Zhuling Xian Cave

Zhuling Xian Cave

Zhuling Xian Cave is a cultural tourism attraction.

Zhuling Xian Cave is located on the eastern side of Shigu Mountain. Legend has it that during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, Dong Fengxian practiced alchemy in the cave, which earned it the name "Xian (Immortal) Cave." Another legend says that this cave connects to Nanyue and Shuiliandong (also known as Zhuling Cave) to the north, with the two caves linked together. A renowned monk from Nanyue once used this cave to travel back and forth between Hengyang and Nanyue in the blink of an eye. The walls of the cave were once inscribed with poems by literary figures throughout history such as Du Fu, Han Yu, and Wang Fuzhi, totaling nearly a thousand works, making Zhuling Cave famous across Hunan for its poetry. However, due to wars, especially the intense bombings by the Japanese army, many stone inscriptions and carvings were destroyed. Only remnants of the small cave and fragments of characters such as “Zhuling Rear Cave” and “East Cliff” above the cave entrance remain. Although it has been partially restored, it is difficult to return it to its original state. Nevertheless, as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hengyang, Zhuling Cave still captivates the hearts of many visitors today.

“The spring light within the cave is boundless, the stars shine bright, as if they were the glimmer of swords dancing in the clouds.” “The immortal gate opens, and the stone milk drips sideways like silver garlic.” These are lines from the poem “Ode to Zhuling Xian Cave” by Wang Fuzhi, a great thinker and literary figure of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. This vivid description portrays a fantastical scene resembling a palace in the heavens. This “celestial cave dwelling” is none other than Zhuling Cave—one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hengyang.

Zhuling Cave is situated beneath the cliffs on the eastern side of Shigu Mountain and is regarded by Taoists as a “cave heaven and blessed land.” Legend has it that during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, a Taoist priest named Dong Fengxian practiced alchemy in the cave, which earned it the name “Xian (Immortal) Cave.” It is also said that there is a cave connecting to Hengyue (Nanyue Mountain), which is the rear cave, while the front cave lies beneath Nanyue Mountain, with the two forming a continuous passage. There is even an ancient tale that a long, long time ago, a man traveled from Nanyue to Hengzhou to sell tofu, using this cave as his route. The hundred-mile journey could be completed in just one morning. But in reality, the cave is only a few square meters wide, over two meters high, and lacks any profound underground passages. People admire Zhuling Cave not for its mythical legends, but for the magnificent collection of poetry it inspired. “A thousand poems echo within Zhuling Cave,” making it the poetic jewel of Hunan. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, many poets and scholars have composed verses here, often carving their poems into the inner and outer walls of the cave. Literary masters enchanted by the scenery of Hengyang—such as Du Fu, Han Yu, Zhang Ji, Lü Wen, Du Xunhe, Fan Chengda, and Wen Tianxiang—expressed their emotions through poetry. “The radiant light within the cave never fades, as those who tread the void step into a crystal palace.” (Wang Zaijin: “Zhuling Cave”) What a magnificent sight it must have been.

This cave was likely formed thousands of years ago by the erosion of the Xiang River, and its walls bear the works of poets throughout the ages, though many have become fragmented over time. Especially during the intense bombings by the Japanese army, the inscriptions and carvings inside were heavily damaged. After the liberation, only remnants of the small cave and a few engraved characters such as “Zhuling Rear Cave” and “East Cliff” remained at the cave entrance. In recent years, efforts have been made to restore the cave to its original form. With the inspiration of China’s rich poetic heritage, Zhuling Cave is expected to spark new creativity among poets, leading to even more exceptional verses.