Baoshi Cave in Fumin County, Kunming
Overview
Baoshi Cave, located in Panlong Village (盘龙村), Sandan Town (散旦镇), Fumin County (富民县), is approximately 33 kilometers from Kunming. This limestone cave system comprises multiple caves, including Long Cave (龙洞), Xianren Cave (仙人洞), and Fulin Cave (福临洞), with Baoshi Cave being the main attraction. The cave is named for the abundance of colorful and unique agate stones found within, and it features a stunning variety of stalactites.
Location
- Chinese Name: 宝石洞
- Location: Panlong Village (盘龙村), Sandan Town (散旦镇), Fumin County (富民县)
- Distance from Kunming: 33 kilometers
Getting There
Visitors must walk for about 30 minutes to reach the foot of the mountain after arriving in Sandan Town. The hike to Baoshi Cave takes around 10 minutes.
Geological Features
Baoshi Cave is a large limestone cave system characterized by karst landforms, including:
- Dragon Cave (龙洞)
- Immortal Cave (仙人洞)
- Fulin Cave (福临洞)
The total length of the cave system exceeds 2,500 meters and spans nine layers, interconnected by underground rivers. The water flows gently, creating a refreshing environment.
Cave Characteristics
- Stalactites: The cave is filled with a stunning array of stalactites in various shapes and sizes.
- Archaeological Significance: In 1983, pottery and bone artifacts from the Neolithic era were discovered at the cave entrance, indicating its historical importance.
- Untouched Beauty: Baoshi Cave remains largely undeveloped, hidden deep within the earth and retaining its mysterious allure.
Scenic Highlights
The Baoshi Cave Scenic Area is only a 20-minute drive from the city center, with excellent access from Kunming’s West Third Ring Road (昆明西三环路) and the Northwest Ring Expressway (西北绕城高速). The scenic area features seven caves, of which four are currently developed. Notable highlights include:
- Stalactite Formations: The stalactites within the caves are particularly unique and diverse, especially in the upper sections of Baoshi Cave, where visitors can search for their desired gemstones.
- Gemstone Hunting: Some gemstones are crystal clear and can be crafted into jewelry, such as rings and pendants, depending on visitors’ luck.
The Paradise Water Cave (世外桃源水洞)
One of the highlights of the scenic area is the Paradise Water Cave, where visitors can take a boat ride from the front mountain to the back mountain. The cave features a vast and magnificent landscape that offers a unique charm.
Nature and Recreation
The Baoshi Cave Scenic Area has three main water sources:
- Dongfeng Reservoir Water: Flows through the back mountain to the Paradise Water Cave.
- Clear Stream: A gentle stream flows from the lower cave of Baoshi Cave, home to rare domestic golden line fish and bats.
- Underground Dragon Palace Water: Water continuously gushes from the ground, characterized by its clarity and coolness, comparable to the water from Kunming’s Heilongtan (黑龙潭).
Visitors can enjoy activities such as:
- Camping: Facilities are available for camping, barbecuing, and fishing.
- Water Fun: Play in the water, engage in water fights, and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the area.
- Harvesting: Fresh vegetables and fruits are available for picking.
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