Strange Stone Cave

Strange Stone Cave

Strange Stone Cave

Both locals and visitors to Benxi take great delight in exploring the miraculously crafted and unparalleled Benxi Water Cave, yet few get to appreciate the charm of the Strange Stone Cave, nestled halfway up a mountain peak eight kilometers north of the city center and corresponding to Benxi Lake—the world’s smallest lake.

The Strange Stone Cave, also known as Dragon Cave, is a naturally formed cave. Stretching across a total length of

365

meters, the cave features undulating terrain, winding passages, and chambers within chambers, resembling a natural art gallery adorned with a variety of stalagmites, stalactites, stone waterfalls, stone fields, stone mountains, and stone curtains. These formations display striking shapes and dynamic elegance, sparking the imagination and delighting both the eyes and the spirit.

The Water Curtain Hall, themed around the classic tale "Journey to the West," boasts a uniquely spectacular scene that seems almost otherworldly. It’s as if mischievous monkeys are leaping about and the Great Sage himself is making mysterious appearances—vividly realistic and truly breathtaking. The Arhat Hall, said to be inhabited by immortals, is small in size but grand in presence, exuding a majestic aura. Numerous arhats appear joyful, silly, or spouting water, seemingly sharing the experience with visitors. The Heaven and Earth Hall is mysteriously fantastical, blending sky and earth into one—like a star-studded firmament above and a flowery paradise below, vast and boundless with undulating peaks. Being inside feels like inhabiting a miniature universe. Though compact in area, the South Stone Forest appears intricate and unfathomably deep due to its towering stone pillars; the Sky-Supporting Pillar and Heavenly Treasure Column stand tall, elegant, and dignified. Passing through narrow crevices just wide enough for a person leads to spacious chambers, evoking the feeling of “finding a new village after emerging from darkness.” There’s also a small bridge over flowing water, crisscrossing quartz steps, and sonorous stone slabs. Stalactites and stalagmites take on countless vivid forms, all clearly distinguishable. Currently, over fifty scenic spots within the cave have been developed, with more wonders such as the Sky Well still waiting to be explored. Here, visitors can let their imaginations soar amid joy and wonder, feeling refreshed and reluctant to leave.