Jiangyuan Shimen Cave

Jiangyuan Shimen Cave

Shimen Cave is located within the Ganfanpen National AAA-level Scenic Area in Jiangyuan District, 19 kilometers from downtown Jiangyuan, and is hailed as the "Number One Cave of Changbai Mountain."

This karst cave is situated on the Cambrian-Ordovician geological formation, characterized by distinct karst landform features, and presents an imposing and spectacular sight. The interior of the cave is spacious, with lower and nested chambers. The cave is about 2 kilometers long and is divided into three levels—upper, middle, and lower. It houses three main halls that can accommodate up to 500 people. The stalactites inside, formed over millions of years, vary in shape, including stone pillars, ice-like stones, and stalagmites. Some are incredibly lifelike, resembling bears, penguins, snakes, tigers, and more, vividly and delicately crafted. In the early 1980s, a naturally formed stalactite Buddha in the cave caused quite a sensation, attracting a continuous stream of visitors. The karst formations in Shimen Cave are uniquely shaped, with mature and well-developed stalactites, presenting a myriad of forms, divine beauty, and clear stratification that are truly breathtaking.

Legend has it that in ancient times, a black dragon once made this cave its lair, lurking around the Ganfanpen area, causing mischief and harming the local people. This commotion reached the heavens, prompting the Jade Emperor to decree that Guanyin Bodhisattva descend to subdue the black dragon and save the populace. However, after Guanyin left, the black dragon returned and resumed its evil deeds. Fueled by her boundless compassion, Guanyin Bodhisattva came down to earth once more, transformed into a stone statue, and took permanent residence in the cave, forever sealing the black dragon away.