Site of the Ancient Saltpeter Workshop in Golden Cave

Site of the Ancient Saltpeter Workshop in Golden Cave

The Site of the Ancient Saltpeter Workshop in Golden Cave is a cultural relic protection unit of Hubei Province.

Site of the Ancient Saltpeter Workshop in Golden Cave

Located within Golden Cave in Huangjindong Township, Xianfeng County, this is a Ming Dynasty site. There are over 120 remnants of mining and saltpeter production, as well as 218 saltpeter pits, covering a total area of approximately 200,000 square meters. The Ming Dynasty’s Comprehensive Gazetteer referred to Golden Cave as a “saltpeter workshop,” describing it as: “Towering cliffs rise above, with a river crossing below. A cave halfway up the cliff resembles a city gate in shape.” This site is the earliest recorded saltpeter workshop in Chinese literature and the largest of its kind in the world, holding significant academic value.

Protected Area: 50 meters eastward along the river, 120 meters outward from the southern cave entrance, and 130 meters outward from the western cave entrance.

Construction Control Zone: 150 meters westward from the protected area’s eastern edge, and 165 meters westward from the southern and western edges of the cave entrance protected area.

Address: Huangjindong Township, Xianfeng County, Enshi Prefecture

Type: Cave

Rating: AAAA

Opening Hours:

8:30–17:00

Source: Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Huangjindong Township: A township under the jurisdiction of Xianfeng County. Established as Huangjin Commune in 1958, reorganized as Huangjindong District in 1984, and officially designated as a township in 1996. It is located in the northern part of the county, 62 kilometers from the county seat. Covering an area of 215 square kilometers, it has a population of 25,000. A county-level road connects it to the county town. The township administers 22 village committees: Huangjindong, Xiangjiazhai, Huilongsi, Jindongsì, Goupixī, Maluxī, Xinglong’ao, Shuishanping, Baiguoshu, Huangjiacun, Shirenping, Qinggangyuan, Longjiayuan, Dashabad, Yaoping, Brazil Dam, Ranjiazhai, Fengbeiyán, Shijiaba, Wuguoping, Hulu Dam, and Siduba. Major mineral resources include limestone... More details about Huangjindong Township ++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Hubei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units