Lingdong Xianqiu Shimen Cave

Lingdong Xianqiu Shimen Cave

　Shimen Cave, also known as Dragon King Cave, is located in Dianjun District, Yichang City, and is one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Yichang, famed as “Lingdong Xianqiu.” It is now listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Yichang City. The cave boasts the largest interior space among the 48 caves of Ganxi in the area. Cave constructions date back to the Song Dynasty. After Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed an inscribed plaque, subsequent structures were built, including the Dragon King Hall, Zhangxian Hall, Yousheng Hall, Lingquan Temple, Woyun Tower, and the Shuyu Pavilion in front of the halls.

In front of the cave, peaks stand in reverent embrace, with picturesque mountains that look like a painting. The Flag Mountain, Bell Mountain, and Drum Mountain of Bijia Mountain are particularly captivating. A ring of caves surrounds the area above and below, creating a heavenly atmosphere that refreshes the mind and spirit. Writers and poets throughout history, both in China and abroad, have described the site as a “Wangchuan painting, a Peach Blossom Spring world.” Inside the cave, there are also large stone carvings, featuring the four bold characters “Lie Xiu Cong Qing” (Arrayed Peaks in Lush Green) inscribed by Deng Shiru, a renowned calligrapher of the Qing Dynasty, which vividly capture the beautiful natural scenery around the cave. Visitors praise it, saying: “Stealing a leisurely break from life, I become an immortal in Shimen Cave.”

　 Shimen Cave is home to many wonders, including the world-unique Yin-Yang Stone, the Dragon Pool known as “Lingqiu,” and the Bagua Spring. The Ming Dynasty scholar Lei Sipei wrote in his work Jingzhou Fangyu Shu: “Fifty li west of the city lies Shimen Cave, where numerous dragons reside. When rain is needed, it responds promptly. Above it, Zhangxian inscribed several characters in earth script, which remain unchanged despite wind and rain.”