Heshun Grottoes

Heshun Grottoes

The map of Heshun resembles a beautiful butterfly, as well as a lion holding its head high. The county town sits right at the heart of the butterfly and the lion. To the west of the town lies the picturesque Yunlong Mountain, whose main peak, Motian’ao, stands at an elevation of 1,548 meters, resembling a dragon’s head held high, trailing a winding stream of beautiful water. The two Zhang Rivers steam and shimmer in the clouds, strikingly resembling a dragon moving through the mist—hence the name Yunlong Mountain. The Northern Dynasties grottoes are embedded halfway up the mountain.

Yunlong Mountain in Heshun

Yunlong Mountain in Heshun

The natural wonders and beauty of Yunlong Mountain have been documented by many magistrates, visiting officials, and literati throughout the dynasties. Qing Dynasty magistrate Qiu Tingrong wrote in the “Inscription on the Reconstruction of Yunlong Mountain”: “Those who climb Yunlong Mountain today all find it extraordinary. It began when people from the Yuan Dynasty discovered a spiritual spring on the sunny side of the mountain and considered it miraculous. They built a hall atop it to worship the Dragon King, and prayers for rain during droughts were always answered. At its summit lies Zhao Wang Terrace, said to be the summer retreat of Xiangzi, with remnants still visible. When you arrive there, climbing through layered ridges and resting in soaring pavilions, you can gaze into the serene distance and let your spirit roam the vast openness.”

Yunlong Mountain is located northwest of the town. It is an open forested park for public leisure. The mountain has a newly built complex of antique-style buildings, which can be seen glittering from afar. Drive to the parking lot halfway up the mountain, park your car, and walk along the gravel path inward. Along the way, there is a “Dragon Spring” that flows year-round, where many locals come with mineral water containers to collect water. When you ask them about the grottoes, they are very enthusiastic in giving directions. The newly built temple is probably not yet completed, as its gate remains closed. The grottoes are located on the cliff behind the temple, and you’ll need to walk around the adjacent hillside to reach them.

Attraction Information

Scenic Area Level: Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Shanxi Province

Address: 2 kilometers northwest of Heshun County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi

Ticket: Free

Opening Hours: All day

Scenic Area Phone: 0354-2024698 (Jinzhong Cultural Relics Bureau)

Complaints Phone: 0354-2024698 (Jinzhong Cultural Relics Bureau)

Related Facilities: The attraction is located northwest of Heshun County. Gas stations and hospitals are nearby, and the county area has branches of Agricultural Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank, and Construction Bank.

Transportation: Buses from Yangquan to Heshun run once every hour in the morning and every half hour in the afternoon.

Accommodation:

Galaxy Grand Hotel

Address: Opposite Heshun County Government, Shanxi Province

Phone: (0354)8133688

Price: 120 RMB per room

Liusheng Manor

Address: Yonghe Road, West Avenue, Heshun County

Price: 120 RMB per room

Phone: (0354)8133807

Nearby Attractions: Dazhai, Bingxian Stone Memorial Archway