Weaver Girl Cave

Weaver Girl Cave

Weaver Girl Cave is a cultural relic protection unit of Shandong Province.

Weaver Girl Cave is located in the Niulang-Weaver Girl Tourist Area of Niuwa Township, Yiyuan County. Da Xian Mountain stands at an elevation of 532 meters, covering an area of approximately 4.5 km². The mountain features undulating peaks, sheer cliffs, towering boulders, dense pine and cypress trees, and flocks of birds, offering breathtaking scenery. Below the mountain, the Yi River winds like a ribbon, flowing with the grace of a dancing dragon. Weaver Girl Cave is situated on the northeastern foothills of Da Xian Mountain.

The Weaver Girl Cave Scenic Area is located on Da Xian Mountain in Niuwangguanzhuang, Yanyajie Township, about 10 kilometers southeast of Yiyuan County. The meandering Yi River flows quietly at the foot of Da Xian Mountain, with the Cowherd Temple situated on the opposite bank—hence the name of the nearby village.

Starting from Nanma in Yiyuan County, you’ll pass through lush green mountains and clear waters, arriving in about 20 minutes. After getting out of the car, take a short rest along the verdant banks of the Yi River, then begin your ascent up the eastern foothills (driving is also possible), either by trekking through mountain streams or taking the main path. As you climb, both your altitude and mood rise. Suddenly, a steep cliff appears ahead, with a courtyard nestled below and the cave perched halfway up the cliff. Walk around the side of the courtyard, then double back to reach the main gate. Inside the courtyard are several inscribed stelae, which were smashed during the Cultural Revolution but later reinforced with iron hoops. Ascend the stone steps to enter the cave, which is spacious—about the size of a large hall—with rugged rocks lining the walls. On the right side of the cave, there’s a small opening just big enough for an 11- or 12-year-old child to crawl through. Legend has it that this passage connects to Shenqing Palace, five kilometers away. A tale tells of a Taoist priest who entered with a basket of candles; by the time the candles burned out, he hadn’t made it through, so he resorted to using his own finger as a candle to find his way out. This site is deeply rooted in Taoist lore, with many legends about the old priest—including an even more miraculous one. The priest, who lived to be 500 years old, knew his death was near. He told his young disciple that after he died, his tongue would slowly grow longer, and not to bury him until it reached his chin, at which point he would come back to life and continue guiding them in their practice. But when the priest died, the frightened disciple, seeing the ever-lengthening tongue, hastily buried him on the back mountain—and the priest truly died.

This is the home of the Weaver Girl, so naturally, her presence is here. Turn around, and you’ll see what we mentioned earlier. The Weaver Girl sits serenely inside, gazing intently at the Cowherd Temple across the Yi River on the opposite bank, yearning for her children and her beloved Cowherd, waiting for their annual reunion on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The Yi River marks the spot where the Goddess Mother drew her celestial brush to create the Milky Way—a barrier that could never be crossed. A poignant love story is frozen in time here, flowing endlessly with the Yi River, forever...

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Shandong Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units