Qinglong Cave is situated on Mount Zhonghe on the Wuyang River and in the east of Zhenyuan. It is mainly made up of six groups of buildings, including Black Dragon Cave, Ziyang Study-room, Zhongyuan Meditation Hall, Longevity Palace, Zhusheng Bridge and Lotus Flower Pavilion. Occupying 21,000 square meters, the cave was originally built during the Mid-Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Due to its high level building skills, it is considered the most precious and valuable historic legacy in architectural art.

Sitting on the mountains and overlooking the beautiful Wuyang River, the Black Dragon Cave is a concentration of the naturally beautiful scenery and architectural art. Seen from outside the cave, one would see the buildings all exquisitely constructed, fully in harmony with cliffs, caves and ancient trees around, and standing in rows with clear distinctions.

Walking closer or into the cave, primitive roofs decorated with flying eaves, red pillars embossed with delicate design and porches interspersed with traditional red lanterns could be impressively enjoyed. Moreover, the layout in the cave is well-arranged. The delicate buildings combine the architectural cultures of Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism with the temples, palaces and Miao's traditional architectures (Diaojiaolou), to form a unique style, which makes Black Dragon Cave a one-of-a-kind in architecture. Every year, many architects and architecture students are attracted to this place by the lure of its reputation.

With many separate buildings, the Black Dragon Cave encompasses Zhusheng Qiao (Zhusheng Bridge), Zhongyuan Temple, Ziyang Shuyuan (academy of classical learning), Yuhuang Ge (Jade Emperor Pavilion), Longevity Palace, Xianglu Yan. Among the ancient complexes of Zhenyuan, the Black Dragon Cave though very close to the town has retained its natural flavor.

All of the buildings there were constructed in accordance with the natural features of Zhonghe Mountain which is precipitous. The architectural sculptures and adornments there are simple and unsophisticated and yet quietly elegant, and are quite unlike those of other temples which are ornately decorated. The way in which these Confucianist, Taoist and Buddhist temples are arranged together embodies the combination of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism in a way. One renowned architect once remarked that the Black Dragon Cave won the upper hand over the famous Hanging Monastery in Shanxi Province in terms of architectural art.

Against the green backdrop, the Black Dragon Cave seems to cling to the mountainside in an orderly tiered way due to the precipitous cliff, which makes it blend the characteristics of a garden with the style of a temple.

In 1988, the Black Dragon Cave was listed as a key cultural relic under state protection.

Tips: You may as well take pictures outside the gate of the the Black Dragon Cave as you will not see the scenery as dramatically once you are amongst the buildings.