Cave Exploration in Houpingand its Role in Management of the
World Heritage Site
Duncan Collis and Erin Lynch
Hong Meigui Cave Exploration Society
“Results of cave exploration and survey are important sources of information for park managers as they help to complete part of the hydrogeological picture and provide data on natural resources within the area; thus careful exploration by experienced cavers should be encouraged provided impact is minimal and results of exploration are reported back to management.”
Williams, PW (2008) World Heritage Caves and Karst – A Thematic Study. IUCN, Gland, p22.
Cave Exploration in Houpingand its Role in Management of the
World Heritage Site
Hong Meigui Cave Exploration Society
Founded in 2001
>100 members from 13 countries
> 309km explored
> 1000 entrances logged
China’s first 1000m deep cave
Systematic, documented exploration began in 2001.
Cavers from UK, USA, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, Russia, Spain, New Zealand and China.
Over 75km explored within the core zone Er Wang Dong: 27km San Wang Dong: 40km
Cave Exploration in Houping
Houping Caves
Qing KouTiankeng
Niu BiziTiankeng
Shi WangTiankeng
Da Luo DangTiankengTian Ping Miao
Tiankeng
Large parts of the caves were worked by local nitrate miners
Large parts of the caves were worked by local nitrate miners
Hong Meigui Cave Exploration Society would like to thank:
www.hongmeigui.net
People’s Government of Wulong County
Institute of Karst Geology, Guilin
Ozark Underground Laboratory, Inc.
Hoffman Environmental Research Institute
South West China University
The People of Houping