Black Dragon Cave

Black Dragon Cave

Black Dragon Cave is located at the source of the Fuyang River in the new urban area of Fengfeng Mining District, beneath steep cliffs and rugged rocks. There is a natural stone cave here, which, according to legend, is the abode of the black dragon that governs droughts and floods in the human world—hence the name "Black Dragon Cave." The cave entrance is built from large stones, the walls are uneven, and the interior is winding and dark, twisting like a dragon. From ancient times to the present, no one has known its full depth. It’s truly “The black dragon leaves the cave, its depths immeasurable.” The area features beautiful mountains and clear waters, offering pleasant scenery and is one of the famous scenic spots in Handan City.

Also known as Dragon Cave Pearl Spring, the stone cave is deep, and it is popularly believed that a black dragon dwells within. An old poem goes, “The black dragon leaves the cave, its depths immeasurable.” Above the cave stands the Black Dragon Temple, built against the mountain. According to inscriptions on tablets, it was first constructed during the Tang Dynasty. Inside the mountain gate are the main hall and auxiliary rooms. The main hall originally enshrined the Dragon God. Below the cave lies a deep pool, dark green in color, with spring water gushing from cracks in the rocks, hence it is called the Dragon Spring. It converges with the Guangsheng Spring of Drum Mountain, the Fuyang Spring, and Bazi Ravine, forming the source of the Fuyang River. Some say the spring water bubbles up from the sandy bottom, resembling boiling water in a cauldron, which is why it is called Fushui (Boiling Water). Since it is located south of Drum Mountain (also known as Fushan or Pot Mountain), it is also called Fuyang (Pot Yang).

The springs below Black Dragon Cave are collectively referred to as "Black Dragon Springs." In the past, during severe droughts, people from near and far would often come in groups to burn incense and pray for rain. They would carry the “Dragon Spring” water back in bottles and jars to sprinkle on their crops, hoping for rain from the heavens...