The Spring-heralding Flower of Cave Popular Science

Impressed by the fresh and novel ideas of The Magnificent Underground Art Palace—A Journey of China’s Karst Caves (Second Edition), a new work of Mr. Wu Shengming, I cannot wait to pore over it, and so obsessed with it while reflecting on its essences that I even forget the delicious flavor of meat for three days. In a nutshell, this book is a spring-heralding flower of cave popular science, which is distinguished by four characteristics:

First, it has rich content and contains substantial materials.

The author has captured the characteristics of caves from the aspects of karst cave types, and landscapes inside and outside caves, pointing out “substantially” the exclusiveness of each karst cave described. As a result, readers are deeply impressed by the rich content and striking characteristics. The exhaustive and substantial materials are something even more commendable. For example, although some karst caves are not very well-known in the country, still the author gives a scrupulous and meticulous account of them, including their locations, the origins of cave names, the time of development, the representative scenic areas, characteristics, cultural connotations, and reflections after the visit, which enables readers to know beforehand what to do and avoid unnecessary detours.

Second, although it is highly scientific, the book approaches science in simple terms.

As a highly scientific travel-related book, the second edition of The Magnificent Underground Art Palace—A Journey of China’s Karst Caves encompasses all aspects of karst cave kno-wledge. It deals with profound ideas in simple terms, and it seems that the average readers are led into a palace of science. Reading the book, professions may feel like brushing up on basic knowledge of karst caves. Particularly in the section “Random Discussion on Caves”, the author directly starts out with a macroscopic classification of the caves developed in different rock types. He also makes a summary of the formation, classification, conformation, and ages of karst caves. More importantly, his discourse on stalactites and ancients’ perception of caves are clearly presented and are characterized by original understanding. In addition, the author pinpoints the problems with karst cave development and puts forward his own opinions and ideas in solving these problems. It is really greatly commendable that readers are unconsciously influenced, enlightened, and inspired while reading this book.

Third, vivid presentation and high readability

In addition to the introduction of karst caves characteristics, landscape knowledge, and geography, the author also makes pertinent references to historical allusions. The book also makes good literature reading, as is reflected in the great efforts on its title selection, writing structure, and wording. It makes easy and intimate reading. As a result of the author’s steady accumulation of knowledge and experience, the book is a combination of science and fun.

Lastly, the book is a result of the author’s personal experience and can serve as a silent guide

The many karst caves referred to in the book have been actually measured by the author with both feet. Such spirit of investigation should be advocated. The author claims the book to be the fruition of five years hard work, and actually this really amounts to what is expressed in a Chinese saying, “spending a decade in sharpening and perfecting the edge of a sword”, as for nearly 30 years the author has been doing mountains of preparation and accumulation. In the spirit of economy and thrift, Mr. Shengming would spend 300 Yuan in conducting a survey of a karst cave, which is not an easy matter for an old scholar whose salary is not very high. It is because the author personally does everything that he has brought into full play the Chinese virtue of thrift. Thus the author makes careful considerations for tourists, concisely and attractively introducing the representative landscapes of each karst cave. The book deserves the title of a silent guide.

Between lines are shown his great admiration for the Ming Dynasty traveler and geographer Xu Xiake and his determination to carry on his cause. As the spring-heralding flower of cave popular science, the book has called forth a torch bearer for us enthusiasts of Xu Xiake. We have experienced the same thrill and excitement as Mr. Shengming. May the gorgeous spring-heralding flower usher in a spring blooming with flowers.