Zhoujia Cave Cluster

Zhoujia Cave Cluster

In Zhoujia Gully, Shihai Cave Township, Xingwen County, where rolling hills present a picturesque landscape, no one knows exactly how many caves lie hidden amid these majestic mountains. Preliminary surveys in the 1980s revealed that there are over 50 caves of various sizes within the scenic area alone. These caves crisscross to form an extensive cave system. Among them, the Shenlong Cave, Shenteng Cave, and Shenyan Cave are interconnected and the largest in scale, covering a total area of over 100 square meters. Each cave has its own unique features: Shenlong Cave is magnificent and resplendent, resembling the “Dragon Palace of the East Sea”; Shenteng Cave is grand and profound, spanning an area of 400,000 square meters—more than four times the size of Tianquan Cave—with a tunnel length of 6 kilometers, also known as the “Underground Long Palace”; Shenyan Cave is shrouded in mist, often referred to as the “Labyrinth Fairyland.”

This magical underground world, according to geologists, was once a vast ocean between 270 and 240 million years ago. Around 240 to 230 million years ago, the area rose above sea level. Approximately 70 million years ago, a major orogenic movement occurred globally, causing the limestone strata here to fold and fracture. Over time, rainwater and flowing water containing carbon dioxide and oxalic acid eroded, dissolved, and collapsed the rock, resulting in the landscape seen today. This is what is known as the “Mystery of Shihai Cave Township.”

In 1980, Xingwen County began developing its tourism industry, and the three “Divine Caves” were introduced alongside the development of Tianquan Cave. They quickly captured the interest of domestic and international tourists, becoming a must-visit destination for adventurers and geologists alike. In 1983, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China visited Shihai Cave Township and praised Xingwen’s karst scenery as a “wonder of the world.” Many have admired the beauty of Mount Emei, the serenity of Mount Qingcheng, the peril of Qutang Gorge, and the majesty of Jianmen Pass; or marveled at the splendor of Guangxi’s caves, the uniqueness of Yunnan’s stone forests. But when they see Xingwen’s Shihai Cave Township, which embodies all these qualities—beauty, serenity, peril, majesty, elegance, and wonder—they are often left in awe, exclaiming in amazement. The three “Divine Caves” each cover an area of over 100,000 square meters. They share a common trait: not only are they grand and spectacular, but they also remain cool in summer and warm in winter. As such, they are perfect for sightseeing, adventure, and truly ideal leisure retreats during hot seasons. Inside Shenteng Cave, about 3,000 meters from the entrance and over 300 meters below ground level, a strong cold wind blows out at speeds of 1.2 to 1.4 meters per second, sending chills down one’s spine. Not far inside the cave, the first sight to greet visitors is the towering “Sea-Suppressing Divine Pillar,” which rises from the ground and stands firmly against the cave ceiling. Descending from the pillar, one enters a profound and wondrous underground world. The cave is dimly lit, with rugged paths and numerous formations: caves within caves, stone pillars, stalagmites, stone curtains, stone terraces, stalactites, and stone flowers, all in diverse and stunning shapes. Among them, the jagged rocks standing tall resemble “Cave Guardians” clad in armor, intricately carved. One flat-topped massive rock is called the “Three Flute Platform.” Legend has it that three ethnic Bo shepherd boys, charmed by its refined beauty, often climbed up to sit and play their flutes in friendly competition. The blending sounds of wind and flowing water inside the cave resemble the melodious tunes played on flutes. Beside the platform, the “Jade Trees and Crystal Flowers” are adorned with abundant fruits, some as large as pomelos or oranges, others as small as cherries, all exquisitely transparent. Such fine craftsmanship would even leave sculptors in awe. A corridor in the cave, named the “Crystal Palace,” is covered in silvery white, with walls adorned with stone flowers resembling corals, jade, and amber, dazzling to the eye. Even more peculiar are the layered stone “terraces.” Though devoid of crops, the terrace waters are crystal clear, containing countless glistening, milky-white “cave pearls,” along with formations like “Samantabhadra Riding an Elephant to Mount Emei,” “Manjushri’s Blue Lion Roaring to the Heavens,” and “Guanyin Bodhisattva Crossing the South Sea”—all vividly lifelike, sparking endless imagination.

Shenlong Cave is the crown jewel among the three. This cave consists of two large chambers connected by a natural stone bridge, referred to by Xu Xiake as a “stone beam.” The bridge stands 30 meters high and is arched in shape. Climbing about 70 steps leads to the top, known as the “Dragon Gate.” The cave passage is inclined and winding, divided into upper and lower levels. The western section, starting from the cave entrance, is the upper part, 165 meters long, consisting of two corridors leading to a main hall: the front corridor is 80 meters long, 4–5 meters wide, and 2–4 meters high; the rear corridor is 85 meters long, with similar width and height to the front; the main hall is 20 meters high and covers 2,500 square meters. The eastern section, starting from the cave entrance, is the lower part, 180 meters long, 12–14 meters wide, and 3–5 meters high, ending with an exit.

In addition to the main entrance, there are several other openings and sky windows connecting the cave to the surface. On the cave passage, the “Crystal Corridor” features pure white and translucent stalactites on both sides, evoking feelings of light, coolness, and tranquility. The corridor leads directly to the “Dragon Palace Hall.” The hall’s ceiling hangs with stalactites resembling palace lanterns. In the center of the hall stands a stone pillar called the “Sea-Suppressing Divine Tower,” over 20 meters high and 5 meters in diameter, with a grayish-red hue and exquisite patterns, making the hall appear even more grand and magnificent. Inside the hall, various stalactites produce sounds like bells, drums, chimes, and wooden fish when struck. When multiple stones are struck simultaneously, a symphony of sounds is created, as if celebrating a grand festival. In front of the “Dragon Throne,” there is a formation called “The Dragon Prince Proposing,” shaped like a kneeling youth, seemingly expressing his love to the Dragon King—an incredibly lifelike depiction. To its left is “The Dragon Maiden Playing the Flute,” where a formation resembles a young maiden, head bowed, holding a jade flute, lost in thought. Is she expressing her sorrow or singing praises of peace in the palace? It’s open to interpretation. Surrounding her are solemn “Shrimp Soldiers,” “Crab Generals,” and “Sea Patrol Yakshas,” guarding the Dragon Palace Hall. Nearby, the “Dragon Maiden’s Chamber,” enclosed by stone pillars and stalagmites, has hanging stalactites like beaded curtains, with delicate stone flowers inside, resembling the maiden’s adornments. Outside the chamber, countless stone flowers are piled up, resembling crops, fruits, melons, vegetables, and poultry—creating a scene of bountiful harvest, hence named the “Harvest Terrace.” Most magical of all is the “Three Drops of Water”: a clear spring drips from the cave ceiling onto a large rock—one drop in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening, repeating endlessly since ancient times. Experts believe this is due to the directional influence of cave airflow on the dripping water. Other formations include “The Lion Gazing at the Moon,” “The Fairy Descending to Earth,” “The Jade Buddha on a Lotus Throne,” and “The Dragon Palace Waterfall,” all equally captivating. Visitors often find their fatigue and travel weariness melting away upon seeing these wonders.

Shenyan Cave is the most mysterious, perpetually shrouded in mist. The mist billowing from the cave entrance either rolls like surging waves or rises slowly to form colorful clouds, creating ever-changing scenes. The cave interior is gloomy and chilling, with stone pillars, stalagmites, and stalactites scattered everywhere. The winding passages are bewildering, like a “Bagua Formation,” deterring most visitors—only the brave dare to enter.

This magical underground world, hidden for hundreds of millions of years, remained undiscovered. In the past, Xu Xiake explored 101 caves across China, yet his renowned work, “The Travels of Xu Xiake,” contains not a single mention of Shihai Cave Township—a true pity. This was likely due to historical, geographical, transportation, and material constraints. Had it not been for the founding of New China, the reform and opening-up policy, and the drive to revitalize Xingwen’s economy, who knows how much longer it would have remained buried? But now, it has finally emerged into the light. Yet, like a young maiden stepping out of seclusion, though naturally beautiful, she still needs a touch of packaging to fully reveal her charm and win the hearts of more admirers. It can be said that in today’s booming global tourism trend, with Xingwen’s plan to build itself into a tourism hub, this cave cluster has the potential to shed its old appearance and become another dazzling pearl in Sichuan’s landscape—an irreplaceable karst scenic treasure in China.