Shanmen Cave

　　Shanmen Cave is situated 15 kilometers north of Ningguo City within the Wensui Mountain range. It is also called Shimen and Lingyan. Formed from limestone, Wensui Mountain boasts numerous peculiar rock formations and caves. Historical records mention "seventy-two large and small caves," among which the most famous are the six caves—Longtan, Ziyun, Pipa, Lianyi, Lingyan, and Chaoyang—all within just a mile of each other. Among them, Lingyan (Shanmen Cave) is the most spectacular.

　　Shanmen Cave is a natural cave chamber, ten meters high and seventeen meters wide, with steep cliffs that suddenly open like a city gate, wide enough for carts and horses to pass through. Inside the cave entrance stands Lion Peak, resembling a roaring lion raising its head. Further inside are the Chaoyang Cave and Zaoguo Cave. Outside the cave are nine ginkgo trees, towering and shading the area, complementing the ancient and lush appearance of the cave entrance. Nearby are the Water Cave, Sky Cave, and Lotus Cave, all serene and charming, with various stalagmites and stalactites in unique natural shapes.

　　During the Taihe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, a local scholar named Zhai Xing secluded himself in the Ziyun Cave, marking the beginning of the development of Shanmen Cave. Later generations referred to Lingyan Cave as the "Zhai Xing Stone Chamber" and inscribed stones to commemorate it. By the Zhenyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, a temple was first built near the cave. In the Zhili period of the Song Dynasty, it was bestowed the name "Lingyan Temple." Since then, the temple has enjoyed enduring popularity, attracting numerous scholars and poets who left many inscriptions. One poet, Zhou, wrote, “Among the wonders of the world, there is a mountain with a gate; among the wonders of mountain gates, none rivals Shanmen,” which has been passed down through the ages. To this day, carvings on the stone walls such as “Fairy Rock Wall” and “Buddha’s Seat Lingyan” can still be faintly discerned.

　　Historically, due to the rapid currents and winding river channel at Maxi Shanmen Cave, many timber and bamboo rafters and tea transporters lost their lives here. As a result, it was dynamited and destroyed in the 1950s. Today, two stone pillars remain in the canyon, forming three arches together with the canyon walls, hence also called Sanmen Cave (Three-Gate Cave). A local poet He wrote about Shanmen Cave in Dongkou: “Precarious cliffs in the cold, ancient gorge; steep walls guard the long shoal. Shorelines embrace a thousand fir trees; peaks turn where waters bend.”

　　The Mashixi Shanmen Cave Scenic Area features emerald waters, peculiar mountains, and strange rocks. Ancient and magical landscapes abound. Along the stream, dense forests of pine, fir, and bamboo thrive, alongside rare plants, beautiful birds, and animals—making it an ideal spot for exploration, hiking, barbecues, bonfires, swimming, rafting, horseback riding, camping, and leisure. Especially in summer, the clear waters of Mashixi Creek and its quiet pools are perfect for playing in the water, fishing, and swimming.

　　Standing atop Hongyan Mountain or Heiyan Mountain and looking down: the Mashixi River resembles a ribbon of life, gracefully woven through the green mountains and valleys, unfolding the rhythm of the great hills with vigor and charm. Drifting down the Mashixi River, you’ll pass sights like “Eagle Beak Rock,” “Threshold Rock,” “Thousand Fir Trees at Shanmen Cave,” “Thousand Fir Trees at Shanmen Cave,” “Ten Thousand Bamboo Clumps at Shanmen Cave,” “Shanmen Lock Stone,” “Shanmen Cave Azure Bay,” “Shanmen Cave Diving Platform,” “Turtle Rock,” “Suspension Bridge,” “Miaoshan Pond,” “Hanging Hillside,” “Rushing Water Stream,” and “Shanmen Cave Pebble Beach.” Rafting through these, you’ll be alternately splashed by waves and guided through winding waters—pure joy. After rafting, you can also climb Eagle Beak Rock and Turtle Rock for breathtaking views. After the activities, explore the old Dongkou Street, the He Family Ancestral Hall, stay overnight at a mountain lodge, sip Luofu Family Liquor, enjoy fish from Mashixi River pools, savor local Meishan cuisine, watch Meishan Nuo dance, or take a dip in the natural swimming area of Mashixi River—each experience uniquely delightful. The ancient bucket wheels and stone mills of Dongkou, sadly now ruined, would have added a touch of timeless charm to your adventure.