Chenxi Swallow Cave

Chenxi Swallow Cave

Chenxi Swallow Cave is a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Swallow Cave Scenic Area is located in Huomachong, Chenxi County, adjacent to the Hunan-Guizhou Railway, just 1 kilometer from Chenxi Railway Station. It is a national AA-level scenic spot and a provincial-level tourist attraction, situated over 50 kilometers from downtown Huaihua with convenient transportation. Covering a total area of 50.8 square kilometers, it consists of twelve major scenic zones. Its core attractions include the Swallow Cave, the One-Line Sky, the High Gorge Flat Lake, the Fen Shui Dang Waterfall, the Half Moon Pool, and the Yishen Garden.

Swallow Cave Scenic Area

Swallow Cave Scenic Area

Here, mountains, water, caves, rocks, and forests abound, featuring grandeur, wonder, elegance, beauty, and serenity. In spring, azaleas bloom in vibrant reds and purples; in summer, streams babble amid lush greenery; in autumn, chrysanthemums and osmanthus fill the valley with fragrance; in winter, pine and bamboo stand gracefully under a blanket of frost. The central attraction, the Swallow Cave, has an entrance over 60 meters high, stretches 4,850 meters in length, and comprises nine levels above and below ground, divided into eight major cave chambers. The highest point inside reaches 120 meters, with the largest diameter spanning over 160 meters. Countless interconnected chambers form a labyrinth, with clear, cool spring water flowing through—so pristine that locals drink from it, believing it aids digestion, strengthens the spleen, and promotes longevity. Inside, one can find pools, curtains, and river islands formed by underground rivers. The stalactites take on countless fantastical shapes: some resemble golden curtains or terraced fields, others like fairies bathing, lions, elephants, monkeys, humans, or various objects—all strikingly lifelike. At the cave’s exit, the entrance arches like a crescent moon, with sunlight streaming in like moonlight in a night sky, creating a magical and breathtaking view. The entrance remains cool in summer and warm in winter, making it an ideal retreat. Rich in mystery, the cave is surrounded by beautiful legends. Currently, 4,000 meters of cave routes are open, showcasing over a hundred scenic spots. Underground lakes also offer boating adventures for those seeking hidden wonders.

The One-Line Sky is located at the scenic area’s entrance, a nearly east-west oriented canyon stretching 3,500 meters, with the narrowest point just 1 meter wide and heights generally between 80–100 meters, forming a U-shape. A clear stream runs year-round along the canyon floor, its waters transparent and teeming with visible fish. Steep cliffs rise on both sides, densely covered with ancient trees, hanging vines, and shaded from sunlight. The valley features peculiar rocks, including stone forests, fangs, oddly shaped bridges, and more. Notably, the stone fangs—sharp at the top and wide at the base, resembling interlocking dragon teeth—take on bizarre forms, some looking like mushrooms, beasts, birds, or intricate artworks up close, or like massive natural bonsai from afar. In spring, cascading waterfalls occasionally hang like veils, echoing the grandeur of "thirty-thousand-foot waterfalls." Standing at the canyon bottom and looking up, slivers of blue sky peek through. Due to the high walls and narrow passage, sunlight rarely penetrates, leaving the space dim, quiet, and shrouded in drifting mist. A cool breeze blows through this serene valley, where curious rock formations captivate visitors, refreshing the mind and soul as if entering a sacred realm.

The High Gorge Flat Lake lies southeast of the Swallow Cave and is accessible by road. Built as an artificial reservoir in the 1970s, it formed a lake by damming water. Like a jewel embedded among countless mountains, the lake shines brilliantly. Surrounded by layered green peaks, lush forests, birdsong, and floral scents, the scenery is truly picturesque. The shoreline varies dynamically, with promontories jutting into the lake—perfect spots for play. The lake reaches over 30 meters in depth, its waters emerald-green and mirror-flat, exuding delicate charm that stirs the heart. Boating and drifting on the lake offer unforgettable experiences.

The Yishen Garden, also known as "Red Dust Unreached," is a comprehensive leisure park integrating accommodation, dining, and recreation. It features tents, uniquely designed rest huts, stone tables, hammocks, and fish ponds. In spring, fields of azaleas and scarlet sage burst into vibrant blooms. The interplay of water, mountains, birdsong, and floral fragrances weaves a uniquely enchanting scene. Beneath the shade of trees, one can stroll, sit, think freely, converse—or not—losing all sense of time and self in this tranquil haven. With wine in hand and wind in face, one remains untroubled by fame or disgrace, embodying freedom in a serene retreat.

The Longmen Stream Scenery is located in Zhonghuopu, Chenxi. Longmen Stream combines the grandeur, beauty, serenity, and wildlife of surrounding mountains with bridges, boats, stepping stones, caves, springs, and streams in its waters, renowned since ancient times. It was listed among China’s famous scenic spots in the *Da Qing Yi Liu Zhi* (Records of Famous Sites in the Qing Dynasty) and remains endlessly captivating today.

Huomachong Town: Siquan Town and Huomachong Town have been administratively merged into Huomachong Town.

Huomachong Town is located in the southern part of Chenxi County, bordering Shupu County to the east, Siquan Town to the west, Shipi Township to the north, and Changtianwan Township to the south. Known as the "Southern Gateway of Chenxi," the Yuan River flows north of the town, while the Hunan-Guizhou Railway runs east to south through nine administrative villages. The Changhuai and Yanshan roads traverse the entire region. Chenxi Railway Station is situated in Wanshou Village, handling passenger and freight transport for Chenxi, Yuanling, and Luxi counties. Both water and land transportation are highly convenient.

The town covers a total area of 87.52 square kilometers and governs... Detailed information on Huomachong Town++