Qinglong

The "Hanging Temple" of Southern China

1.Located on the banks of the Wuyang: River in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Qinglong Cave (Qinglongdong) is a breathtaking architectural wonder. Often described as a "hanging ancient town" hidden amidst the Karst cliffs, this site is not merely a single cave but a massive cluster of ancient buildings clinging to the precipice like swallows' nests. Covering a total area of approximately 20,000 square meters, it stands as the largest and most well-preserved hanging architectural complex in Guizhou, earning it the reputation of the "First Ancient Architectural Complex in Guizhou".

2.While it does not hold: UNESCO World Heritage status, Qinglong Cave is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and a Key National Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Its unique position—suspended between the looming cliffs above and the emerald river below—creates a dramatic visual impact. Visitors walking the plank roads feel the thrill of "being in a building, the building on a cliff, and the cliff in the water," a poetic scene that blends human ingenuity with the raw beauty of nature.

A Harmony of Three Faiths

3.What makes Qinglong: Cave truly unique in the landscape of Chinese cultural heritage is its rare and harmonious integration of the "Three Teachings": Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Since its inception during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (approx. 15th century), the complex has served as a spiritual sanctuary where these distinct philosophies coexist side by side.

The complex is divided into six main architectural groups, including:

• 4.The Ziyang Academy (Confucianism): Built during the Wanli reign, this academy is dedicated to Zhu Xi (whose honorary title was Master Ziyang). It was once the center of literary fortune for the region, where scholars climbed high to study and pray for success in the imperial examinations.
• 5.The Zhongyuan Zen Temple (Buddhism): Featuring traces of Tibetan Buddhism, this section includes cave temples where statues and exquisite murals reside in the cool, natural rock enclosures.
• 6.The Wanshou Palace (Taoism): A majestic Taoist structure known for its flying eaves and bottle-shaped roof decorations, serving as a venue for rituals to drive away evil spirits and pray for blessings.

Architectural Mastery and History

7.The construction of Qinglong: Cave spans hundreds of years, from the Ming Dynasty through the Qing Dynasty, reflecting the architectural wisdom of "adapting to local conditions and uniting heaven and man". The builders utilized the natural caves and crevices of the cliff, constructing pavilions, attic walkways, and stone railings that seem to grow organically from the rock face.

Historically, this site witnessed the transformation of Zhenyuan from a military garrison to a center of commerce and culture. It sits near the "Throat of Guizhou and Chu," watching over the ancient trade routes of the Wuyang River. Legend holds that the name "Qinglong" (Green Dragon) comes from the belief that a dragon resides in the dark caves at the base of the cliff, guarding the peace of the region.

The Visitor Experience

8.Exploring Qinglong: Cave is a journey of discovery. The narrow "One Line Sky" crevice, which allows only one person to pass at a time, adds a sense of adventure to the spiritual pilgrimage. The suspended wooden plank roads offer thrilling vantage points for photography, capturing the S-shaped curve of the Wuyang River and the panoramic view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Whether viewing the exquisite wood carvings, exploring the cool cave interiors, or simply listening to the bells tolling in the wind, a visit here offers a tranquil escape into the depth of Guizhou's history and faith.