Sanpai Yao Village and Lianzhou Underground River

The Sanpai Yao Village is situated in Sanpai Village in Qingyuan City, about 11 kilometers (7 miles) south of the Liannan County. This Yao Village is a vivacious scenic resort comprehensively reflecting the history, culture, art, customs, architecture, costumes and folk entertainment of the Yao ethnic minority.

Nestled at the foot of the gorgeous Sanpai Mountain, the rows of houses in the Yao Village rise with the slope. Often, the roofs of the houses in the front rows are level with the floors of the houses in the back rows. The houses are connected together by corridors and lanes, forming the typical architectural layout of Yao villages.

Sauntering through the finely-arranged Yao folk houses and zigzag paths, you will feel the simplicity of the Yao Village where the venerable life style is continued. Antique and unique stilt-houses, also known as pile dwellings, can be seen in the village. There are bamboo pipes hanging in the midair which resemble spider webs. They are the water pipes used by local people. Still, there exist a number of original breweries, bean curd mills, oil mills and granaries. Brick, tile and the ancient houses represent the age-old life style of the Yao nationality.

In the spectacular village, tourists can visit the traditional Yao breweries and have a taste of the fragrant rice wine and the lighter wines which are peculiar to the Yao nationality. In the antique oil mills, oil made by the indigenous methods is a popular performance. Learning to make wine and bean curd are also recommended as special experiences. There are also many workshops producing various local folk craftworks, including beautiful Yao ethnic costumes, ingenious embroideries, fine curios and local specialties.

Tourists to the Yao Village will have the chance to know the wedding and funeral customs of the natives. The passionate Yao people will present wonderful folk singing and dancing to their visitors and amuse with them in the auditorium.
 

Characterized by the subtropical karst (dissolved rock) cave and the underground river inside the cave, Lianzhou Underground River is a well known summer resort boasting a stunning landscape, moderate temperature and fresh air throughout the year. It is situated in Dadong Village, about 26 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Lianzhou City, a famous cultural and historical city which is also renowned for its intriguing stalactites that have brought it fame down through the ages.

The mysterious cave has been shaped by 200 million years of erosion of the bedrock and there are numerous beautiful stalactites to be seen. The natural karst cave is divided into three floors, with a total length of about 1,860 meters (6,102 feet). Tourists can first visit the middle floor and the upper floor. Walking along the winding stone pathway, travelers will be overwhelmed by the enchanting variety of stalactites visible. The stalactites themselves appear to portray a thousand scenes in the rays of the colorful lights, captivating tourists who linger there, forgetting their cares. Numerous other attractions draw your attention such as the smiling Buddha, ancient emplacement, spiny cactus, magnificent gate and the stunning natural flora and fauna of the region.

The lower floor of the cave encompasses an underground river measuring about 1,500 meters (4,920 meters) long. The river winds its way to the depths of the cave with the width and depth of the waters varying greatly here and there. Drifting lazily along the water in a boat, you can admire the spectacular scenery along the banks as you pass through the narrowing and widening river. Sometimes, the enchanting stalactites are even within easy reach! The zigzag river runs through three little picturesque gorges which were respectively called 'Longmen Gorge', 'Lotus Gorge' and 'Banana Gorge' according to their shapes.

Along the banks, the extraordinary stalactites, stone pillars, stalagmites, stone flowers, stone curtains and stone waterfalls are a feast for the eyes. Some look like elephants, birds, subterranean palaces, wandering lions, paddling crocodiles, and unique pavilions, and some look like sea lions which are welcoming tourists. Seen from below, the top of the cave resembles the immense night sky, while the shine on the stone curtains is just like the millions of stars sparkling in the sky; a truly breathtaking sight!