Liaodai Grottoes at Fu Feng Mountain

Liaodai Grottoes at Fu Feng Mountain

The Liaodai Grottoes at Fu Feng Mountain are a cultural tourism attraction.

Fu Feng Mountain, known as Tai Xiang Mountain during the Liao Dynasty and A Gui Mountain in the Qing Dynasty, is commonly called Dongshan (Cave Mountain) today. Located 3 kilometers southwest of Toutao Yingzi Town, Fu Feng Mountain is part of the Dahuhushi Tourist Area and consists of three main parts: Wang’ercheng (Looking-at-Son City), Fu Feng Mountain, and Shishan (Stone Mountain). The mountain features majestic terrain, precipitous peaks, unique caves, and picturesque scenery.

Fu Feng Mountain is tall and majestic, with steep and undulating ridges. Viewed from east to west, the entire mountain resembles a sleeping phoenix, with its head to the east and tail to the west, lying peacefully and serenely. The terrain of Fu Feng Mountain varies between steep and gentle slopes, and it can be directly climbed from the southeast side, where rugged rocks and steep cliffs abound. At the entrance of Dongling Mountain Pass, there is a massive granite rock inscribed with the three characters “Fu Feng Shan” (Fu Feng Mountain) in Chinese, Manchu, and Mongolian scripts. The lines are smooth, the carving simple and refined, and the overall appearance elegant. On a platform not far from the mountain gate stands the Fu Feng Mountain Temple, which was once hugely popular for worship, but unfortunately was destroyed in modern times, leaving only the ruins of the temple.

Shishan (Stone Mountain), located on the eastern side of Fu Feng Mountain, features five grottoes carved during the Liao Dynasty. At the top of the huge rock is the “Fo Ye Dong” (Buddha Cave). From there, heading north along steep stone stairs is the “Xiang Dong” (Echoing Cave”), the largest of the five caves. Inside, voices and laughter produce expansive echoes. To the lower right of the Echoing Cave is the “Niang Niang Dong” (Goddess Cave), which contains a stone kang (heated bed). To the left of the Echoing Cave is the “Ma Wang Ye Dong” (God of Horses Cave). Beyond the God of Horses Cave, a narrow sky bridge leads up to the “Shi Ba Luo Han Dong” (Eighteen Arhats Cave”). From a distance, the five caves form a “品” (Chinese character for “three”) shape. Up close, the doors, windows, Buddha shrines, flues, lamp niches, and kang channels inside each cave are exquisitely and skillfully carved. There are various theories about the original use of these caves—some say they were living quarters, others suggest they functioned as temples within the rock. They offer a glimpse into the thriving cave culture during the height of the Khitan people. After the Liao Dynasty, deities continued to be enshrined here, and worshippers flocked to the site. On the 15th day of the fourth lunar month, people from all directions come to pray for good weather, peace, and prosperity.

Next to the Echoing Cave, there is also a “sky ladder” leading to the back and base of the mountain. The sides of the ladder once had railings, and the sockets for the railing posts can still be seen. To the east of the Echoing Cave is a square well, 2.4 meters long and 2 meters wide, said to have been dug under the order of Empress Xiao. South of the well lies a flat area where the “Haotian Temple” was built during the Liao Dynasty.

Beyond Shishan lies the main peak of Fu Feng Mountain—Wang’ercheng, with an elevation of 1,270 meters. Wang’ercheng was a military fortress during the Liao Dynasty, featuring a castle used for military observation. From the top of Wang’ercheng, one can see the valley leading to Pingquan in Hebei Province to the south, and to the east, the ancient Central Capital’s Daming Pagoda. Surrounded by mountains and lush trees, with the rushing Heili River flowing at its base, Fu Feng Mountain enjoys moist air and pleasant scenery, making it a rare gem for tourism and hiking in the frontier region. The area is further enriched by various mysterious legends that add to its allure.