Grottes et karsts de Chine
Sur les traces de Xu Xiake

2.4 Lianhuadong (Lotus cave)

UTM: 48 659607 2694574

Altitude: 461m

Total plan length of survey shots = 466.47m Vertical range = 10.55m

The entrance to this cave is situated close to the E. bank of the Chengbi River near the northern limits of Lingyun. A dirt road passes immediately past the entrance and probably its construction was instrumental in breaking into the cave. This is by no means a virgin cave and there is much evidence of all parts having been explored, and to some extent damaged, by local people.

A short rubble slope from the entrance leads to a considerable, more or less horizontal, fossil cave system with passages of a substantial size which are well decorated with formations.

The local government asked us to consider its potential as a show cave. Although it is well decorated, it does not compare either in scale or quality with the existing show cave just to the NW of Lingyun and therefore would probably not be worth developing. It could, however, be valuable as a very accessible “adventure” style cave.