Shanmen Cave

Shanmen Cave

Shanmen Cave is located in Wenji Mountain, 15 kilometers north of Ningguo City. It is also known as Stone Gate and called Lingyan. Wenji Mountain is formed from limestone, featuring grotesque rocks and numerous caves. Historical records mention "seventy-two caves, large and small," among which the six most famous are Longtan, Zi Yun, Pipa, Lianyi, Lingyan, and Chaoyang. These caves are only a li or so apart, with Lingyan (Shanmen Cave) being the most unique.

Shanmen Cave is a natural cave, 10 meters high and 17 meters wide, with steep cliffs that suddenly open up like a city gate, wide enough for carts and horses to pass through. Inside the cave entrance stands Lion Peak, resembling a roaring lion raising its head. Further inside are Chaoyang Cave and Zaoguo Cave. Outside the cave are nine ginkgo trees that tower above, providing shade and highlighting the ancient and lush atmosphere of the cave entrance. Nearby are Water Cave, Heaven Cave, and Lotus Cave, all serene and elegant, with various uniquely shaped stalagmites and stalactites.

During the Tahe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, a local scholar named Zhai Xing retreated to Zi Yun Cave, initiating the development of Shanmen Cave. Later generations referred to Lingyan Cave as "Zhai Xing’s Stone Chamber" and inscribed stones to commemorate it. By the Zhenyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, a temple was first built near the cave. In the Zhili period of the Song Dynasty, it was bestowed the name "Lingyan Temple." Since then, the temple has enjoyed enduring prosperity, attracting scholars and poets who composed many verses. The poet Zhou once wrote, “Among the wonders of the world, there is a mountain with a gate; among the wonders of mountain gates, none surpass Shanmen.” This verse has been passed down through the ages. To this day, carvings on the stone walls such as “Fairy Rock Wall” and “Buddha Seat Lingyan” can still be faintly discerned.

Historically, due to the rapid currents and winding river of Maxi Shanmen Cave, many timber and bamboo rafters as well as tea transporters lost their lives here. As a result, the site was blasted and destroyed in the 1950s. Today, two stone pillars remain in the canyon, forming three openings along with the canyon walls, hence it is also called Sanmen Cave. A local poet He composed a poem about the cave: “Precarious cliffs in the ancient gorge, sheer walls locking the long shoal. The banks embrace a thousand fir trees, peaks turn where the waters bend.”

The Mashixi Shanmen Cave Scenic Area boasts crystal-clear waters, peculiar mountains, and strange rocks, with simple yet magical landscapes everywhere. Along the stream, the forests of pine, fir, and bamboo are lush and green, home to many rare plants, beautiful birds, and animals. It is an ideal destination for exploration, hiking, barbecues, bonfires, swimming, rafting, horseback riding, camping, and leisure. Especially in summer, the clear waters of Mashixi and its quiet pools are perfect spots for playing in the water, fishing, and swimming.

Standing atop Hongyan Mountain or Heiyan Mountain and looking down, the Mashixi River resembles a ribbon of life, gracefully and elegantly embedded between the green mountains and valleys, showcasing the rhythm of the mountains in a vigorous and charming way. Drifting downstream along the Mashixi River, you’ll also encounter scenic spots such as “Eagle Beak Rock,” “Threshold Rock,” “Shanmen Cave with a Thousand Fir Trees,” “Shanmen Cave with a Thousand Fir Trees,” “Shanmen Cave with Ten Thousand Bamboo Groves,” “Shanmen Lock Stone,” “Shanmen Cave’s Azure Bay,” “Shanmen Cave Diving Platform,” “Turtle Rock,” “Suspension Bridge,” “Miaoshan Pond,” “Hanging Hill,” “Rushing Water Stream,” and “Shanmen Cave Pebble Beach.” As you drift, you’ll be alternately splashed by waves and guided through winding waters—it’s endlessly fun. After rafting, you can also climb Eagle Beak Rock and Turtle Rock for breathtaking views. After the activities, stroll through the old town of Dongshi, visit the He Family Ancestral Hall, stay overnight at the mountain lodge, sip Luofu family wine, taste fish from Mashixi River pools, savor local Meishan cuisine, enjoy Meishan Nuo dance performances, or take a dip in the natural swimming area of Mashixi River—all offering a unique experience. The ancient tub wheels and stone mills of Dongshi, alas, have been destroyed, or else they too could have added to the sense of timelessness during your adventure.