Zhashui Tianfo Cave Scenic Area

　　Tianfo Cave is the core area of the Zhashui Karst National Geopark, formed by the connection of Tian Cave and Fo Cave. It is situated in the heart of the Zhashui Karst National Geopark, nestled on the mountainside of Huying Mountain at an altitude of 805 meters. The area enjoys ample sunlight, fresh air, and a tranquil environment. Inside the cave, a dazzling array of uniquely shaped stalactites greets visitors—stalagmites, stone curtains, stone draperies, and stone waterfalls are all breathtakingly beautiful; stone birds, beasts, Buddhas, and monkeys are strikingly lifelike; glistening stone flowers, fruits, mushrooms, and grapes are mouthwatering to behold; and the vast, profound art palace crafted by nature leaves all visitors in awe.

　　Fo Ye Cave faces northwest with its entrance at an altitude of 797 meters. In 1998, a 3-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue was placed at the cave entrance, and visitors exit through the sleeve of the statue—an amusing experience.

　　Before the seventh year of the Republic of China (1918 AD), there were two exquisitely crafted and vividly lifelike Buddha statues in the main hall of the cave. In the eighth year of the Republic of China (1919 AD), locals moved the two Buddhas to Baishen Cave. This cave has four levels: upper, middle, lower, and bottom, consisting of seven main halls and 23 smaller chambers. The larger ones are spacious and open, resembling grand Buddhist halls, while the smaller ones are elegant and delicate, akin to Suzhou gardens. The cave features peculiar, majestic, and fantastical scenes, with must-see attractions including: the Welcome Hall, Layered Emerald Corridor, Crouching Dragon Ridge, White Maiden Cave, Treasure Lotus Pillar, Two Buddhas Viewing the Sea Market, Monkey King Drilling Troops, Chrysanthemum Hall, Mushroom Tower, Eagle Perch Cliff, Writing Brush Stand Mountain, Turtle Storming the Sea, Madonna Embracing the Heavenly Palace, Water Curtain Pool, Water Curtain Cave, Water Curtain Palace, Lion Guarding the Bizarre Peak, General Patrolling at Night, and Xiangzi’s Diligent Study. A poem in the Welcome Hall reads: “Within two hundred square meters, a new cave heaven unfolds. Though not Wuling, it surpasses Peach Blossom Spring.”

　　The Rotating Scene Tower in Fo Ye Cave is the most representative highlight among the Zhashui karst caves, densely adorned with stone figures, arhat statues, stone elephants, stone horses, sea coral flowers, hanging stalactites, and numerous stalagmites—an awe-inspiring sight.

　　Tian Cave is adjacent to Fo Ye Cave and is a corridor-style cave where the formations are within arm's reach. As visitors move deeper into the cave, they ascend step-by-step, giving the sensation of climbing toward the sky—hence the name. According to geologists, this cave is connected to Fo Ye Cave, although no passage has yet been discovered. Compared to Fo Ye Cave, Tian Cave is more thrilling, with clearer sections and simpler shapes. Major attractions include: Jade Waterfall Hall, Lotus Pond, Dragon Palace, Frightening Path, Arhat Hall, and Guan’an Thatched Cottage. A poem in the Lotus Pond reads: “The water clock chimes, the lotus blooms, smiling bright in the jade pool. A heavenly maiden’s spring mood stirs, by the Lotus Pond seeking her lover.”

　　Scenic Area Address: Shiweng Village, Shiweng Town, Zhashui County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province

　　Transportation by Bus: Take a bus from Xi’an (Train Station) or Shangluo (Bus Terminal) to Zhashui to reach the scenic area.

　　Self-Driving Route: Head south from Yanxiang Road or Sanzhao Road, take the West-Zhashui Expressway at the Qijiang Entrance of South Third Ring Road (Sanzhao), heading toward Ankang. Arrive at the Zhashui Toll Gate in 50 minutes, then drive 18 kilometers south to reach the scenic area.