Chongqing's Old Dragon Cave

Chongqing's Old Dragon Cave

Chongqing's Old Dragon Cave is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Introduction

The Old Dragon Cave is located 2.3 kilometers northwest of Licheng, at the foot of Sifangdian Mountain on the northern bank of the Qingjiang River. The upper, middle, and lower caves are interconnected by flowing water, resembling a silver chain strung with pearls. The upper cave is 7 meters high and 6 meters wide. The middle cave is 1 meter high and 2 meters wide. The lower cave is 3 meters high and 4 meters wide. Crisp, sweet spring water gushes from the upper cave, curves about 100 meters before entering the middle cave, flows underground through the mountain, and bursts out from the mouth of the lower cave. It meanders and lingers for about 1 kilometer at the verdant foot of Bijia Mountain before finally flowing into the 800-li (400 km) stretch of the clear and azure Qingjiang River. Legend has it that in ancient times, a drought was blamed on a mischievous old dragon residing in the cave. A shaman set up an altar at the cave entrance and performed a ritual inside to battle the dragon. Before entering, he instructed his disciples that if they saw straw sandals fighting each other at the cave entrance, it would mean he was fighting the dragon — and they should beat drums and gongs to cheer him on. However, when the disciples actually saw the "straw sandals fighting," they were so engrossed in watching the spectacle that they forgot to help by making noise. As a result, the shaman lost the battle and died in the cave. This is how the Old Dragon Cave got its name. The area around the Old Dragon Cave is surrounded by mountains and lush woods. Footpaths wind along the Qingjiang River leading into serene spots, while bridges and aqueducts arch over the water like rainbows. In the sunny days of early spring, pear blossoms bloom like snow, peach and plum flowers fill the air with fragrance, and one can fish by the river, merging with nature. In the height of summer and golden autumn, fruits hang in clusters and ripen abundantly, with cranes flying and cicadas chirping. Cooling off and sipping spring water at the cave entrance, one can feel the vitality of nature — truly an ideal place for spiritual cultivation and relaxation.

Chongqing Nan'an District