Maodong

　　    Maodong, situated on Meiziao’ao Mountain in Baifusi Town, Laifeng County, Hubei Province, is a naturally formed through cave (similar to a tunnel) that spans across the You River. In other words, Meiziao’ao Mountain resembles a massive stone arch bridge stretching over the You River, which is truly astonishing.

　　    The You River meanders through nine counties and cities across four provinces—Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, and Guizhou (including Xuan’en and Laifeng in Hubei; Youyang and Xiushan in Chongqing; Longshan, Baojing, Guzhang, Yongshun, and Yuanling in Hunan)—and is the longest tributary of the Yuan River, which belongs to the Dongting Lake water system. Historically known as the Youxi, it was one of the Five Streams (You, Chen, Wu, Wu, and Yuan) within the ancient Wuling Commandery. It originates from Huangbaiying in Chunnongying Township, Xuan’en County. There are two sources: one passing through Majiawan and the other through Xishuibei, converging at Luoguquan. It enters Laifeng County via Lianghekou in Lijiahe Township, Xuan’en, flows southward to Jilongtan in Baifusi Town, Laifeng, then proceeds into Youyang County, Chongqing, and finally empties into the Yuan River in Yuanling, Hunan. It is a mountain stream with a perennial flow. The river stretches 477 kilometers in total (some sources say 427 kilometers). The section above Shadagou in Xuan’en is called Baijia River, while the section below is named the You River. The You River passes through mountains twice: once through the Qizimei Mountains in Xuan’en County, entering through Maoerkong and exiting through Baishuikong, flowing underground for 3,000 meters; and once through Maodong in Laifeng County, Hubei, covering a length of 215 meters. Among these, Maodong, which spans the You River, is the most spectacular and magnificent.

　　    Maodong is located at Guanyinping in Meiziao’ao Village, Baifusi Town, Laifeng, about 3 kilometers from the town center.

　　    According to the Laifeng County Annals from the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty: “The Maodong of our county is where the You River actually flows through, which is likely the origin of its name.” It is a limestone karst cave. The cave is 85 meters long (with the mountain being 215 meters thick), the north entrance sits at an elevation of 400 meters, is 35 meters high and 35 meters wide; the south entrance is at 360 meters elevation, 55 meters high and 45 meters wide, with massive rocks lining the interior. Maodong boasts two major wonders: the sheer cliffs (the outer cliff walls of the cave entrance form a horseshoe shape surrounding it, towering over 150 meters high), and the You River flowing through the cave, resembling a “dragon lying down and swallowing the river.” About 60 meters directly above the cave entrance, embedded in the cliff face, is a small circular cave called Immortal Cave, which was used by ancient people to bury coffins. Immortal Cave is about 30 meters high, 15 meters wide, and over 200 meters deep. In 1992, eight boat-shaped, trough-shaped, and box-shaped coffins were discovered here, along with 131 burial artifacts, including bronze, iron, porcelain, wood, pottery, leather, and silk items. These artifacts span several dynasties, including the Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan.

　　    Within a 4-square-kilometer area adjacent to Maodong, there are 18 caves of varying sizes, each uniquely shaped. Some are located on riverbanks, some atop mountain peaks, some halfway up mountainsides, and some on sheer cliffs. They appear back-to-back, face-to-face, vertically aligned, or side-by-side, forming a spectacular cluster of karst caves. On the southern bank, notable ones include Moon Cave, whose entrance resembles a moon, and Swallow Cave, with unfathomable depths and countless swallows that darken the sky. On the northern bank, the large cave contains a stone mill niche, where two stalactites—one resembling a stone mill and the other a woman wearing a headscarf pushing the mill—are strikingly lifelike. The main cave and the large cave stand side by side with interconnected paths. Inside the cave is a grand hall filled with a variety of spectacular stalactites, especially four massive stones that resemble a dragon, a phoenix, a qilin, and a turtle—collectively known as the “Four Divine Stones”—leaving visitors in awe of nature’s craftsmanship.

　　    It is worth mentioning that the Maodong Gorge, where Maodong is located, together with Longzui Gorge and Ata Gorge, are collectively known as the You River Three Gorges, often described as a gallery of Tujia ethnic culture in Laifeng. Longzui Gorge is located in Lüshui Town, Laifeng County, where the You River meets the Xinxi River and the Laoxi River. The gorge is dotted with caves and dense ancient trees. Attractions include the Bizi Ka Sheba Village, Xiangsi Island, Zhakouzi (the narrowest part of the You River), and Fairy Cave. Ata Gorge is located in Yutang Village, Manshui Township, Laifeng County, stretching 12 kilometers with deep valleys and competing scenic peaks. Attractions here include the Dragon King Temple, Immortal Boat (also called Cotton Shoe Island), Tank Rock, Sheng’er Bay, and Sky-Supporting Stone Pillar. The Maodong Gorge features towering cliffs, numerous caves, and beautiful scenery along its course. Attractions along the shore include Weizhiyan, Stone Mill Niche, Incense Burner Rock, Chessboard Platform, and Luoyin Pool.

　　    Additionally, Maodong was the site of the Baifusi Tusi City and holds many historical and cultural relics. From the 23rd to the 24th year of the Jiajing era in the Ming Dynasty (1544–1545), Xu Shan, who was then the Deputy Prefect of Chenzhou Prefecture in Hunan (modern-day Yuanling County, Huaihua City), was ordered to come to Maodong in Laifeng County to harvest nanmu wood. During this time, he wrote the Maodong Collection, documenting the local scenery and culture of western Hubei. The Maodong Collection is currently housed in the library of Zhejiang University and is the only regional work from Enshi Prefecture listed in the Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries).