Liancheng Laiyuan Karst Cave Cluster

　　The Liancheng Laiyuan Karst Cave Cluster is located two kilometers from the town center of Laiyuan. Within nearly two square kilometers of limestone hills, there are thirteen caves of varying sizes. It is the largest karst cave cluster discovered so far in East China and is hailed as the "No. 1 Dragon Cave Cluster of East China." The most famous ones are three caves: "Youqin Cave," "Xianyun Cave," and "Shiyan Cave."

　　 "Youqin Cave" gets its name from the murmuring sound of spring water flowing through crevices in the rocks, creating a serene melody. Inside the cave, it is warm in winter and cool in summer, with fresh air. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling vary in length and thickness, all suspended from above like natural chandeliers. The stone draperies clinging to the cave walls resemble unfurled curtains or rolled-up blinds, displaying a myriad of shapes. The various stalagmites growing from the ground differ in thickness and form, resembling bamboo shoots after a spring rain. When upward-growing stalagmites connect with various stalactites, they form stunning stone pillars. The sheer number and unique shapes of these pillars are beyond compare — the jagged and whimsically shaped stalactites stand like crystal-clear pillars holding up grand halls. Some hang inverted like icicles, rugged and exquisitely crafted, majestic as lions or tigers charging with fierce eyes, yet also delicate like the Venus de Milo standing gracefully upright. These diverse stalagmites, stalactites, and stone draperies are all "alive" — the water droplets from the cave ceiling are rich in calcium, which accumulates over the years, continuously forming wonders such as dripping pillars, dripping forests, dripping fields, and dripping paintings. There is also an underground river that flows year-round without ceasing. The water is crystal clear and gurgles softly. Sitting by the stream and listening to the ever-changing sounds of the flowing water sparks boundless imagination.

　　"Xianyun Cave" is named for the clouds of mist that rise from within all year round. The cave features rugged rocks, uneven terrain, caves within caves, and layers upon layers of passageways. The tunnels are crisscrossed with numerous forks, winding and twisting unpredictably, forming a maze-like labyrinth. In narrow sections, one must turn sideways to pass; in wider areas, even ten trucks could drive side by side. The cave contains all kinds of stone halls, chambers, and doorways. The air inside is perpetually misty, not quite fog nor cloud, giving visitors the sensation of walking amidst the clouds.

　　"Shiyan Cave" is named after the colonies of cave swiftlets that reside within. Strings of bats hang upside down from the cave ceilings, and before human shadows even appear, flocks of swiftlets take flight, swirling noisily through the branching tunnels.

　　The Laiyuan Karst Cave Cluster is mysterious, deep, and otherworldly, making it a great destination for leisure travel and adventure exploration.