Banshee Cave

Banshee Cave

Banshee Cave is actually a suspended natural limestone karst cave with unfathomable depths, reputed to be the "Number One Bottomless Cave in the World." Inside, towering stalactites and grotesque rock formations take on a myriad of shapes. There are hundreds of natural formations, such as the Golden Melon Chandelier, Fish Leaping into the Deep Pool, Water Monster Emerging from the Cave, Little Demon Nursing, Group of Demons Seated in the Hall, and Golden Vase Overflowing with Wine — all formed over millions of years without any artificial carving traces. Banshee Cave Scenic Area is located 30 kilometers east of Linzhou City in Henan Province and 40 kilometers west of Huguan County. It is one of the main scenic spots of the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon National Forest Park. The cave gets its name from the local legend that it was once the dwelling place of a banshee. It gained even greater fame through the folk tale of Song Dynasty's Yang Liulang battling the banshee. During the Xianping era of the Song Dynasty, the people living along the Xi River suffered greatly from the banshee’s harassment. When General Yang Liulang passed through the area with his troops, the Water-Moon Guanyin appeared to him in a dream, saying: "To serve your country loyally and eliminate harm for the people is the true mark of a marshal." The next day, Yang Liulang led his soldiers in a fierce battle against the banshee and ultimately subdued her, bringing peace to the local people. Though the legend is beautiful, it cannot rival the wondrous creations of nature. Outside the cave, the scenery is boundless in charm. Waterfalls cascade like curtains, and emerald pools shimmer. Especially in summer, the cave water gushes forth in pillars, flowing down the mountain slope to form three-tiered waterfalls — upper, middle, and lower — scattering silver and jade-like droplets as they rush eastward. The water adds vitality to the mountains, while the mountains lend enduring beauty to the waters. Within the scenic area, attractions such as Guanyin Cave, Persimmon Tree Bay, Fruit Tree Flatland, Chinese Toon Tree, Date Tree Slope, and the quaint little yards of Taihang households, along with surrounding sights like Heavenly Pillar Peak, Mother-Embracing Peak, Yangjing Stockade, and Crocodile Gully, are sure to leave you spellbound.