Yan Chi River Karst Cave Cluster

　　The Yan Chi River Karst Cave Cluster is located in Yan Chihe Township, over 40 kilometers south of Shangzhou District. More than 20 caves have been discovered so far, forming a relatively large karst cave complex. Field investigations have confirmed that two of them — “Guanyin Cave” and “Three Officials Cave” — hold significant development potential.

　　1. Guanyin Cave: Located on Longfeng Mountain, three kilometers west of Yan Chihe Township, the cave entrance is situated beside Guanyin Temple. The cave extends east-west, stretching over 700 meters in depth. It features spacious and flat interiors with fresh air, classifying it as a large hall-type karst cave. The cave’s scenic spots are densely distributed, each with unique characteristics. Highlights include the “Reception Hall,” “Sunrise Glow,” “Pearl Gorge,” “Fairy Descending to Earth,” “Upside-down White Monkey,” “Journey to the West Group,” “Stone Lotus,” and “Stone Lion.” These formations are exquisitely lifelike and thought-provoking, resembling masterpieces finely carved by an artist. Visitors are often left in awe of these extraordinary natural artworks.

　　2. Three Officials Cave: Situated on Zhaizipo Hill north of Yan Chihe Township, this cave consists of three interconnected chambers arranged in an inverted “品” shape along the mountainside. Known respectively as the “Spirit Cave,” “Water Cave,” and “Heaven Cave,” they are collectively called the Three Officials Cave. The cave entrance is four meters wide, and its full depth remains unknown. Legend has it that in ancient times, someone entered the cave with a dog, tying a long string of firecrackers to the dog’s tail and lighting them. Frightened, the dog dashed deep into the cave and eventually emerged from the Three Officials Cave in Hongyansi, Zhuoshui County, at Lion Gully. This proved that the two Three Officials Caves — though 50 li apart through the outside terrain — are actually connected. The widest part of the cave can accommodate up to 800 people, while narrower sections require visitors to crouch to pass through. Notable attractions include “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl,” “Flying Dragon Soaring in the Sky,” “Mouse Eating Grapes,” “Heavenly Bridge,” “Stone Pillar,” “Reclining Immortal’s Bed,” “Zero Hanging in Midair,” and “Thousand Buddha Cave.” These vivid and colorful formations are overwhelming in their beauty.