Qiliang Cave

Qiliang Cave

Qiliang Cave is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Qiliang Cave is located in Qiliangqiao Township, north of the ancient city, on the left side of the Jifeng Highway. This attraction combines mountains, rivers, canyons, rapids, cliffs, waterfalls, forests, farmland, and villages all within one cave, and is renowned for its four major features: "wondrous, elegant, serene, and steep." It is said that “once you’ve visited Qiliang, you need not see any other cave.” The cave entrance resembles a giant dragon’s mouth, standing over 50 meters high and more than 20 meters wide. A clear stream flows through the karst cave, which extends over 6,000 meters in length and features five major scenic areas: the “Ancient Battlefield,” “Gallery,” “Paradise,” “Dragon Palace,” and “Yin-Yang River.”

Legend has it that in the late Song Dynasty, the local chieftain Heche led a rebellion against the government, attacking cities and strongholds with overwhelming momentum. The imperial court dispatched the “Three Yang Brothers” to lead troops in suppression, but they were defeated by Heche using three magical artifacts: the “Life-Chasing Drum,” the “Soul-Bewitching Gong,” and the “Lotus Umbrella.” Later, due to betrayal, the artifacts were neutralized, and Heche retreated to Qiliang Cave, where all his soldiers perished in battle.

To this day, locals still tell the tale of “Thirty-six men slaying nine thousand, dying at the entrance of Qiliang Cave.” On the right bank of the stream, a “Lotus Umbrella” hangs from the cliff face, with flowing water making a sound — it is said to be Heche’s protective magical artifact.

Suggested Duration

1–2 hours

Transportation

1. By bus: Take a bus headed to Jixin from Fenghuang Bus Passenger Transport Terminal, arriving in about 5–6 minutes. Fare is 3 RMB per person.

2. By taxi: A taxi ride from near the ancient city takes about 25–30 RMB (meter not used) and lasts 10–15 minutes.

Ticket Price

Ticket: 60 RMB (3 RMB for insurance; student ID gets half price, excluding postgraduates)

Opening Hours

7:30–18:00 (April 1 – November 15), 8:00–17:30 (November 16 – March 31 of the following year)

Location

Within Qiliangqiao Township, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi, Hunan (approximately 5 km north of Fenghuang Ancient City)