Changchun to Benxi

Asia » China » Jilin » Changchun
June 6th 2007

Published: June 6th 2007

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frequentflyer

Benxi

Description of Benxi

Changchun to Benxi

Asia » China » Dongbei » Changchun By frequentflyer
June 6th 2007 After more driving this morning we get to today's highlight - Benxi Cave, with the longest underground river in China, 5th longest in the world. It's about 5km long, average depth of 2m and deepest is 7m. Average water temperature is 0C, and the fish/loach in the river has essentially lost functional use of its eyes because of the complete darkness. There are many stalactites in the cave, many with shapes that resemble various objects, including elephant, leaning tower etc. The stalactites grow very slowly, at a rate of 1mm/100 years. Some tourists think that they have anti-cancer properties and had stolen most of the ones within reach. Benxi also has the smallest lake in the world with the shape of a rhino at 15m^2, although I wonder if it would be called a pond instead?

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