Shanglongyan

Shanglongyan

Shanglongyan

Shanglongyan, originally known as Shanglongyan Mountain, is located by Shangyan Village in Shannorth Township, about 40 kilometers north of the city. With a rocky upper section and an earthen lower part, the mountain is exquisitely shaped and naturally hollowed out. There is a cave halfway up the mountain where Shanglong Temple was built against the cave, accessible by climbing steps. The 1931 *Guixian County Annals* recorded: “The cave entrance is wide open, with many strange rocks inside, forming a natural landscape. Buddha statues are enshrined within, with the ceiling like suspended dust—smooth and reflective, not inferior to the scenic beauty of Nanshan.” It was opened by Wei Jinning in the early Qing Dynasty. This cave extends for about a li (approx. 500 meters), divided into the front cave, middle cave, and rear cave. The front cave is spacious, able to accommodate hundreds of people. Inside, there are scenic spots such as the Lotus Throne of Guanyin from the South Sea, Immortals from the Western Paradise, the Sky-Supporting Pillar, the Heavenly Fairy Palace, the Immortal’s Well (Pingshui Cave), the Eighteen Arhats, and the Parents’ Altar. The middle cave is long and narrow, featuring the Sky-Connecting Cave, which rises over a hundred zhang (approx. 330 meters) high, with a round opening at the top that lets in light, known as the “Heavenly Gate.” A cluster of tree roots hangs down from the opening, several zhang long, resembling human hair, creating a spectacular sight referred to as the “Dragon’s Beard.” On the left side of the passage in the middle cave lies the “Fairy Stage,” formed by natural stone curtains. Through the veils and drapes, two stone shoots in the center of the stage resemble fairies standing gracefully, lightly singing and dancing—vivid and lifelike. The middle cave also features the “Milky Way Waterfall,” resembling a pool of spring water descending from the heavens, rushing down with great momentum—a natural wonder created by stalactites. The rear cave contains numerous chambers, each with its own unique characteristics. It is another famous mountain and cave wonder in Guigang. The renowned Chinese patriotic general General Cai Tingkai once stationed troops here during the War of Resistance against Japan. Today, locals have done some restoration work, and the front cave is now open for visitors.