The rock, half a kilometer downstream on the lawn, looks like an ancient purple gold crown, hence the name Crown Rock. Sweet and clear springs flow all year round inside the rock, so it is also called Sweet Rock. Because of the pitch-black cave with a little light shining through from the top, it is also called Light Rock. In the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937), Li Zongren once inscribed the two words "Light Rock" and had them carved at the cave entrance. Crown Rock is renowned for its secluded and winding paths. There are four or five layers at the cave entrance, with water flowing through, creating beautiful scenery that is warm in winter and cool in summer. It is also connected to Anji Rock, allowing one to enter by water and exit on land. It possesses the profundity of Seven Star Cave and the grandeur of Reed Flute Cave, truly deserving the title of the best among caves.
"When the ship arrives at Curtain Mountain, you see the purple gold crown." From Curtain Mountain, Crown Mountain looks like an ancient emperor's purple gold crown. The cave entrance of Crown Rock is the outlet of an underground river, where a clear stream flows slowly out of the cave all year round. The cave has four entrances, accessible by bamboo raft to explore the underground railway and admire the scenery. The first cave entrance is about 10 meters high, serving as the outer cave, with stalactites hanging from the ceiling. To the right of the cave, there is a viewing platform, near which there are inscriptions of poems about Crown Rock from the Ming Dynasty. Transitioning from the first cave to the second, the entrance is low, almost completely submerged during the flood season. In summer and autumn, one can take a bamboo raft or the underground railway to appreciate the scenery. Entering the third cave, the entrance becomes even lower. The fourth cave is relatively easier to access, with sand and shallow beaches inside. The stalactites inside the cave present a bizarre and colorful spectacle, making it a magical underground crystal palace along the river, blending the wonders of both mountains and water. Upon entering the cave, one hears the gurgling sound of flowing water, yet cannot determine its source. Over the years, although some people have visited the cave, the mystery of the water's origin has remained unsolved. On November 12, 1985, a joint expedition team organized by China and the UK conducted underwater cave exploration, finally disproving the legend that "the water of Crown Rock comes from Dao County in Hunan Province," confirming instead that the water originates from the Fen River entrance in Nangai Township, Lingchuan County. This resolved the question of "not knowing where the source comes from" or "whether the source comes from heaven."
Each layer of the four cave entrances of Crown Rock presents a fascinating world. The bizarre stalactites and deep pools within the cave create a magical crystal palace.