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Fengguan Mountain is located north of Danfeng County, Shaanxi Province, at the southern foot of the eastern Qinling Mountains. Danfeng, nicknamed "Danfeng" for its "bordered by the Danjiang River and nestled against Fengguan Mountain," is known as the "Father of Mountain Cities" and a "Quiet Place in a Bustling City." Fengguan Mountain, with its jagged and rugged terrain and precipitous cliffs towering above, is breathtakingly beautiful. Its allure is particularly captivating when rain and mist transform it.
The natural landscapes on the mountain, such as "Sleeping Beauty on the Crown Mountain, Standing Divine Turtle, and Monster with a Human Head", are lifelike and exquisite. What is even more amazing is that there are twelve mysterious cliff caves of various sizes and shapes distributed on the cliffs, which are like the work of nature. Inside the caves are statues and reliefs of gods, hiding the mysteries of the three religions of "Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism". Famous people of various religions in history have practiced here. Ge Hong, a famous Taoist priest in the Jin Dynasty, practiced here. Zhang Baiduan, the founder of the Southern School of Taoism, is one of them.
A visit to Guanshan Mountain offers three main attractions: hiking to admire the scenery, exploring the caves to seek immortality, and rock climbing and exploration. According to the "Zhili Shangzhou General Records," Zhang Ziyang, the "first ancestor of the Southern School of Taoism" during the Northern Song Dynasty, ascended to heaven in a cave on Jiguan Mountain. Later generations, guided by Zhang Ziyang's philosophy of "the unity of the three religions," created a series of beloved deities and immortals, each recounting their captivating stories. Guanshan Mountain boasts twelve caves, each of which houses a spirit.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate features four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, and distinct dry and wet seasons in the summer and winter. Avoid the cold winter and travel in spring, summer, and autumn.
Tudi Cave: According to the General Records of Shangzhou, Zhili, "When Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was ill, he dreamed of a deity offering him platycodon, who was called Shangshan Tudi. Upon his recovery, he was granted the title of Du Tudi and given the royal robes." Du Tudi, in layman's terms, is the capital's land god, holding the highest position of honor. The Du Tudi deity resides in Shangshan, and this cave is his palace.
Guandi Cave: Throughout the ages, Guan Yu, a man of great benevolence, righteousness, virtue and courage, has been worshipped by people from generation to generation, and everyone prays for him to protect all living beings with peace and good fortune.
Wenchang Cave: Emperor Wenchang was a descendant of the God of Thunder. The Jade Emperor ordered him to be in charge of literature, knowledge, fame, wealth and honor in the human world.
God of Wealth Cave: Pray for wealth and worship the god with sincerity and your wish will come true. The aura of the God of Wealth in this cave shines upon Longju Ancient Village, making it a place of prosperity with bustling traffic and merchants.
Erxian Cave: The male immortal holds a lotus flower, while the female immortal holds a round box, symbolizing harmony and reconciliation, symbolizing the love between husband and wife. The matchmaker ties the red string, bringing a marriage together through a thread of thousands of miles; the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meeting on the Magpie Bridge is a poignant example of love.
Laojun Cave: Over 2,000 years ago, Laozi, the founder of Taoism, rode a green ox out of Han Valley and traveled extensively, preaching the Daodejing. One day, he arrived at Fengguan Mountain, where he was overwhelmed by the array of ancient caves and towering rocks. He was so captivated by the sight, he built a furnace there to refine elixirs and preach the Daodejing.
Buddha Cave: The main deity is Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, with Guanyin Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva on both sides. In the side cave is Maitreya Buddha, whose "big belly can accommodate things that are difficult to accommodate in the world."
In addition, there are Niangniang Cave, Jade Emperor Cave, Yaowang Cave, Ziyang Cave and Guapiao Cave.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
50 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
Danfeng Fengguanshan Grottoes are a historic Buddhist site in Shaanxi, featuring rock-cut sculptures and carvings dating back several centuries. The grottoes reflect the religious, cultural, and artistic achievements of the region and are significant for understanding the spread of Buddhism in China.
Located in Danfeng County, Shaanxi Province. Visitors can reach it via taxi or private car from the county center. Local buses may require transfers, and walking is feasible only for short sections near parking areas.
The grottoes are generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for visiting, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance. Prices vary depending on season and any special exhibitions. Online booking may be available through official tourism websites or local travel platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays, ideally 1–3 days ahead. For regular days, tickets can usually be bought onsite.
2–3 hours to explore the main grottoes, appreciate the carvings, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Guided tours are available, mostly in Chinese; some local tour operators provide English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides may be limited or not available.
Start at the main entrance, visit the largest grottoes first, then follow the cliffside paths to smaller caves, ending at scenic viewpoints for photos and landscape appreciation.
No night visits or light shows are typically available due to preservation concerns. Special tours may be arranged on request through local operators.
Weekdays and off-season periods are least crowded. Holidays and weekends may see a higher number of visitors.
Some trails are steep and uneven; elderly or disabled visitors may require assistance. Children can navigate with supervision. Not all areas are wheelchair accessible.
Cash is accepted at entrances and small vendors. Major credit cards may be limited; mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used locally.
Local eateries and small cafes near the entrance serve traditional Shaanxi cuisine and snacks. Limited options inside the site.
Vegetarian options are generally available; vegan and halal options may be limited and should be checked in advance.
Several guesthouses and small hotels are available in Danfeng County town center, 10–20 minutes by car from the grottoes.
Souvenir shops near the entrance sell Buddhist-themed crafts, postcards, local stone carvings, and small gifts.
Taxis or private cars are the most convenient to continue traveling to nearby towns or attractions. Local buses may be available to the county center.
