Alu Cave in Luxi County, Honghe
Overview
The Alu Cave (阿庐古洞) scenic area is located 2 kilometers west of Luxi County (泸西县城), Honghe (红河州), in southeastern Yunnan Province (云南省). The name “Alu” comes from the Yi language, meaning “a tiger cave with a flat grassy area in front.” This site was one of the dwelling places of the Alu tribe, part of the “Thirty-Seven Barbarians” during the Song (宋) and Yuan (元) dynasties.
The Alu Cave consists of a vast cave system that formed approximately 200 million years ago. Originally submerged underwater, the region’s uplift led to the retreat of the sea, creating a typical karst landscape. Known for its nine peaks and eighteen caves, the Alu Cave is an integral part of this stunning geographic feature.
- Chinese Name: 泸西阿庐古洞景区
- Location: Yunnan Province (云南省), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Luxi County (泸西县)
- Ticket Price: 110 CNY
- Famous Attractions: Luyuan Cave (泸源洞), Yuzhu Cave (玉柱洞)
Historical Significance
During the Song and Yuan dynasties, the Alu tribe was one of the 37 wild tribes in the region. They lived in caves, which gave the area its name. The extensive cave system can be explored along a 3,000-meter tourist trail, showcasing 18 chambers, a cave river, and diverse speleothems. The major caves include Luyuan Cave, Yuzhu Cave, and Biyu Cave, each with unique formations.
Luyuan Cave (泸源洞)
- Length: 760 meters
- Description: Comprises a series of ten chambers connected by narrow paths, with the largest chamber capable of holding 4,000 people. Stalactites within have poetic names reflecting their appearances.
Yuzhu Cave (玉柱洞)
- Length: Over 800 meters
- Description: Characterized by high ceilings and the impressive formation known as the “Jade Pillar Supporting the Sky” (撑天玉柱), which is 8 meters tall and 30 cm in diameter.
Biyu Cave (碧玉洞)
- Length: 800 meters
- Description: Contains the crystal-clear Yusun River (玉笋河), home to unique blind cave fish.
The Alu Origin Cave (阿庐发源洞) was a living area for the Alu tribe and has been a show cave since the Yuan Dynasty. Notably, the famous geographer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) visited the caves twice during the Ming Dynasty (明).
Scenic Highlights
The Alu Cave system features three main caves and the Yusun River, showcasing an array of stunning stalactites and stalagmites in various natural styles, such as:
- “Male Lion Howling” (雄狮怒吼)
- “Lotus Hung Inversely” (古莲倒悬)
- “Flying Dragon Playing Waterfall” (飞龙戏瀑)
The river, at 800 meters long, flows slowly, providing a serene environment that reflects the stunning rock formations, creating a fairyland ambiance.
Main Attractions
- Luyuan Cave (泸源洞): Named after the southeastern spring that flows from the cave, it features a network of chambers.
- Yuzhu Cave (玉柱洞): Notable for its high ceilings and unique stalactite formations.
- Yusun River (玉笋河): A rare underground river known for its clarity and the presence of unique fish species.
How to Get There
The Ancient Alu Cave in Luxi County is approximately 165 kilometers from Kunming (昆明). Buses run regularly, providing transportation to the site.
Transportation Options:
- By Bus: Direct buses from Kunming to Luxi County are available.
- Local Buses: Three daily buses from Juhua Village (菊花村) to Alu Cave.
Driving Directions:
- From Kunming, take the Kunming-Shilin Highway (昆石高速) for approximately 86 kilometers, then proceed to Luxi for another 80 kilometers.
Travel Tips
- Entrance Fee: 110 CNY, which includes access to the caves and river, plus the cost for the cable car and boat rides. A guide can be hired for an additional 80 CNY.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: March to April and September to November, as the climate is mild with an average annual temperature of 15°C to 22.6°C.
- Clothing: Bring clothes for at least two seasons, and pack a lightweight raincoat for unexpected weather.
The Alu Cave (阿庐古洞) is a remarkable destination offering stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history, making it a must-visit when exploring Yunnan Province (云南省).
