Jiyi Cave in Ninglang County, Lijiang
Overview
Jiyi Cave (吉意溶洞) is the latest large karst cave discovered near Lugu Lake (泸沽湖). The crystal-clear Jiyi River (吉意河) flows eastward from the village, surrounded by lush mountains and streams, creating a picturesque landscape. The village predominantly houses the Mosuo people (摩梭族), and to the north lies a mountain ridge, from which one can hike a few miles to reach the ancient Yiyi Cave (古意溶洞).
- Chinese Name: 吉意溶洞
- Location: Hongqiao Township (红桥乡), Ninglang County (宁蒗县), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 09:00-17:00
- Nearby Ethnic Group: Mosuo (摩梭族)
- Area: 12 square kilometers
- Total Length: Over 1 kilometer
- Composition: Main cave, upper cave, and numerous branch caves
Main Attractions
Jiyi Cave features a rich and bizarre landscape, with spacious interiors adorned with stunning stalactites, creating a magnificent underground labyrinth.
The highest point of the cave reaches over 30 meters, with a width of 20 meters. The cave system spans an area of 12 square kilometers, accommodating thousands of visitors. Approximately 400 meters from the main entrance, a clear spring emerges year-round, allowing for visibility of swimming fish.
Inside the cave, formations resemble chandeliers, lions, and even Bodhisattvas. Spectacular stone flowers bloom beside stone columns, while mythical figures like the “Five Hundred Arhats” (五百罗汉) and “Eight Great Kings” (八大金刚) shine like stars in the grand hall, depicting realistic shapes of people, birds, beasts, insects, fish, flowers, and grass in a myriad of forms. These formations range from dark brown to brilliant golden hues, often appearing in three-dimensional shapes such as stone pillars, stalagmites, and stone flowers, some hanging from the ceiling or growing from the cave floor.
During the Qingming Festival (清明节), many local ethnic groups come to the cave to burn incense and pray under a giant statue of Guanyin (观音).
Geographic Location
Jiyi Cave is located in Hongqiao Township (红桥乡), Ninglang County (宁蒗县), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is the newest large cave discovered near Lugu Lake (泸沽湖). The scenic Jiyi River (吉意河) flows through the village, with crystal-clear streams creating a beautiful landscape. The village mainly consists of the Mosuo people (摩梭族), and a mountain ridge to the north leads to the cave after a few miles of hiking.
Historical Legend
According to legend, a long time ago, one morning, a group of pilgrims traveling to worship the Sacred Mountains (诸神山) encountered a Mosuo woman collecting water at the village entrance. An elderly monk approached her and asked the name of the place. The woman, feeling nervous and shy, misheard the question, thinking he asked what she was doing, and casually replied, “Jiyi” (吉意) in the Mosuo language, meaning “carrying water.” The monk responded, “Oh, Jiyi, what a lovely name!” From that day forward, the place has been known as Jiyi.
How to Get There
Public Transport
- Bus: Take a bus from Lijiang (丽江) to Ninglang County (宁蒗县). Upon arrival, local transport can take you to Hongqiao Township (红桥乡).
Private Transport
- Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi from Lijiang to Ninglang County is advisable for a more comfortable journey.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploration.
- Recommended Duration: Allocate at least half a day to fully experience the cave and its surroundings.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, carry water, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning formations inside the cave.
