The Longyou Caves, also called the Xiaonanhai Stone Chambers, are a group of 24 artificial sandstone caverns located at Fenghuang Hill in Zhejiang province, China. These caves are believed to have been constructed over 2,000 years ago, during the Qin dynasty (around 212 BCE). However, the exact purpose and method of construction of these caves remain a mystery.

Longyou Caves are believed to have been constructed over 2,000 years ago, during the Qin dynasty

Image Credit: Zhangzhugang – CC BY-SA 3.0

The caves were discovered in 1992 by local farmers when they accidentally drained a pond, revealing the entrances to these subterranean chambers. There are at least 24 caves, covering an area of over 30,000 square meters (about 320,000 square feet), with ceilings reaching up to 30 meters (almost 100 feet) high. The caves are intricately carved with pillars, passageways, chambers, and even pools. Since their discovery in 1992, the caves have been conserved and excavated. They are in shockingly good shape after centuries of floods.
There are at least 24 caves, covering an area of over 30,000 square meters, with ceilings reaching up to 30 meters high

Image Credit: Zhangzhugang – CC BY-SA 3.0

Numerous theories have been posited in an attempt to unravel the secrets of the Longyou Caves. Some suggest they served as elaborate tombs for ancient rulers, while others propose they were used as granaries or water reservoirs to support agricultural endeavors. S...