Emperor Cave, nestled in the mountains and beside the water, is a large limestone karst cave primarily formed by the long-term dissolution of groundwater. It maintains a warm temperature in winter and a cool one in summer. The entrance of the cave is located by the Nan Yao River. From a distance, it resembles a large water buffalo with its mouth open. The cave is approximately 60 meters wide, 130 meters deep, 25 meters high, and covers an area of about 7800 square meters. The cave hall is arch-shaped, flat, and spacious, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people. Inside, the winding paths, flying swallows, and colorful stalactites create an intriguing and delightful atmosphere for visitors.
To the southeast of the cave, there is a 90-meter-long natural stone landscape featuring a throne with a stone figure seated on it, flanked by stone guards, resembling an emperor’s ascension to the throne, hence the name ‘Emperor Cave’. Behind the stone scene, there is a ‘palace’ with three horizontal stones at the entrance, resembling hanging brocades, and a stone pillar behind the door, adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings. On the palace’s ceiling, there is a skylight-like opening, 2 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, allowing light to shine down and illuminate the cave’s interior. Visitors can climb stone steps to reach the top of the cave through the skylight, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, rice fields, and Li ethnic villages. The cave is open all year round and accessible 24 hours a day.
