Sanyou Cave Scenic Area
2024-06-06 15:06:00
Ten kilometers northwest of Yichang’s city area is Sanyou Cave Scenic Area, on a cliff overlooking the Yangtze River at the mouth of Xiling Gorge. As a National 4A Tourist Attraction, it’s a renowned destination celebrated for its natural beauty and rich historical significance.
This scenic area derives its name from two notable historical anecdotes. During the Tang Dynasty, three eminent poets—Bai Juyi, Bai Xingjian, and Yuan Zhen—visited the cave, earning it the title of "the first Sanyou (three visitors)." Later, in the Song Dynasty, the renowned scholar Su Xun and his sons, Su Shi and Su Zhe, also explored the cave, thus becoming known as "the last Sanyou (three visitors)."
Key attractions within the scenic area include the cave itself, Zhixi Pavilion, Chusai Tower, the ancient military fort ruins, Zhang Fei's Drum Platform, and Luyou Spring.
The cave showcases stunning karst topography characterized by its unique geological formations. Inside, three impressive stalactite columns descend from the ceiling, naturally dividing the cavern into two distinct chambers. These stalactites serve as natural doorposts between the front and back chambers, creating a striking visual effect. The expansive cave is filled with numerous stalactite formations that give the impression of being supported by these geological wonders. Visitors can also observe distinct layering structures of limestone outside the cave, which highlight various erosion processes including hydraulic erosion and undercutting.
The site has garnered recognition for its cultural heritage, and in March 2024, it was included in Hubei Province's third batch of cultural heritage parks.
Visitor Information:
Ticket Price: 65.00 yuan
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM
This scenic area derives its name from two notable historical anecdotes. During the Tang Dynasty, three eminent poets—Bai Juyi, Bai Xingjian, and Yuan Zhen—visited the cave, earning it the title of "the first Sanyou (three visitors)." Later, in the Song Dynasty, the renowned scholar Su Xun and his sons, Su Shi and Su Zhe, also explored the cave, thus becoming known as "the last Sanyou (three visitors)."
Key attractions within the scenic area include the cave itself, Zhixi Pavilion, Chusai Tower, the ancient military fort ruins, Zhang Fei's Drum Platform, and Luyou Spring.
The cave showcases stunning karst topography characterized by its unique geological formations. Inside, three impressive stalactite columns descend from the ceiling, naturally dividing the cavern into two distinct chambers. These stalactites serve as natural doorposts between the front and back chambers, creating a striking visual effect. The expansive cave is filled with numerous stalactite formations that give the impression of being supported by these geological wonders. Visitors can also observe distinct layering structures of limestone outside the cave, which highlight various erosion processes including hydraulic erosion and undercutting.
The site has garnered recognition for its cultural heritage, and in March 2024, it was included in Hubei Province's third batch of cultural heritage parks.
Visitor Information:
Ticket Price: 65.00 yuan
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM
