Chapter 12: The exploitation of karst by man

Résumé - Abstract - Zusammenfassung :Some of the first men took refuge or dwelled in the caves found in Central China’s mountain karst. Up till now houses, stables, pens or washing-places can be found in the entrance areas of many caves. The floors and flanks of countless poljes, uvalas and dolines were have been cultivated for centuries. Water resources are tapped for drinking water and irrigation. There are many subterranean dams and water deviations. Distilleries are installed in cave entrances. Almost disappeared are the extensive nitrate works which flourished till 1960. With the booming development quarries and concrete works grow fast. Karst tourism, especially to caves, becomes more and more popular. One of the most beautiful show-caves of China is Jiutiandong (Sangzhi county, North Hunan) which, however, is visited due to difficult access by a limited number of visitors only.

Keywords: Natural resources, forest, cave, nitrate, coal, underground dam, show cave, tourism.