Mao Gan Cave

　　Mao Gan Cave is 65 kilometers from the county seat and 15 kilometers from Baifusi Town, accessible via the Baimu Highway. The cave is situated in a depression halfway up a cliff, about a hundred meters above both the ground and the mountaintop, shaped like a tiger’s mouth. The cave entrance is 15 meters high and 10 meters wide, extending endlessly deep and connecting directly to the karst cave system of Mount Wutai. It has been filmed and reported on by China Central Television.

　　The waterfall at Mao Gan Cave originates from surface water on Mount Wutai, which flows into an underground river before gushing out from the cave. The waterfall is divided into three tiers, with the first being the most spectacular—dropping 99 meters from the cave entrance to the river below. During the wet season, the rushing water produces a thunderous roar, with a flow of nearly 10 cubic meters, creating a misty spray that spreads over a hundred meters and often gives rise to rainbows. Even in the dry season, the flow remains close to 1 cubic meter, hanging like a jade ribbon and presenting a delicate, graceful sight.

　　The Mao Gan Cave Waterfall cascades into the Mao Gan Cave River, which originates from Jiulong Cave on Baiyan Mountain at the border between Chongqing and Hubei. This is one of the area’s pristine, unpolluted rivers, known for its excellent water quality and habitat for wild Chinese giant salamanders, softshell turtles, and horned fish. The riverbanks are flanked by steep cliffs, and along one stretch, a stone niche has been carved into the cliff face, containing unfinished stone carvings. Across from it lies Moon Rock, which strikingly resembles a waning crescent moon hanging high above the cliff. The rock features carvings such as the spindle tree, Wu Gang chopping the laurel tree, and Chang’e wiping her tears—all vividly depicted. Standing alongside Moon Rock is Nine Horses Painting Mountain, whose ridgeline resembles nine spirited horses in motion, reminiscent of the galloping steeds in the famous painting “Eight Galloping Horses.”

　　The valley below is called “Dongchang Basin,” historically the domain of the Tusi chieftain Qin Dongchang. After converging with Dingguan Cave, the Mao Gan Cave River forms the Qiedao River, which flows directly into the You River. The area is lined with pristine ancient trees and green bamboo, with crystal-clear waters teeming with egrets and herons, boats coming and going, and fertile farmland—a perfect spot for leisure and wellness. Shuǐhùpíng, embraced by these two rivers, was the final stronghold of the Maodong Tusi chieftains. The surrounding area features the Eight Scenic Spots of the New Chieftain’s City, rich in historical charm. [Photographed by Sun Chenmin]