A’yi River - Come meet your girl at A’yi River

Starting from Wuchuan, Guizhou, A’yi River flows into Wujiang River after running through Pengshui County, Chongqing. The locals call the kind, beautiful, and clever girls “Jiao A Yi,” after which the river was named. Twenty-one kilometers long, the A’yi River is accompanied by deep gorges, towering valleys, narrow riverbeds, and scattering rocks. Taking a boat and floating down the river, you will catch sight of the high-rising stalagmites, playing monkeys, majestic Stone Buddha, mysterious and deep karst caves. The drainage basin also provides residences for Francois’s Leaf Monkey, Deinagkistrodon, leopards, Chinese stump-tailed macaque, and other national first and second class protected animals. There are hundreds of wild monkeys playing in this area.

Qianjiang District: Xiaonanhai Lake - The “bright pearl at sea” in the earthquake zone

The Xiaonanhai Lake of Qianjiang District is an earthquake-induced dammed lake, formed in 1856 and pooled the water from streams blocked by the landslide. It is the largest naturally-endowed lake in Chongqing, with an average temperature of 23°C in summer. Surrounded by mountains and embellished by lush plants, Xiaonanhai Lake is like a bright pearl hidden in the hills.

Qianjiang District: A’peng River - 27 corners make Shengui Gorge a paradise for explorers

In Tujia language, a’peng means magnificent and beautiful, and the most enchanting scenic resort of A’peng River is Shengui Gorge, located in its downstream. From there to the estuary in Youyang, it is 38.9 kilometers long. The turbulent river is crashing its way through the high mountains. With few people, all the mountains, rivers, grasses, and trees become the epitomes of the original nature. In summer, the average temperature is 24°C, and the cliffs tightly embrace the meandering and clear water. There are 28 gates, including Shenmen Gate, Tianmen Gate, and Renmen Gate, and 27 corners, which is truly rare to see.

Shizhu County: Youcao River - A Mini Jiuzhaigou Valley in Huangshui National Forest Park

The 42.9 kilometer-long Youcao River is originated from the center of Huangshui National Forest Park, located in Motian Hill, Tianwan Group, Wansheng Village, Huangshui Town. Youcao (grass in shiny green) is inspired by the crystal-clear and bluish-green water and the coated water plants on the riverbanks. With the average temperature of 21°C in summer, it is credited as a mini Jiuzhaigou Valley by the locals for the bubbling water and serene pond.

Wushan County: Goddess Stream - Eyes upcast toward clouds and rain, eyes downcast to watch the peaceful gorge

What Wushan Mountain brings is not limited to the red leaves, and its Goddess Scenic Resort is also an optimal selection, where the Goddess Stream, running for 31.9 kilometers, is back against the Goddess Peak. In the old days, the shallow water was tumbling rapidly for the narrow watercourse; in contrast, after the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam, the original appearance of Goddess Stream began to reveal. As the saying goes, “No cloud is beautiful but that which crowns the peak of Wushan Mountain.” This place offers you the ever-changing sea of mist and cloud and quiet and charming valleys. Gazing into the distance, you will even see Shangsheng Peak, Qiyun Peak, and Jingtan Peak, among the twelve peaks of Wushan Mountain. The glorious scenery will soothe your restless mind in this hot summer.

Source: CQCB