Bailongdong Cave Scenic Area in Mile City, Honghe
Overview
Bailongdong Cave Scenic Area (弥勒白龙洞风景名胜区, Mílè Báilóngdòng Fēngjǐng Mìngshèngqū) is located in Mile County (弥勒县, Mílè Xiàn), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng), covering an area of approximately 30 square kilometers. The scenic area is situated along a national highway, with various attractions connected by roads, forming a circular route within the southern Yunnan tourism circuit.
Attractions
The Bailongdong Cave Scenic Area comprises several notable sites, including Bailongdong Cave, Sun Ranweng Tomb (孙髯翁墓, Sūn Ránwēng Mù), Mile Temple (弥勒寺, Mílè Sì), the Former Residence of Xiong Qinglai (熊庆来故居, Xióng Qìnglái Gùjū), the San Dai Yi Pin Feng Dian Fang (三代一品封典访, Sān Dài Yī Pǐn Fēng Diǎn Fǎng), Dashulongtan (大树龙潭, Dàshù Lóngtán), Meihua Hot Springs (梅花温泉, Méihuā Wēnquán), and Renshui Pond (热水塘, Rèshuǐ Táng).
Bailongdong is characterized by its extensive 2,500-meter-long pathways that extend across two levels, featuring significant sections like the South Palace (南宫, Nángōng), North Palace (北宫, Běigōng), Yaochi Wonderland (瑶池仙境, Yáochí Xiānjìng), and Underwater World (海底世界, Hǎidǐ Shìjiè). The cave houses diverse formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, stone towers, and columns, along with unique attractions like the “Dragon Wall Relief” (龙壁浮雕, Lóng Bì Fúdiāo), “Curved Stalagmites” (弯笋奇石, Wān Sǔn Qíshí), “Lingzhi Slanting Tower” (灵芝斜塔, Língzhī Xiétǎ), and “Underwater World.” The area also includes Phoenix Cave (凤凰洞, Fènghuáng Dòng) and Hot Air Cave (热气洞, Rèqì Dòng), adding to its allure.
Bailongdong is a layered dry cave developed from 225 million-year-old Triassic limestone, primarily formed through the accumulation of milky white secondary calcium and magnesium carbonates. It was designated as a provincial scenic area in Yunnan in 1993 and was rated as a national AA-level tourist attraction in 2001.
Name Origin
Long ago, the area around Mile County was abundant with clear waters and verdant hills, where people of various ethnicities lived in harmony. Jealous of this peace, an evil Black Dragon (黑龙, Hēilóng) used magic to dry up the lakes, causing crops to wither. A benevolent Dragon Girl (龙女, Lóngnǚ) named Yulian (玉莲, Yùlián) witnessed the suffering and sought to help by bringing rain, but the Black Dragon obstructed her at every turn.
A young man named Aqing (阿青, Āqīng) rallied the villagers to dig wells, ultimately discovering a spring that alleviated their suffering. After a series of trials, Aqing saved Yulian, who had lost her magical sword. Their union brought joy, but the Black Dragon’s jealousy led to tragedy, eventually resulting in Yulian’s departure from the human world. Years later, the underground palace crafted by the Dragon Girl was discovered, known today as Bailongdong.
Detailed Introduction
Bailongdong Cave is situated 31 kilometers southwest of Mile County, covering 2 million square meters. The area features numerous caves, with Bailongdong being the most spectacular. The cave system includes both indoor and outdoor exploration areas, with the indoor trails totaling 2,500 meters, shaped in an “8” pattern across two levels.
The four main attractions within the cave are the South Palace, North Palace, Yaochi Wonderland, and Underwater World, along with over 40 halls and numerous other sights. The karst landscape is well-developed, featuring unique geological formations, including the rare “Dragon Wall Relief,” “Curved Stalagmites,” “Lingzhi Slanting Tower,” and “Underwater World.”
Other notable sites include the spectacular Dashulongtan, which annually showcases unique phenomena, where spring water suddenly stops and reverses, only to erupt moments later.
How to Get There
To reach the Bailongdong Cave Scenic Area, travelers can drive from Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng) via the G80 National Highway, taking approximately 2-3 hours. Public transport options, including buses from Kunming to Mile County, are also available.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploration.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven cave paths.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the geological formations.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning natural beauty, but be mindful of cave regulations regarding flash photography.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during summer months.
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