Miyi Zhuanxu Dragon Cave
Subtitle: A Journey into the Subterranean Wonder and Scenic Splendor of Panzhihua
1. Introduction to the Zhuanxu Longdong (Dragon Cave) Scenic Area Nestled within Longtan Gully in Ninghua Township, approximately 20 kilometers from Miyi County's urban center, lies the captivating Zhuanxu Longdong Scenic Area. This comprehensive destination, named after the legendary ancient emperor Zhuanxu, offers far more than a single cavern, presenting visitors with a harmonious blend of geological marvels, lush landscapes, and botanical diversity. The area seamlessly integrates five distinct attractions: the magnificent Longtan Karst Cave (Dragon Pool Cave), the serene Longyin Gorge (Dragon's Chant Gorge), the artistic Natural Bonsai Garden, the unique Wild Cactus Garden, and the breathtaking panoramic views from Longzhou Mountain Peak. Recognized for its outstanding value, the area was designated a Provincial-Level Scenic Area in May 1998 and has since been accredited as a National AA-Level Tourist Attraction.
2. The Crown Jewel: Exploring Longtan Karst Cave 2.1. Layout and Structure The adventure begins at the cave's semi-circular arched entrance. Spanning roughly 1,100 meters in length, the cave features a relatively level and wide passageway, ensuring comfortable exploration for most visitors. A unique characteristic of this cave system is that both its entrance and exit are situated on the mountainside, with a significant elevation difference of several hundred meters between them, creating a fascinating journey through the heart of the mountain.
2.2. A Gallery of Stone Formations Inside, the cave unveils a spectacular underground world divided into seven grand halls and nine deep pools, interconnected by four cascading waterfalls and adorned with 21 key scenic spots. It is a veritable museum of speleothems, where millennia of mineral-rich water droplets have sculpted an awe-inspiring array of calcite formations. Visitors encounter a dramatic forest of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone columns in all sizes—from delicate, centimeter-long stone sprouts to imposing stone pagodas towering 2-3 meters high. Collective formations create stunning stone curtains and ridges that resemble miniature mountain ranges, while individual formations captivate with their lifelike resemblance to objects such as intricate "Stone Chrysanthemums" and graceful "Dolphins." Each chamber presents a new spectacle, with shapes ranging from the elegantly bizarre to the vividly realistic, all brought to life under strategic lighting.
3. The Complementary Surface Attractions 3.1. Longyin Gorge (Dragon's Chant Gorge) Exiting the subterranean realm, the scenic beauty continues above ground. Longyin Gorge, a verdant canyon stretching less than 2 kilometers, is a symphony of water and greenery. Dappled light filters through a lush canopy, illuminating a lively course where 23 streams and waterfalls tumble and cascade over mossy rocks in succession, filling the air with a soothing, melodic sound that inspired the gorge's name.
3.2. Natural Bonsai Garden Nearby, the Natural Bonsai Garden presents a strikingly different landscape. Here, nature itself appears to have mastered the art of bonsai. Terraced fields create layered vistas, amidst which isolated rocks and boulders are scattered like stars across the sky. These wind- and water-sculpted stones, often crowned with hardy shrubs and moss, stand as natural, solitary masterpieces against the terraced backdrop.
3.3. Wild Cactus Garden Adding a touch of desert-like wonder to the otherwise lush environment, the Wild Cactus Garden is a surprising and remarkable site. Vast communities of wild cacti thrive here, forming expansive groves. These cacti display a spectacular variety of forms—columnar, spherical, and sprawling—creating a unique, almost surreal forest that highlights the region's diverse microclimates and ecological resilience.
4. Practical Visitor Information 4.1. Summit Ascent: Longzhou Mountain Peak For those seeking a grand finale, a journey to Longzhou Mountain Peak is essential. The summit rewards the effort with boundless vistas. In season, thousands of acres of wild azaleas (Rhododendron) burst into vibrant color, while expansive seas of pine forests stretch toward the horizon, offering truly limitless and unforgettable scenery.
4.2. Tickets, Hours, and Logistics * Ticket Information: General admission is priced at 50 RMB. Concession tickets (e.g., for children, students, seniors) are available for 25 RMB. Please note: All information is for reference; official prices on the day of visit apply. * Opening Hours: The scenic area is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM. * Suggested Visit Duration: A thorough exploration of the entire scenic area typically requires a minimum of 3 hours. * Transportation: Direct regular bus services are available from Panzhihua city to Miyi County, covering a distance of approximately 80 kilometers. From Miyi, local transportation such as taxis or tourist buses can be taken to the scenic area. * Contact: For the latest information, you may contact the scenic area at 0812-8140888 or 0812-8139231.