Grottes et karsts de Chine
Sur les traces de Xu Xiake

Gang Zei 2

On the far side of the Li Long doline from the Gang Zei I resurgence, the river was followed through a low entrance (Figure 4) passage downstream using an inflatable dinghy for 300m to a large fossil side passage with a skylight. This led to Gang Zei 3. Evidence of a 'pebble avenue' leading to a large stalagmite boss with work steps up it showed that the cave had been entered and used, possibly for religious purposes, sometime in the past. A rise in water levels caused by irrigation systems in the doline nowadays restricts entry to those who don't mind getting wet.

Gang Zei 3

Exploring from the sink by dinghy a passage on the right after 150m was followed to the large fossil passage connecting with Gang Zei 2. The main routes joined a little further downstream in Canal Chamber. The now large stream passage with sand banks was then followed until the stream totally filled the passage. The high rift continued past waterfalls over drowned gour pools which seem to be the result of an irrigation dam at the resurgence. The rift then degenerated into a low canal with phreatic pendants. A hanging boulder choke with a strong draught was presumed to be associated with the huge fossil entrance directly above the rising in the Long Chuan doline. Roof level dropped to 1m just before daylight was reached downstream.

[Tim Fogg]