Half-day Tour of Taogong Cave in Yongjia

We drove nearly 100 km to visit Taogong Cave on a sunny Sunday. Taogong Cave is located in Daluoyan, Yongjia. There is a parking lot at the attraction, which is currently free. The attraction is a typical remnant of the Yandang Mountains, with beautiful mountains and rivers, making it perfect for a slow and detailed tour. Taogong Cave is a naturally formed karst cave that was later excavated. It is the 12th blessed land of Taoism. The highest point in the cave is dedicated to the Great Emperor Hu, while other places are dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Arhats of Buddhism, as well as the Three Pure Ones and the Three Stars of Taoism, and the statue of the founder of Taogong Cave. The cave is full of incense and worshippers. Taogong Cave is named after Tao Hongjing, who was known as the "Prime Minister in the Mountains" during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and lived here in seclusion to write books. Outside the mountain gate, there is a huge stone engraved with the words "Dengxian Stone". It is said that in ancient times, Taoist practitioners in this cave would ascend to immortality on this stone. Opposite the mountain gate, on the right side of Dengxian Stone, there is a pond for releasing animals, where koi gather in groups, reflecting the green water, making it a great photo spot. Unfortunately, the old woman selling fish food nearby is very pushy, which is annoying! After offering incense, there is a Huakai Wheat Cake Shop on the left side of Taogong Cave, which is said to be a popular shop with a very nice environment. Order a wheat cake with pickles and dried plums, and enjoy it with coffee by the water in the sun for a leisurely lunch. After the meal, walk along the creek, stopping at various elegantly decorated coffee bars, restaurants, book bars, and homestays, for a very relaxing weekend! Admission to Taogong Cave is CNY 10. If you have time, you can also visit Yongjia Academy, which is not far away. Taogong Cave

Post by CALLAHAN BARBER | Jan 13, 2025