Huluping Cave in Huaping County, Lijiang
Chinese Name: 华坪县葫芦坪溶洞
English Name: Huluping Cave in Huaping County, Lijiang
Hulu Cave (葫芦洞) Overview
Hulu Cave is located in Hulu Ping Village, Xinzhuang Lisu Ethnic Township, Huaping County, with geographic coordinates of 26º32.91′ N latitude and 101º10.85′ E longitude. The cave entrance is approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. The cave system is about 1,200 meters long, with the main passage extending roughly 800 meters. Inside, there is an underground river and a variety of unique formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, and stone pillars, each with distinct shapes. This cave is notable for its rich diversity and well-preserved formations, making it a rare find in the province. International experts have concluded that “this cave is extremely rare among both domestic and international tourist caves,” and World Geography Magazine has reported on it. The cave is located in a pristine area, underscoring its aesthetic, research, and economic value, which is both immeasurable and irreplaceable.
Legend of Hulu Cave
As you enter Hulu Cave, you can “feel the artistic creation of nature over millions of years.” The cave is steeped in a beautiful legend: long ago, the area around Xinzhuang Hulu Ping was plagued by demons and monsters that harmed the people, causing locals to flee for their lives. This situation was noticed by the seven guardians (the famous “Hulu Brothers”) surrounding Guanyin. They vowed to fight the demons, engaging in a fierce battle for forty-nine days, during which two of the brothers were eaten by the monsters. Just when things were dire, Guanyin descended to subdue the evil beings, ensuring the safety of the people. To prevent the demons from returning, Guanyin commanded the remaining five guardians to dwell in the cave forever, naming it “Hulu Cave.”
Hulu Cave Scenic Area
The development of Hulu Cave in Xinzhuang relies on the local resources of the cave, which is over 600 million years old and rare worldwide, as well as ethnic minority resources, the unique geographical and climatic conditions. It aims to create a 4A-rated tourist resort that integrates cultural experiences, geomagnetic health culture, Lisu ethnic customs, an ecological park, and agritourism, thereby opening the long-hidden door to this paradise for those yearning for a heavenly experience.
Transportation
Hulu Ping Cave is located in the northwest part of Yunnan Province, within Huaping County’s Xinzhuang Lisu and Dai Ethnic Township, making it conveniently accessible. It is situated along the tourist route connecting popular destinations such as Yulong Snow Mountain, Lijiang Ancient Town, and Lugu Lake, as well as the tourism lines to Sichuan and the Panxi region.
- Distance:
- 74 km from Panzhihua Huashi
- 27 km from Huaping County
- 5 km from the Xinzhuang Township Government
The cave is well-connected by roads, with the ongoing construction of the Lijiang-Panzhihua Expressway passing nearby, making it an essential stop for tourists traveling between Kunming and Lugu Lake.