In July 1939, the Military Industry Department of the Eighth Route Army, following orders from Commander-in-Chief Zhu De and Deputy Chief of Staff Zuo Quan, established an arsenal at Shuiyao Mountain, Huangya Cave. It mainly produced rifles, grenades, tail-finned bombs, and 50mm mortars, enough to equip 16 regiments annually, making it the Eighth Route Army’s primary military industrial base at the time.

From November 11 to 19, 1941, over 5,000 troops from the Japanese 36th Division’s 4th and 6th Independent Mixed Brigades launched a combined air-ground invasion of Huangya Cave. More than 900 soldiers of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters Guard Regiment defended the position, holding off the enemy for eight days and nights using the natural defenses. They eliminated over 1,000 Japanese troops, achieving a remarkable 6:1 casualty ratio—an unprecedented record in the Second Sino-Japanese War. This victory foiled the Japanese army’s attempt to destroy the Eighth Route Army’s military production in North China. The Central Military Commission praised the defense as a “model anti-mopping-up battle since 1941.”

After the founding of the People’s Republic, local governments preserved Huangya Cave as a base for revolutionary tradition and patriotism education. Infrastructure was improved, some historic sites restored, and tourist attractions developed. The Bolong Villa, offering accommodation, dining and entertainment, was built, and the experience program “Be an Eighth Route Army Soldier for a Day” became a visitor favorite.

Starting from Bolong Villa, visitors pass through a white marble glazed archway inscribed with “Huangya Cave” by Deng Xiaoping, entering the Wengyi Corridor at the entrance. The 0.5-kilometer corridor is flanked by cliffs that nearly meet overhead, creating a “line of sky” view. Narrow, deep and serene, with clear springs and waterfalls cascading below, it is a true “one man holding the pass, ten thousand cannot force it” stronghold.

At the corridor’s end, 120 stone steps lead upward, flanked by bunkers in a highly defensible position. It was here that Cui Zhenfang, a 17-year-old bugler, fought alone, killing over 100 Japanese soldiers before sacrificing his life. Beyond, the path opens into a newly built Alpine Park. At its center, a spring is dammed into a lake, spanned by a six-curved stone bridge and the Jingying Pavilion (Pavilion of Respecting Heroes) for rest and sightseeing. Surrounded by strange peaks, rocks, clouds and waterfalls, the scene is adorned with the Anti-Japanese Pagoda, Flying Rainbow Bridge and small pavilions, forming a vibrant landscape.

Following the mountain path upward leads to the Martyr Cemetery, composed of a monument, tombs, inscribed stones and a memorial hall, nestled among evergreen pines and cypresses. Huangya Cave itself is halfway up the cliff, 500 meters northwest of the cemetery. Visitors climb iron ladders along the steep cliff to enter the cave. Shaped like a trumpet, it is 18 meters wide, 72 meters deep and 25 meters high, serving as the arsenal’s warehouse during the war. Two yellow dragon carvings on the cave walls enhance its legendary aura. According to folklore, a yellow dragon once descended to bring rain and aid the people; over time, its yellow breath stained the cliff yellow, giving the cave its alternative names Yellow Dragon Cave and Yellow Smoke Cave.

Descending from the cave, visitors can view the simple former residence of Deputy Chief of Staff Zuo Quan. A southeast trail leads to the original Shuiyao Arsenal site, where the “Bloody Shuiyao Pass” battle took place. The site remains intact; seeing the harsh conditions under which workers made the ultimate sacrifice for the anti-Japanese cause behind enemy lines deeply moves visitors. On South Hill, a square pavilion houses the Shuiyao Arsenal Monument, inscribed with over 100 powerful characters honoring the founders of the people’s military industry.

With its steep mountains, rushing waterfalls and lush forests, Huangya Cave is a natural park. It has recently been officially designated as Huangya Cave National Forest Park, injecting new vitality into its tourism industry.