Exposed! I Found This Hidden "Green Fairyland" in Chongqing!

So Surprising, Can't Keep It a Secret! With the hot weather lately, I went out to escape the heat and discovered this hidden gem—a true treasure! If you're unfamiliar with this spot, let me give you a quick introduction. 🖼 **Xiaonanhai National Geological Park**: This is an ancient earthquake site. During the summer of the Xianfeng era in the Qing Dynasty, a massive earthquake struck here. Originally a stream, the quake caused a mountain collapse that blocked the water, forming a **barrier lake**. It’s now one of the most well-preserved earthquake relics in China. The site is a **AAAA-level national scenic area**. ⛰ **Attraction Guide** 📍 **Address**: Nanhai Village, Xiaonanhai Town, Qianjiang District, Chongqing 🚗 **Transportation**: About 30+ km from Qianjiang city center—**self-driving is recommended**. There’s reportedly a direct shuttle from Qianjiang East Station (¥10/person). 💰 **Ticket Price**: ¥60/person. **Free for seniors 65+ and children under 1.2m**. 🌟 **Highlights**: ✅ **Xiaonanhai is a high-altitude lake**, combining mountains, water, islands, and gorges. Aerial shots reveal its stunning beauty. 😻 ✅ **Earthquake Relics**: - **Dakua Rock & Xiaokua Rock** (sheer cliffs in purplish-red) are earthquake-collapsed formations, still barren to this day. - Various fractures, cracks, and deformed mountains. - **Haikou Dam** has a massive boulder split by the quake, forming a natural dam. Great for teaching kids about earthquakes while touching these "scars of the earth." ✅ **Barrier Lake (Main Attraction)**: Three islands of different sizes: **Niubei Island, Laohe Island, and Chaoyang Island**. Walk around the islands—**sapphire-blue water💎** surrounded by emerald-green mountains—absolutely enchanting! 😍 - **Niubei Island**: Pine forests, birdsong, and a long, narrow stream resembling a ribbon. 🤩 - **Chaoyang Island**: Home to **Chaoyang Temple**, shaped like a butterfly 🦋. Rare flora and fauna can be found here. The lake is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks. During dry seasons, it feels like a **stone forest maze**—perfect for quiet reflection on its 160-year history. ✅ **Golden Beach**: East of the lake’s central island, shaped like a toad 🐸, covered in pebbles. Features a **suspension bridge**—not too high, even those with mild acrophobia can try it. ✅ **Lakeside Boardwalk**: Stroll along the **crystal-clear, turquoise-blue lake**—it’s like a "mini Erhai." On sunny days, the sky and clouds reflect perfectly—**wallpaper-worthy views**. ✅ **Camping**: **Shuangyan Village Qingyun Camping Base** offers tents, farmhouse meals, and lakeside relaxation. 📌 **Tips**: - **Aerial photography is a must** for panoramic shots—**breathtaking!** 👍 - Catch the sunset 🌇 for a magical "fishing boat at dusk" moment. - **Drive in** if possible—cars are allowed inside. - **Morning visits** are best to avoid the heat. 🥵 - Nearby **Tujia Thirteen Villages** (10+ km away) offers water play, fish-catching, traditional dances, and local snacks. (I’ll share a guide later—see **Photos 1, 2 & 9**). 🍽 **Food Recs**: - **Qianjiang Spicy Chicken Gizzards** - Mung Bean Noodles - Stir-Fried Beef with Greens - Rice Tofu - Fried Crab & Mini Fried Fish/Shrimp (crispy, fresh, fragrant).