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).