Chongqing Nanchuan: Jinfo Mountain West Slope Travel Guide

📌 Full Hiking Route: 🚶🏻‍♂️ West Gate ➡️ Bitan Valley ➡️ Magic Stone Array ➡️ Frost Leaf Bridge ➡️ Kongmen Grand Canyon ➡️ Dust Removal Pavilion ➡️ Enlightenment Pavilion ➡️ No Turning Back ➡️ Golden Turtle Facing the Sun ➡️ Cloud Path (Swallow Cave 🕳️ + Lingguan Cave 🕳️) ➡️ Love Ladder ➡️ Golden Summit ➡️ Jiulian Peak ➡️ Civil and Military Officials ➡️ Rhododendron King Court ➡️ Bamboo Forest ➡️ Jinfo Temple ➡️ Qianniuping Visitor Center ➡️ Ancient Buddha Cave ➡️ West Slope Cable Car Downhill ➡️ Bus 🚌 Return - 📌 Family-Friendly Half Hiking Route: 🧒 West Gate ➡️ Bitan Valley Health Pavilion ➡️ Bitan Lake ➡️ Joyful Water Bay ➡️ Peace Pavilion ➡️ Fairy Trail Gorge ➡️ Beaded Pool ➡️ Serenity Pool ➡️ Tea Whisper Pool ➡️ Cherry Blossom Terrace ➡️ Magic Stone Array ➡️ Zen Sound Forest ➡️ Frost Leaf Bridge ➡️ West Slope Cable Car Lower Station (Option to take bus 🚌 downhill or cable car 🚡 uphill for sightseeing) ➡️ Bus 🚌 Return - ✨️ Highlight Attractions: 🍃 Bitan Valley Located on the western slope of Jinfo Mountain, Bitan Valley is a 4-kilometer-long gorge along the upper reaches of Shizhong Creek. The first 2.5 kilometers are relatively flat, with steep cliffs on both sides ranging from 150 to 600 meters high, 5 to 15 meters wide, and an elevation of nearly 700 meters. The latter 1.5 kilometers gradually rise to an elevation of over 1300 meters. The valley features Bitan boating, where an artificial dam creates a pool. The deepest part of the pool is 6 meters, the widest is 40 meters, and the total area is 1 hectare. - 🍃 Golden Turtle Facing the Sun Three mountain peaks connected together resemble a turtle. When sunlight hits the mountains, they gleam like a golden turtle basking in the sun on the summit. It's truly spectacular. - 🍃 Cloud Path A 1.5-kilometer suspended walkway carved along the cliffside, following the "Golden Turtle" forward. Along the way, you'll pass two caves, including Swallow Cave, which offers unique views from inside out. The walkway is not made of glass, so those afraid of heights can walk closer to the inner side. Looking outward, you'll enjoy expansive views of endless mountain ranges. - 🍃 Ancient Buddha Cave A rare high-altitude cave system with winding paths leading to open spaces where you'll encounter ancient Buddha statues and hear Buddhist chants echoing within. Located near the northern slope, the cave was formed 5.7 million years ago. The narrowest part allows two people to walk side by side. Descending the stairs, the path seems endless until you reach the cave interior, where a grand Buddha statue stands. Additionally, 1,250 Arhat statues surround the Buddha along the cave walls, creating a magnificent sight. - 📝 Equipment Checklist: 👟 Hiking Gear: Ice sleeves, bucket hat, trekking poles, quick-dry clothing (long pants) 🍞 Supplies: Drinking water/energy drinks, portable meals, chocolate, beef jerky, protein bars - ⚠️ Notes: 🔸 Strong UV rays at the summit—apply sunscreen frequently, especially on ears, neck, and other exposed areas 🔸 The section from Bitan Valley to Golden Turtle Facing the Sun is the most physically demanding—ensure energy replenishment 🔸 Start early to avoid midday heat; temperatures vary greatly at the summit, so bring an extra jacket for the evening -