Xianrendong Fairy Cave in Luoping County, Qujing
Overview
Xianrendong (仙人洞), or the Fairy Cave, is located about 10 kilometers east of Luoxiong Town (罗雄镇) in Luoping County (罗平县), Qujing City (曲靖市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The cave is estimated to have four layers. Initially, the entrance appeared as a narrow crack, making it difficult for most people to enter. However, after some excavation, it has become accessible. The first layer covers an area of approximately 120 square meters and is brightly illuminated, thanks to a “Sky Hole” (通天洞) with a diameter of about 30 centimeters in its dome.
Main Attractions
Upon entering the cave, visitors are greeted by a stunning display known as the “Pumpkin Necklace” (南瓜项链), which elegantly hangs from the ceiling, creating a majestic atmosphere. To the left of the entrance, strange rock formations add to the cave’s mystical charm, and there is an additional passageway about the width of a person.
Continuing deeper into the cave, you will encounter a winding path that leads to the second layer. Descending further brings you to the third layer, where you must cross the entrance to the fourth layer and ascend again. Just a short distance away, you will discover a natural stalactite Buddha mural, vividly colored and lifelike, believed to signify the arrival of celestial beings, hence the name “Fairy Cave.”
The entrance to the fourth layer descends vertically, measuring approximately 2 meters by 2 meters. You may hear the gentle sound of flowing water; tossing a stone into the darkness reveals a profound silence. Some have attempted to explore this depth using ropes but were unable to reach the bottom.
Geographic Environment
Luoxiong Town (罗雄镇) is located at the intersection of Yunnan (云南), Guizhou (贵州), and Guangxi (广西) provinces, often referred to as the “Eastern Yunnan Heavy Town” (滇东重镇), the “Key to Yunnan and Guizhou” (滇黔锁钥), and “Three Provinces Crowing at Dawn” (鸡鸣三省). It serves as a central town that integrates urban, plain, mountainous, semi-mountainous, and high-altitude areas, acting as a significant distribution center for goods among the three provinces.
The town governs 23 village committees, 120 natural villages, and 239 village resident groups. It hosts over 160 governmental units from central, provincial, municipal, and county levels, making it the political, economic, and cultural center of Luoping County. The total household count is 31,836, with a population of 113,128, including 79,223 agricultural residents. The cultivated land spans 68,313.59 acres, with 15,148.5 acres of paddy fields and 53,165.09 acres of dry land. The total land area is 379.9 square kilometers.
Luoxiong Town leverages its abundant resources and strategic location, actively implementing four major strategies: promoting education and technology for town development, tourism-driven growth, urbanization, and comprehensive openness. The town is accelerating urbanization and agricultural industrialization processes while seizing opportunities for development. Key focuses include:
- Urban construction centered on the county seat.
- Agricultural infrastructure development emphasizing high-yield farming.
- Establishing livestock bases focusing on pigs, cattle, and sheep.
- Developing vegetable bases emphasizing plastic film and greenhouse vegetables.
- Supporting individual and private economic growth in construction materials, transportation, food processing, and commercial services.
- Cultivating six major industries: grain, tobacco, oilseed rape, livestock, vegetables, and individual private economy.
The goal is to transform Luoxiong Town into a center of economic development, public safety, social harmony, and environmental beauty.
How to Get There
To reach Xianrendong Fairy Cave, you can fly into Qujing City and then take a taxi or a local bus to Luoping County. Once in Luoping, local transport options, such as taxis or tour buses, can be arranged to take you to the cave.
Travel Tips
- Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for cave exploration and uneven terrain.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water and snacks, especially if you plan on spending an extended time exploring.
- Respect Nature: Follow local guidelines to preserve the cave’s natural environment and geological formations.
- Plan for Weather: Check the local weather forecast before your trip, as conditions can change quickly in cave environments.
- Safety Precautions: Be cautious while navigating the cave and avoid straying too far from marked paths.
