Zangxia Ancient Cave

Zangxia Ancient Cave

Zangxia Ancient Cave is a Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Built amidst dense forests and secluded valleys, Zangxia Cave got its name because the clouds and rosy clouds drifting here seldom move and tend to linger for a long time, hence the name "Zangxia."

Zangxia Cave is a cave temple that predates Feixia Cave by several decades. According to records, it was built in the second year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1863). It is said that at that time, the Taoist master Chen Fu from Hubei came here during his travels and was deeply impressed by this place described as having “the shape of a golden turtle with visible markings and two cranes turning their heads to embrace each other.” Originally funded and constructed by the local Chan Master Lin Fashan from Qingyuan, the construction was completed in the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign, with a total floor area of over 13,000 square meters.

The precious bead on the roof tile of the main hall aligns perfectly in a straight line with the peak of Luoxing Ridge in front and a natural stone Buddha on the mountain behind the hall — a design of remarkable ingenuity. In the courtyard, there is a centuries-old precious flower, the Yutangchun (Magnolia denudata), which was bestowed by an emperor of the Ming Dynasty and is extremely rare, making it well worth seeing.

At certain times in the morning and dusk, the temple buildings are deeply hidden in the ethereal clouds and mist, appearing and disappearing intermittently like a fairyland. Standing at the gate of Zangxia Ancient Cave, you will see the statue of Wang Lingguan, a deity of Taoism. [Behind him are two centuries-old osmanthus trees on each side. During late autumn when the flowers bloom, they are covered with golden osmanthus blossoms and emit a rich fragrance. Inside, the Taoist deity Lü Dongbin is also enshrined. In front, there are three Taoist deities: Willow, Camphor, and Elm, hence the name “Three Immortals Treasure Hall.” Standing in front of the Three Immortals Treasure Hall and looking around, to the left is Lion Mountain, to the right is Elephant Mountain, and opposite is Luoxing Ridge.]

On November 8, 2008, the General Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province issued the "Notice on the Announcement of the Fifth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units," and Zangxia Ancient Cave was included in the list.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units