Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area

Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area

The Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area is a national-level scenic area.

The Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area was established in the 1980s, originally named the Pidu River Scenic Area. In 1996, it was approved as the fifth batch of provincial scenic areas by the People’s Government of Hunan Province, and renamed to its current name in 2003. The area includes the Liye Scenic Area, Bamianshan Scenic Area, Wulong Mountain Grand Canyon Scenic Area, Luota Scenic Area, Xiche River Scenic Area, and more, covering a total area of 269.9 square kilometers, with the core scenic area spanning 160 square kilometers. The scenic area boasts profound cultural heritage, high-quality resources, vast area, diverse landscape types, and significant scientific research value.

The plateau canyon karst landform landscape of the Wulong Mountain Scenic Area is spectacular and rare, featuring the world’s densest cluster of caves. The ancient Liye City in the Liye Ancient Town Scenic Area is rich in historical culture, and its Warring States-period ruins have been hailed as “a stunning archaeological discovery of the 21st century in China.” The Xiche River Scenic Area is one of the birthplaces of Tujia culture and is home to the most well-preserved Tujia language and the richest Tujia folk traditions in the country.

Since the establishment of the Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area, especially after the astonishing discovery of the Liye Ancient City in 2002, Longshan County has proactively planned and innovatively worked on developing the "General Plan for the Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area," "Interim Management Measures for the Liye-Wulong Mountain Scenic Area," "General Plan for the Protection and Development of Liye Ancient City," and "Protection Plan for the Historic and Cultural Town of Liye." These efforts have enhanced the protection measures and systems within the scenic area. Additionally, the county has systematically advanced the construction of protective facilities, infrastructure, and tourism facilities. The visiting conditions of several key scenic spots within the area have initially been met, and all sites are now open to visitors.

The provincial-level Wulong Mountain Geological Park features continuous mountain ranges, majestic landscapes, towering plateaus, steep peaks, sheer cliffs, deep canyons, high waterfalls, clustered caves, and dense underground rivers, creating uniquely spectacular and harmoniously combined scenery. The park consists of four independent scenic zones: Luota Rock, Pidu River, Wantang, and Bamianshan. Its geological and geomorphological structures are unique, predominantly karst landscapes, with diverse landforms spread over a wide area, making it of great scientific research and sightseeing value.

The Luota Scenic Area is renowned for its karst landforms, karst plateaus, towering mesa, uniquely shaped stone forests, isolated peaks, canyons, caves, sinkholes, waterfalls, and underground river systems. Particularly notable is the over 3,000-acre stone forest, which is rare in China. There is also a forestry nature reserve covering over 30,000 acres, featuring three ancient metasequoia trees that are unique in the nation.

The Pidu River Scenic Area is located 30 kilometers southwest of the county town, within Gui’tang Town. The area features undulating mountains, competing peaks, lush grass, and dense forests. The beautiful Pidu River meanders through the 15-kilometer-long Wulong Mountain Grand Canyon, with over 200 caves densely distributed along the canyon walls. The famous painter Huang Yongyu once wrote: “Two thousand two hundred caves in Longshan, each one wondrous and beyond knowing.” Major caves include the Remi Cave, Flying Tiger Cave, and Stone Flower Cave.

The Bamianshan Scenic Area is located within the Liye Town area, stretching approximately 90 li in length and over 10 li in width. Stretching from north to south, the mountain range faces Hunan to the east, backs onto Youyang in Chongqing, points toward Songtao in Xiushan to the south, and overlooks Laifeng in western Hubei to the north. From the top of Tiantian Fortress, one can “view four provinces in a single glance.” The area is surrounded by steep cliffs, and the mountain resembles an upturned boat. Local legends tell the myth of Noah’s Ark of the East.

Address: Longshan County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province

Opening Hours:

7:30-18:30

Ticket:

Ticket: 60 RMB per person

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of National Scenic Areas