The Heishan Valley, also known as Black Valley (黑山谷景区), is a captivating natural attraction nestled within the boundaries of Heishan Town in the Wansheng Economic and Technological Development Zone of Chongqing, China. Spanning across an extensive area of 100 square kilometers, this picturesque valley boasts remarkable topographical diversity, with a staggering maximum elevation difference of 1200 meters between its mountain peaks and valley floors. The 13-kilometer-long gorge is flanked by steep slopes with gradients ranging from 70 to 80 degrees.
Comprising two distinct regions, Heishan Valley and Wansheng Stone Forest, this scenic wonderland showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes. Visitors can explore rugged ridges, towering peaks, secluded ravines, sheer cliffs, lush forests, bamboo groves, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, intricate caves, ancient-style pathways, floating bridges, mesmerizing cloudscapes, idyllic countryside scenes, pristine vegetation, and rare flora and fauna. Heishan Valley is a true haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a harmonious blend of unique natural features and breathtaking scenery.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Heishan Valley
- Vlog about Heishan Valley
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
Website | http://www.hsgtour.net/traveslplans/index.html |
Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
Ticket Price | 85 RMB (1st March – 31st October) 60 RMB (1st November – 28th February the next year) |
Cable Car | Single way: 30 RMB |
Opening Hours | 8.30 – 15.30 (1st March – 31st October) 9.00 – 15.00 (1st November – 28th February the next year) |
Reputation | Five-Star Tourist Attraction Listed as one of the best tourist attractions in China in 2019 |
Telephone Number | 0086-023-48279999 |
Location and Transportation
The Black Valley, or Heishan Valley, is situated approximately 20 kilometers away from the urban center of Wansheng and 82 kilometers from the core of Chongqing city in China. It shares its vicinity with the scenic landscapes of Jinfo Mountain in Nanchuan, Wansheng Stone Forest, and the natural preserve of Tongzi Baijing in Guizhou. Geographically, the valley is located at an east longitude of 106°58’26” and a north latitude of 28°51’46”.
Tourists from Chongqing can first take a coach at Chenjiaping or Nanping Bus Station (陈家坪汽车站,南坪汽车站) and then transfer to Bus No. 106 or a taxi to cover the remaining 16 kilometers. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Highlights of Heishan Valley
Red-Fruit Shore
As you enter the northern gateway of the Black Valley, you’ll encounter the enchanting Red Fruit Shore, a picturesque stretch spanning hundreds of meters and covering approximately 1,000 square meters in area. This delightful area is adorned with over a thousand red-seeded trees, which bloom with delicate white flowers in spring and bear vibrant red fruits in autumn. During the winter season, the contrast between the snowy landscape and the red seeds is truly captivating. These red-seeded fruits are not just visually appealing but also rich in nutrients, containing starch, protein, vitamin C, and other essential components, making a visit to the Red Fruit Shore a delightful and educational experience.
Rivers and Lakes
The Black Valley is adorned with captivating rivers and lakes that enhance its natural beauty. Not far from Red Fruit Shore lies the renowned Mandarin Duck Lake, a natural lake spanning approximately 1000 square meters. The lake’s pristine waters are clear and sweet, with glimpses of fish swimming beneath the surface. Its name, Mandarin Duck Lake, is derived from the frequent presence of mandarin ducks gracefully gliding on its waters.
Additionally, the Liyu River, a boundary river between Chongqing and Guizhou provinces, meanders through the valley. It is also the third-largest river in Wansheng. Legend has it that the river earned its name, Liyu (carp fish), due to its abundant carp population. These rivers and lakes contribute to the picturesque charm of the Black Valley, offering visitors tranquil and scenic waterways to explore.
Winding Painting Screen
The Winding Painting Screen in Black Valley is a mesmerizing natural wonder that weaves through steep cliffs, dense forests, and swirling mists, resembling an expansive ink-splashed landscape painting. Aptly named the “Nine-Bend Painting Screen,” its sinuous path carves through the scenery like brushstrokes on canvas. To the far left, a solitary peak stands tall, known as the “Dream Brush Peak,” resembling a painter’s brush poised on an easel. This enchanting landscape evokes the artistry of nature, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a living masterpiece, where every twist and turn unveils a new facet of its captivating beauty.
François’s Leaf Monkey
The François’s Leaf Monkey, a critically endangered species and a top-level protected animal in China, finds its sanctuary within the Black Valley. These striking primates are characterized by their distinctive black fur, white sideburns, and expressive features. Black Valley’s lush and pristine environment provides a vital habitat for these rare leaf monkeys, offering them protection and sustenance. As one of China’s most endangered species, their presence in this natural haven underscores the importance of conservation efforts and the significance of preserving this unique ecological gem, making a visit to Black Valley not only a scenic delight but also an opportunity to witness the urgent need for wildlife preservation.
Breathtaking Valleys
The Black Valley is a realm of awe-inspiring beauty, where nature’s grandeur unfolds in every direction. Towering cliffs rise on either side, their layered formations creating a dramatic and rugged landscape. The mountains here exhibit a majestic and perilous splendor, while the rushing waters below cascade with a wild and turbulent energy. This winding gorge meanders through the landscape, revealing ancient trees that reach for the heavens, their verdant canopies casting cool, inviting shade. Everywhere you look, lush greenery prevails, and the symphony of cascading waterfalls and babbling brooks serenades your senses, painting a picture of pristine natural harmony in the heart of the Black Valley.
Stone Forest
The Stone Forest within Black Valley is a captivating natural wonder, a testament to the exquisite artistry of geological processes. This mesmerizing landscape features remarkable karst formations, which have carved out intricate caves and stunning limestone pillars over millennia. Among the many enchanting rock formations, the “Galloping Horses Stones” stand out, resembling spirited steeds frozen in time, their forms etched into the stone. Nearby, the “Stone Drums” add a touch of ancient mystique to the scenery, their unique shapes evoking the idea of nature’s percussion instruments. The Stone Forest in Black Valley is a living testament to the earth’s sculptural prowess, inviting visitors into a world of geological artistry and wonder.
Vlog about Heishan Valley
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Best Time to Visit: Heishan Valley is most enjoyable for families with children during the summer. Activities such as drifting, playing in the water, and camping are popular. The area around the North Gate offers gentle, shallow, and cool waters, suitable for these activities.
Entrance Gates: Visitors entering from the South Gate can choose between taking a cable car or walking. The cable car costs 30 yuan per person and is recommended as it only misses one waterfall, which isn’t particularly noteworthy. There are many smaller waterfalls further along the route, offering similar experiences.
At the North Gate, there’s a sightseeing car available for 30 yuan per person, which is highly recommended.
Footwear: It’s advisable to wear either sandals for easy water access or sports shoes for comfortable walking. Avoid wearing dress shoes or anything that might be difficult to walk in or get wet.
Protection from Falling Water: Consider wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella to protect yourself from water dripping from the rocks, similar to the feeling of light rain.
Entrance and Exit Strategy: It’s recommended to enter through the South Gate and exit through the North Gate. This route primarily involves downhill walking, which is less tiring.