La’aozhong Fish Cave River Scenic Area

　　The scenic area is 6 kilometers from the county town. The most mysterious and development-worthy La’aozhong Fish Cave Scenic Area features an underground river with a 6.2-kilometer-long subterranean flow, composed of natural landscapes such as “Nine Lions Playing with Lotus” at the entrance of La’aozhong, “Immortal Goose Hugging Egg,” and at the exit by the Fish Cave River, “Dragon Head Mountain” and “Dragon Backbone Ridge” as part of the “Gathering of Nine Dragons.” The area is widely renowned for its bizarre folk legends. It is said that the river originates from Weining Grass Sea and takes seven days and nights to resurface here. In the early 1980s, an interesting experiment was conducted when some rice bran and live ducks were released into a whirlpool in the Grass Sea, and they eventually floated out from the Fish Cave River outlet.

　　There are many magical legends about the La’aozhong Fish Cave River Scenic Area. To the west of the entrance stands a majestic, towering lion, head held high, mouth wide open, roaring toward the sky. Locals call it the “Lion’s Mouth.” He is the leader of the lions, the commander-in-chief of the “Nine Lions Playing with Lotus.” Legend has it that long ago, the vast forests of La’aozhong were dense and shaded the sky. Within this forest lay a large grassy plain, green as a lake, with a small hill rising in the middle, resembling a blooming lotus flower. One day, seven spiritually gifted lions wandered here, enchanted by the beautiful scenery of La’aozhong, and were reluctant to leave. One of the lions suggested, “The landscape of La’aozhong is so beautiful, with a ‘lake’ and a ‘lotus.’ Why not have the lions play with the lotus and celebrate joyfully?” This proposal was agreed upon by the other lions, who used a special language to invite two lions from Shanmuqing. Delighted, the two prepared themselves and set off together. However, one lion was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, while the other set off ahead. Crossing mountains and ridges, it arrived near Bailaijiao, not far from La’aozhong, just as Emperor Qin Shi Huang, acting out of spite, began senselessly moving mountains to fill the sea. After learning the reason, the lion became furious, roaring for a long time but failing to move Qin Shi Huang’s heart. In anger, it gave up attending the gathering and transformed into a mountain. The seven lions of La’aozhong waited in vain for the two invited lions. As they continued playing with the lotus, they heard of their companion’s tragic transformation into a mountain. Deeply moved, they too transformed into seven mountains, supporting their friend through action. Because these seven lions changed form while playing with the lotus, today the seven lions of La’aozhong are seen in various poses, dancing gracefully—this is the famous legend of the “Nine Lions Playing with Lotus.”

　　At the exit of the Fish Cave River, there is also a beautiful legend. Long ago, the Fish Cave River was unfathomably deep, with a pearl of nightlight inside that often leaped amid the waves at the cave’s mouth. When night fell, shimmering fish scales would glow golden at the cave’s entrance. A flying dragon, upon seeing the pearl, grew greedy. As darkness fell, it fought with the fish in the cave for the pearl. In the end, the ruthless dragon swallowed the pearl. Since then, the glowing fish scales have never been seen again in the Fish Cave River, and the vile dragon was petrified in place by the pearl, unable to move. Over time, it formed a majestic mountain range, winding and looping above the Fish Cave River.

　　The fractured mountain body opens into a large cave, from which billowing mist and surging floodwaters spurt forth, with water droplets flying and thunderous roars. According to locals, this water also has therapeutic effects for athlete’s foot and refreshing the eyes. Visiting the Fish Cave River allows you to not only enjoy the beautiful scenery and hear enchanting legends but also experience the thrill and wonder of the 6.2-kilometer underground river. Additionally, you can savor local delicacies such as the Fish Cave River’s delicious fish soup, grilled potatoes in a pan, dried tofu, and “love tofu”—culinary treats that leave a lasting impression and let you fully feel the warmth and hospitality of the people of Nayong.

　　La’aozhong Fish Cave River Scenic Area

　　La’aozhong Fish Cave River Scenic Area