Rhinoceros Cave

　　Zhenning Rhinoceros Cave is situated at the foot of Dongpo Mountain (also known as Zhenning Mountain) to the east of Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, one kilometer from the county town and fifteen kilometers from Huangguoshu Waterfall. Cars can drive directly to the cave entrance. In 1978, two ox fossils were discovered inside the cave, prompting the renaming of the original “Fire Ox Cave” to “Rhinoceros Cave.”

　　The Rhinoceros Cave is approximately 500 meters long and is an ancient karst cave. For the convenience of visitors, narrow and difficult passages have been paved with cement. The cave walls feature karst formations resembling delicate branches and silver blossoms. Not far inside the cave, there are two openings to the left and right, known as the “Little Cross.” The right passage is called the “Milky Way” and leads to the outside area on Dongpo Mountain. The left passage contains a stone platform about ten meters high and five meters wide. On the platform, there is a stone niche where the stalactites form a curtain-like structure adorned with “jade pendants.” Within the niche, the karst formations resemble a Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy), hence named the “Guanyin Hall”; on either side, the hardened limestone resembles bamboo, known as the “Bamboo Grove”; opposite is the “Arhat Hall.” A massive stone pillar, a unique wonder in the cave and rarely seen elsewhere, stands out prominently. The pillar connects from the cave ceiling to the floor, measures over three people’s arms in circumference, and towers at more than 30 meters high—so awe-inspiring that one might nearly lose their hat looking up. Its middle section resembles bamboo joints, seemingly intricately carved from hollow ivory, exquisitely delicate and majestic, earning the name “Pillar Supporting the Sky.” According to scientific research, the formation of this stone pillar dates back at least one million years. Ahead, the terrain slopes downward, with continuous year-round dripping of mineral-rich water, making the path wet and slippery—this area is called the “Slippery Oil Mountain.” Behind this “mountain,” the cave opens up broadly to a cruciform passage known as the “Big Cross,” which can accommodate up to a thousand people. On the upper right, the hardened limestone forms fan-like sheets. When struck with a wooden stick or stone, it produces clear musical notes, complete with all eight tones, and the sound resonates beautifully. When tapped skillfully, the tones are especially pleasing, hence named the “Music Stage.” Beneath the stage lies a spacious area densely populated with stalagmites that take the shapes of humans, objects, birds, beasts, flowers, and trees. Bats fly overhead while visitors walk through, giving the impression of entering a ballroom—this section is called the “Dance Floor.” Nearby stands another “Pillar Supporting the Sky,” slightly smaller than the first, surrounded by stone curtains, draperies, stone lions, and stone elephants—truly a dazzling array. There is also a pool about 27 meters deep and over 20 meters wide. The pool connects underground to the “Black Cave” at the foot of Dongpo Mountain and the city-spanning river. Fish live in the pool, and the mineral-rich water is potable.

　　Electric lights have been installed inside the cave, illuminating the karst formations and enhancing their surreal beauty. Throughout history, many poets and visitors have written verses praising Rhinoceros Cave. Wei Lun’s “Inscription on the Wall of Fire Ox Cave” reads: “Why is this ancient cave called Fire Ox? Legends abound, too marvelous to fully capture. Towering dragon-like pillars support the cloud canopy; pearl curtains hang from the walls, dangling from jade hooks. Grand drums and bells play majestic tunes. Flowing robes and sashes hint at immortal companions. Starlight glistens in this crystal-clear realm, as if in a celestial five-phoenix tower.”

　　Currently, the cave has been closed due to various reasons. However, its beautiful and unique landscapes await discerning investors for development.