Qiliang Cave, Hunan – Bizarre Rock Formations

The Ancient Battlefield is located at the front of Qiliang Cave. It is said that during the late Southern Song Dynasty, the oppressed southern ethnic heroes conspired to rebel here. Local resident He Che led a militia primarily composed of the Miao ethnic group to engage in fierce battles with the official troops commanded by the three brothers Yang Long, Yang Hu, and Yang Bao. They successfully repelled the attacks of the officials each time. However, due to betrayal, the entire militia tragically perished in the cave. A folk rhyme still circulates today: “Thirty-six men killed nine thousand, fighting into Qiliang Cave; blood flowed like rivers, corpses piled like mountains; don’t believe it? Just look outside the cave, where armor is buried in the muddy fields.” Within the Ancient Battlefield, many place names are still associated with this battle: “Luoma River,” where the militia used large stones to crush enemies who rolled into the river; “Gu Nian Fang,” where rice was ground to feed nearly ten thousand troops; “Yu Xi He Hua,” named after He Che’s protective treasure, the lotus umbrella; and “She Tou Shi,” “Zheng Shi,” and “He Ma Xi Shan,” named after He Che’s three generals.

“Paradise” is spectacular and breathtaking, featuring 32 major attractions. Over the long ages, soluble carbonate rocks have transformed into various forms, creating a wonderfully unique ambiance for “Paradise.” The “South Gate” soars into the clouds, “Fairy Bathing” is enchanting, “Royal Calligraphy” is vividly depicted, “Ling Xiao Palace” seems ethereal, “Jade Trees and Blossoms” are vibrant, “Carefree Palace” is picturesque, “Yao Pool” ripples with silver waves, “Zi Xiao Palace” stands with three majestic gates, “Hundred Birds Worship the Phoenix” is captivating, and “Guang Han Palace” is vast and empty. Covering over 5,000 square meters, “Paradise” contains not only these 32 major attractions but also countless smaller ones like stars in the sky.

In the “Ten-Mile Gallery,” there are vast forests with towering ancient trees, casting shade over the snow-colored stones known as “Forest Sea Snowfield.” Snow-capped peaks stand tall, with snow lotus buds ready to bloom, embodying the northern scenery known as “Ice Mountain Snow Lotus.” The “Southwest Jungle” features dense ancient trees intertwined with vines and thorns. The “Hua Mountain Path” is steep and perilous, resembling the work of a master craftsman. Gentle streams flow through fertile fields, where farmhouses can be faintly seen, reminiscent of pastoral life in “Peach Blossom Source.” Scenic spots reminiscent of West Lake, such as carved bridges, Su Causeway, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, add charm to the area. A grand hall with transparent, towering, and crystal-clear lava structures creates a “Hall of Musical Stone,” where walls can produce seven musical notes. Additionally, eight wall paintings depict lifelike images of Buddhas and immortals, resembling the “Dunhuang Caves.”

Shanjiang Miao Village – Experience Miao Culture

South Great Wall – A Vivid Historical Record

Fenghuang Ancient Town – A Phoenix Spreading its Wings