Dragon Palace Scenic Area

Dragon Palace Scenic Area

Dragon Palace Scenic Area

The Dragon Palace Scenic Area stretches 2.5 kilometers in length, with its main attractions being the underground Dragon Palace and the wonders of the Dragon Cave. Nestled within the folds of vast, forest-covered mountains, steep cliffs rise sharply, towering thousands of feet high, standing opposite each other with the widest point being no more than a dozen meters. A sliver of blue sky is stitched between the rock faces, making the canyon appear even more winding and serene. At the bottom of the gorge, there is a murmuring stream. The scenery is delicate and enchanting, green as watercolor. The riverbed is strewn with oddly shaped pebbles, like a valley spilled over with pearls. The hazy canyon echoes with the tinkling of spring water, resembling the sound of a zither or guzheng, faintly reminiscent of the heartbeat-stirring tunes drifting from an ancient embroidery tower. Trees grow on the cliffs, either coiled around crevices or leaning from the edge, displaying countless postures. Among the mountains bloom milk-white lychee flowers, pink azaleas, and purple butterfly flowers, creating a vibrant sea of blossoms that compete in beauty along both sides of the cliffs. The mountain shapes are even more peculiar—some stand like pillars reaching the sky, others resemble a flying dragon or a vigilant monkey. Nature’s craftsmanship has sculpted these earthly wonders and displayed them within the canyon, leaving all who see them in awe.

The most noteworthy feature of the Dragon Palace Scenic Area is the Black Dragon Cave. This cave is tall, deep, and filled with mysterious and magnificent sights. The myriad strange stalactites inside are astounding, vividly resembling various animals and legendary deities, many displaying expressions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness in countless poses that are beyond description. This cave is a creation of nature, with caves within caves, all interconnected, housing springs, pools, waterfalls, and immortal platforms, among other features. Outside the cave, dense woods thrive, filled with birdsong and floral fragrance. This cave is said to be a regular gathering place for the Five Dragons and also serves as the Dragon King’s palace, hence it is also called the “Five Dragons Cave.” Inside, there are many beautiful landscapes such as the “Dragon Palace,” “Dragon Hall,” “Dragon Pool,” “Divine Platform,” “Rain-Praying Platform,” “Ten Thousand Acres of Fertile Fields,” “Five Dragon Pillars,” and “Five Dragons Performing Magic.” Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, a severe drought lasted three years, crops failed, and people had eaten even tree bark and grass roots. At that time, County Magistrate Weng personally went to the Black Dragon Cave to pray for rain. To demonstrate his determination and sincerity, he strapped gunpowder pouches to his head with a fuse attached, and on top of his head, he placed a candle. Magistrate Weng prayed: “If the Dragon King does not send rain, once this candle burns out and ignites the fuse, I will sacrifice myself to plead for rain.” Touched by his devotion, the Black Dragon King ascended to heaven to beg the Jade Emperor to send rain to save the people. The Jade Emperor replied that the people of this region had violated heavenly laws and thus deserved three years of drought as punishment. The Black Dragon King, upon returning to his cave, defied the heavenly laws and assured Magistrate Weng he could return to the city—the rain would come immediately. True to his word, no sooner had Magistrate Weng turned around than the “Ten Thousand Acres of Fertile Fields” began to glisten with raindrops. Upon exiting the cave, a torrential downpour ensued, ending the drought. To express his gratitude for the Black Dragon’s rain-bringing mercy, Magistrate Weng erected a theater stage at “Jianchi Nunnery” and held three days and nights of opera performances. The old theater stage was peculiar—no matter how many people stood on it, it would not collapse. Hence, a local saying arose: “The theater stage at Jianchi Nunnery—built to hold anything.”

The “Five Dragons River” lies against the vast Qinling Mountain Range and faces the bustling, renewed urban landscape of Yunxi County. Spanning over a hundred square miles, the Five Dragons River is rugged, deep, and majestic, exuding grandeur and nurturing exquisite beauty. With drifting clouds and swirling mists, its peculiar canyons are soul-stirring. Star-like pools and waterfalls are scattered throughout, like strings of colorful pearls, reflecting radiant splendor—a magnificent wonder of the world.