Yan Zhuyan

　　Yeshijiping Yan Zhuyan is situated in the Yan Zhuyan Tourist Area, located in the southeastern part of Shaodong County, in Fumin Village, Yeshijiping Town. It is on the border of Hengyang and forms a roughly seven-kilometer triangular area with Shetianqiao and Huochangping. The location enjoys convenient external transportation, with two newly built roads leading directly from Shetianqiao and Huochangping to Yan Zhuyan. It is 23 kilometers from Shaodong County, 51 kilometers from Shaoyang City, 80 kilometers from Hengyang City, 30 kilometers from Qidong County, 8 kilometers from Hengbao Road, and 10 kilometers from the new 1814 Highway.

　　Yan Zhuyan is a typical karst cave landscape featuring a network of interconnected chambers that twist and turn for dozens of kilometers. Legend has it that the cave system connects all the way to Qidong. Inside the cave, the rock formations are unique, with a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, stone lions, and stone turtles—each taking on extraordinary and indescribable shapes. The formations appear naturally formed and are remarkably fantastical. There is also a river running through the cave, flowing year-round with crystal-clear water that makes a pleasant sound as it flows through the Water Rock section and into the reservoir. This links the cave and reservoir into a single entity. The recently developed 1,500-meter section includes over twenty caves of various sizes and more than sixty scenic spots, making it fully comparable to other famous caves in China. The cave maintains a comfortable temperature year-round—warm in winter and cool in summer. The cave structure is solid, safe, and well-ventilated. Exploring the cave feels like stepping into a fairyland, offering a delightful experience that makes visitors want to linger. Photo by Huang Yijun.