Special supplement: Zhijin Cave a wonder of stalactites

The eons have made Zhijin Cave a wonderland for tourists who enjoy its 150 scenic spots in 47 separate caverns.

The gateway to the karst cave is set amid wild flowers that cover animal-shaped rocks. At noon, sunlight sneaks into the cave, creating a misty world with reflections from sparkling drips of water.

Stalactites ranging from palm-sized to dozens of meters high grow from the roof. One named Silver-rail Tree is a rare transparent crystalloid formed in the shape of a giant flower 17 m high.