Yanxia Three Caves

Yanxia Three Caves

Introduction: The Yanxia Three Caves refer to Shiwu Cave, Shuiyue Cave, and Yanxia Cave, located on Yanxia Ridge beneath South Peak. Near Hupao, there used to be a well by the roadside with four openings, known as Siyan Well. Opposite it lies a small path flanked by osmanthus trees on both sides. After walking about 500 meters, you will reach Shiwu Cave. The cave is spacious, with a roof resembling a house, hence its name. The walls of the cave originally featured stone carvings of the Five Hundred Arhats, but these have been destroyed. Next to the main cave is another called “Bieshiyuan,” whose rear section is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, resembling a floating snail, thus named “Floating Snail in the Sea.” Shiwu Cave has undergone several renovations and is now planted with various flowers and trees, making it a pleasant spot for sightseeing and rest. About 500 meters in front of Shiwu Cave is Shuiyue Cave. The roadside outside the cave is lined with osmanthus trees. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the fragrance of golden osmanthus fills the air, and visitors can enjoy tea while sitting by the trees—a truly delightful experience. Shuiyue Cave is over 60 meters deep, and at its entrance, clear spring water flows out, producing a sound like metal and stone, which is very pleasing to the ear. On the stone walls on both sides are inscriptions such as “Natural Music” and “Listening to the Stringless Zither.” Throughout the cave, the sound of water can be heard, but no water is visible until the cave’s entrance, where a spring gushes forth. At the bottom of the cave, there were originally two stone statues of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. There is also a rock that, when struck with a stick, produces a sound like an ancient zither—an intriguing phenomenon. About 500 meters outside Shuiyue Cave is Yanxia Cave. The stone carvings on the inner walls of Yanxia Cave are works from the Five Dynasties period, featuring vivid and naturally flowing designs. The statues of Guanyin and Mahasthamaprapta at the cave entrance are particularly exquisite, almost lifelike. To the left of the cave is a rock resembling an elephant, and beneath the elephant’s belly is another rock that looks like a baby elephant, adding a touch of charm. Nearby is also the scenic spot of Buddha’s Hand Rock. Buddha’s Hand Rock is located inside the “Lianfeng” giant rock cave, where a hand-shaped stone pillar hangs down, remarkably lifelike, hence its name.

Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou City