Qiliang Cave

　　Introduction       Qiliang Cave is situated in Qiliangqiao Township to the north of the ancient city, on the left side of the Jifeng Highway. This attraction combines mountains, rivers, canyons, rapids, cliffs, waterfalls, forests, farmland, and villages within one cave, and is renowned for its four major features: “wondrous, elegant, secluded, and steep.” It is often said that “once you’ve seen Qiliang Cave, you need not see any other.” The cave entrance resembles a giant dragon’s mouth, standing over 50 meters high and more than 20 meters wide. A clear stream flows through the karst cave, which stretches over 6,000 meters in length. Inside, there are five main scenic areas: the “Ancient Battlefield,” the “Gallery,” “Heaven,” the “Dragon Palace,” and the “Yin-Yang River.”     Legend has it that in the late Song Dynasty, the tribal leader He Che led a rebellion against the government, capturing cities and strongholds with irresistible momentum. The imperial court dispatched the “Three Yang Brothers” to lead troops in suppression, but they were defeated by He Che using three magical treasures: the “Life-Chasing Drum,” the “Soul-Bewitching Gong,” and the “Lotus Umbrella.” Later, due to a traitor’s betrayal, the treasures lost their power, and He Che retreated to Qiliang Cave where all his soldiers perished in battle. To this day, locals still tell the tale of “thirty-six men defeating nine thousand, dying at the gates of Qiliang Cave.” On the right bank of the stream, a “Lotus Umbrella” hangs from the cliff face, with the sound of flowing water—said to be He Che’s protective treasure.  　    Transportation         Take a minibus headed for Qiliang Cave from the Fenghuang Town bus station. The fare is 3 yuan.  　    Ticket/Opening Hours       30 yuan

　　 Western Hunan, Hunan