Giant Swallow Rock Gorge Ice Potholes in Southern Jiangxi

　　The Swallow Rock Gorge in southern Jiangxi is situated in Pingfu Township, Shangyou County. The steep cliffs and caves of the gorge are inhabited by numerous bats (referred to locally as stone swallows), which is why it's called Swallow Rock. The gorge was formed during an ancient orogenic movement when the mountains uplifted, giving rise to the Luoxiao Mountain Range and transforming the once ocean-covered Wuzhi Mountain area into land. The Swallow Rock Gorge stretches approximately 12.5 kilometers in total, characterized by sheer cliffs, varying water depths, and minimal human presence. Due to glacial activity, variously sized cavities have formed on the steep rock faces within the gorge. The largest of these cavities measure over 4 meters in diameter, while the smallest are just a few centimeters. After years of river erosion, their interiors are remarkably smooth, each with its own unique shape.

　　Experts from the China Geological Academy of Sciences and the Jiangxi Geological Survey Institute have confirmed that the landform of Swallow Rock belongs to what geologists call a "valley pothole" or "glacial pothole," marking the first such discovery in Jiangxi Province. These ice potholes are direct remnants of glacial movements that occurred 2 to 3 million years ago. The site has attracted countless photography enthusiasts and travelers eager to explore this geological wonder and trace the “Earth’s memory of cold.”