Sun Cave

Sun Cave

Sun Cave is one of the scenic spots located to the west of the picturesque Shibing County. It sits on a cliff behind Ximen Slope, where the Hunan-Guizhou Highway enters the county town. The cave gets its name because the rising sun shines directly into it every morning. The Sun Cave Temple was originally built during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. However, it was later destroyed when bandits attacked, killing the monks and burning the temple. It was rebuilt during the Guangxu reign, including one main hall and one Linggong Palace. The main hall houses two Buddha statues: Guanyin and the Patriarch. On the lunar calendar dates of the 19th of February, the 19th of June, the 19th of September, and the 1st of June, ceremonies for the Patriarch are held. During these times, thousands of worshippers from nearby towns and villages—bringing the elderly and children along—come to offer incense and pay respects at the cave. On the 1st of June, a purification ritual is conducted, and scriptures are chanted to pray for a good harvest.

To enhance the charm of Shibing as a tourist destination, local visionaries on West Street—Zheng Rujing, Deng Chenglian, Chen Nengzhi, He Anying, Yang Shengzhen, Li Xiaoqun, Shen Da’e, Chen Facai, Qiu Chenghao, Hou Zhiyuan, Qian Ruide, Zhong Yinglong, Luo Changqi, Zhang Zhilan, and Li Cangrun—led a community fundraising effort to rebuild the Sun Cave Temple. For travelers staying in Shibing, it’s common to take an evening stroll after meals. By walking along West Street, you’ll soon come across the hundred-step stone staircase leading to the Martyrs' Cemetery. Turning left along the road to the Materials Bureau and continuing straight ahead, then making a right turn after about 10 meters, you’ll see the Sun Cave Temple—a building clinging to the cliff like a mural—come into view. Climbing the stone steps up to the "River-Viewing Pavilion," you can admire the scene: the jade-like belt of the Wuyang River flows through the Shibing Bridge and into Zhuge Cave. The winding Hunan-Guizhou Highway leads up toward Wangcheng Slope, resembling a galloping steed saddled over Mount Anshan. Then, crossing the "Qingyun Bridge," said to be like riding on the back of a white crane, you pass through the "Auspicious Light Gate" and into the main hall, which houses three Buddha statues, to witness the unique spectacle of sunlight shining directly into the Sun Cave. Next, head up Ximen Slope to observe the peculiar mountain formations around Shibing County. There’s even a poem dedicated to Rooster Rock: *"When did the rooster break free from its shell, Dashing boldly toward the forked rivers (Wuyang and Shanmu)? Its comb peaks six in shape, round like a dipper, Lying sideways, wings spread as if ready to fly. Generals might wish to butcher it with a cow knife, But no cauldron in this world could steam such a beast. When will the endless night give way to dawn? No rooster’s cry is heard to herald the day."* Also take in the curious sight on Ximen Slope: nine geese—three on the shore and six in the river.