Yanzi Cave in Shennongjia

Yanzi Cave in Shennongjia

Introduction:

About 1,000 meters northeast of Yanzi Pass, on the mountainside, there is a famous cave called Yanzi Cave. The entrance is just 50 meters up a slope from the road. The cave is 14 meters high and 16 meters wide, with the main passage stretching approximately 3,700 meters. It is home to a large population of short-beaked swiftlets. These birds are about 12 centimeters long. Despite their enormous numbers, they never collide with each other when flying in and out. They live in Shennongjia all year round, and the region’s favorable natural environment has caused them to lose their typical migratory behavior of flying south in winter and north in summer. The interior of the cave remains cool in summer and warm in winter, with gently flowing streams and exceptionally smooth cave walls. Dry stone surfaces are adorned with numerous swallow nests. From the stone stairway bridge pavilion on the northwest side of Yanzi Pass, one can look back at the cave entrance and watch flocks of swallows soaring about. Especially during sunrise, when the swallows fly towards the sunlight, diving and soaring, the scene is truly spectacular.

Hubei Shennongjia