“Wind Granny” Cliff Carving

“Wind Granny” Cliff Carving

Beneath a massive rock on the southern slope of West Hill in Huaishu Li Village, Xianghe Township, Biyang County, there is a cave known locally as the “Wind Granny Cave.” The cave is about 2 meters high, 1.5 meters wide, and 1.2 meters deep. Inside, three Buddha statues are carved, with the “Wind Granny” seated serenely on a lotus throne in the center, flanked by two reverent attendants.

“Wind Granny” is the ancient Chinese mythological deity who governs the wind. In spring, she teaches the swallows to sing, and as they sing, the willow branches turn green; in summer, she takes walks with dark clouds, and as she strolls, rain begins to fall; in autumn, she performs a magic trick, and as she does, the maple leaves turn red; in winter, she sends greeting cards, and as she delivers them, beautiful snowflakes drift down, bringing favorable weather and a bountiful, peaceful life. Photo by Fan Jinfeng.