Longyou

Longyou is a county in Zhejiang province, China. It is located in the western part of the province. The administrative seat of Longyou is the town of Shupu.

The most notable feature of Longyou is the Longyou Caves, also known as the Longyou Grottoes. These are a series of large, man-made underground caverns carved into the sandstone hills. Discovered in 1992, their origin and purpose remain a mystery. The caves feature massive pillars, intricate carvings, and underground pools, with dimensions suggesting significant labor and advanced engineering for their time. Archaeological and geological studies are ongoing to determine when and why they were created.

Longyou is situated along the Qujiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. The local economy relies on agriculture, with rice and tea being important crops. The county also has some industrial development. Transportation links include highways and a railway line, connecting it to other cities in Zhejiang and beyond. The area experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters. Longyou's unique history, particularly the enigmatic caves, draws some tourism to the region.