On June 12, 2018, the world record certification event for Benxi Water Cave as the “World’s Longest Continuously Navigable Underground River Scenic Area” was grandly held at the Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area in Liaoning.
At 9:00 a.m., an official from the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) conducted an on-site assessment of Benxi Water Cave’s application for the world record title “World’s Longest Continuously Navigable Underground River Scenic Area.” After 1 hour and 36 minutes of technical evaluation, the application was successfully approved by the certification officer. The birth of this world record for Benxi Water Cave is of epoch-making significance—not only fulfilling the aspirations of generations associated with the cave, but also serving as the most brilliant achievement in the series of events celebrating the 35th anniversary of the scenic area’s opening to the public.
At 10:40 a.m., Damir, the certification officer from the World Record Certification Agency, solemnly announced to the world that Benxi Water Cave had officially earned the world record title for “World’s Longest Continuously Navigable Underground River Scenic Area,” sparking an eruption of excitement at the scene.
According to leaders from the Benxi Water Cave Scenic Area, the entire process of achieving this world record certification spanned six months. Starting from December 20, 2017, when initial data was submitted to the WRCA via a third-party platform, to May 12, 2018, when the preliminary review notice and challenge rules were received, and finally to the successful on-site certification on June 12, numerous behind-the-scenes efforts took place. It is reported that the initial submission to the WRCA included not only data about the underground river inside the cave, but also measurements of the Jade Elephant and Leaning Tower formations within. In the future, how these features—Jade Elephant and Leaning Tower—will be positioned for potential world records will be determined through on-site inspections and guidance by the certification officers.
Thirty-five years of forging new chapters, striving forward with unyielding spirit. As a flagship destination among China’s national scenic areas, a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, and the main zone of a national geopark, Benxi Water Cave has evolved from nonexistence to prominence, from small-scale to large, and from weakness to strength. It has gradually become the leading enterprise in Benxi’s tourism industry and a shining calling card for the city. The successful attainment of this global record not only elevates Benxi Water Cave’s brand to unprecedented heights, but also marks a new milestone in its developmental history.