Meishan Cave & Ziquejie Terrace

The photo shows Meishan Cave in Xinhua County. (Photo source: hunan.gov.cn) 

 

Meishan Cave, a subterranean limestone cave, is situated on the side of Zijiang River, which is rare in the world. Having the structure of several storeys in the cave with marvelous spectacles, it is proven to be 2,876 meters long. Currently a 1,896-meter-long route is open to the tourists, with a unique underground river of 466 meters. In the cave, there are spectacular flowstones of surprising shapes and all kinds of stalactites, stalagmites and plane sections. The cave is hailed as "the most beautiful geological garden in Asia".

Chinese source: wlgtj.hnloudi.gov.cn

 

Photo/Zeng Wengui 

The Ziquejie Terraced Fields are included in the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and the World's Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS). Located in Xinhua County, Loudi City, Ziquejie Terraced Fields enjoy a history of more than 2,000 years. It is a combination of rice culture in southern China and fishing-hunting culture of Miao and Yao ethnic groups in mountainous areas.

The Ziquejie Terraced Fields have a unique monsoon climate with abundant rainfall. Spanning 80,000 mu (about 5,333 hectares) of land, these terraced fields utilize a gravity-powered irrigation system, eliminating the necessity for ponds or dams.

The Ziquejie Terraced Fields Scenic Area, situated at an average altitude of over 1,000 meters, features terraced fields that cascade down the mountainside, transforming in color with each passing season. The graceful curves of the terraced fields meander through the mountains, revealing a breathtaking and grandeur beauty that exemplifies nature's masterful artistry.

Chinese source: Chinanews

Part of English source: People's Daily