Huanghua Mountain Scenic Area in She County

She County Huanghua Mountain Scenic Area

Huanghua Mountain Scenic Area is located at the junction of Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan provinces within the territory of Guxin Town, She County. Traveling two Chinese miles west takes you into Shanxi, while ten Chinese miles south brings you to Henan. Its unique geographical location features steep mountain terrain, competing peaks, dense forests that block out the sun, and picturesque scenery all year round—golden yellow flowers carpet the mountains in spring, lush pine shadows offer cool shade in summer, red leaves blanket the hills in late autumn, and snow-covered forests stretch across the land in winter.

The scenic area spans five square kilometers and includes two large karst caves: the Ziyun Cave and the Bailong Cave. These caves cover an area of 4,500 square meters and feature naturally formed, uniquely shaped, and lifelike stalactites and stalagmites. Inside the caves, it feels like a labyrinthine fairyland that makes one forget all worldly concerns and fills the heart with joy. Adjacent attractions include Eagle Probing the Sea, Nine-Dragon Pool, Eight-Hundred Cloud Ladder, Pine Forest Path, Lovers’ Valley, Great Locust Tree, and Gaole Palace. It is a one-of-a-kind pristine natural landscape within She County and a hidden paradise in the deep mountains—a heavenly retreat for enjoying nature, sightseeing, leisure, and vacation.

Ziyun Cave, also known as Canglong Cave, houses stalactites in a myriad of shapes—stalagmites, stone pillars, and draperies that resemble sculptures, creating a spectacular sight. Legend has it that four princes of the Dragon King of the East Sea and the immortal Lü Dongbin once practiced martial arts and alchemy here. At the cave entrance, there are several stone tablets, pavilions, lawns, and cherry trees, with a path leading up to the mountaintop. Above the cave entrance is a stone inscription gifted by Yang Ting, the magistrate of She County. Inside the cave, there are the Main Palace, East Palace, and West Palace. It is said that the gate of the East Palace remains closed because it has been blocked by years of water-deposited rocks. The Main Palace is spacious, with an upward-sloping floor and a colorful cloud-like ceiling. Its zero-shaped stalactites continuously drip water, which collects in a corresponding pool on the ground, commonly known as the Dragon Pool. There are also stone bells, stone drums, and various vividly carved animal figures. The West Palace is very deep and rumored to be bottomless. Its floor slopes upward, and its zero-shaped stalactites also constantly drip water. Over time, the deposited rocks have connected with the ground, forming what is commonly called a Stone Pillar (Dragon Pillar). The palace contains many stone pillars, zero-shaped rock formations, and pools. A small entrance widens into a larger chamber, and there are interconnected chambers of varying sizes. Many of the rocks are reddish, commonly referred to as cinnabar stones.

The other cave is called Baiyun Cave. It is not very deep, with white-colored rocks, a colorful cloud-like ceiling, and zero-shaped stalactites that continuously drip water into a pool on the ground, commonly known as the Dragon Cave. The cave floor is covered with many pebbles, referred to as dragon eggs, and the cave is often filled with mist, hence the name Baiyun (White Cloud) Cave.

In 2002, the county and town invested in developing Ziyun Cave. They built stone stairways, erected stone pavilions, installed a cave entrance, and electrified the interior with lighting. Cars can reach the area below the cave entrance. The cave is often misty, warm in winter and cool in summer, with chillingly cool air even in the height of summer and icicles frequently forming at the cave mouth during snowy winters. The scenery outside the cave is spectacular and very beautiful. In summer, the inside of the cave is dark and damp, while the outside boasts lush, fragrant woods and flowers. The climate is pleasant in spring and autumn, attracting a continuous stream of visitors.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Within Guxin Town, She County, Handan City, Hebei Province

Transportation Options: Take a bus from She County to Guxin Town, then transfer to a minibus to Huangyan Village at the foot of Huanghua Mountain, and walk from there.