Xiangtangshan Grottoes, Echoes of Ancient Artistry and Spirituality

Gu Mountain, Fengfeng Mine District, Handan City, Hebei Province

There are a total of 16 grottoes in the North and South Caves combined

4.9

Introduction

The Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located in two separate areas, north and south, in the Gushan area of Fengfeng mining district, Handan City, Hebei Province. The grottoes on the mountainside are named Xiangtangshan Grottoes because of the special geographical location that produces a clangorous echo when visitors talk, wave their sleeves or walk. This is the largest grotto in Hebei Province, China, consisting of 16 grottoes, over 450 niches of cliff carvings, over 5,000 statues of various sizes, and a large number of engraved scriptures and inscriptions. The southern Xiangtangshan Grottoes are located on the north bank of Fuyang River, at the foot of Gushan, northwest of Zhifang Village. There are many buildings nearby, such as temples, pavilions and ancient pagodas. The southern Xiangtangshan grottoes consist of seven grottoes, with upper and lower levels. The largest Huayan Cave is about 4.9 meters high and approximately 6.3 meters wide and deep, engraved with the "Avatamsaka Sutra". On the middle and upper parts of the south wall of Amitabha Cave, there is a large relief depicting the story of the pure land of Amitabha Buddha. On the upper part of the central column of the south side, there are reliefs of Shakyamuni speaking the Dharma and the past lives of Buddha. The Qianfo Cave is located on the upper level, it is small and well preserved. Inside the cave, there are 1028 statues of various sizes, with a slightly raised roof carved in the shape of a lotus flower in the center. Eight flying figures on the surrounding walls echo each other, forming a light and graceful dance-like scene. The structure of the entire grotto is rigorous, the carving is superb, especially the large-scale carvings on the outer walls and the flying figures on the cave ceiling, which are rare artistic treasures. The Xiangtangshan Grottoes were announced by the State Council as the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units and are still highly protected today.

Address

Gu Mountain, Fengfeng Mine District, Handan City, Hebei Province

Opening hours

08:00-18:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)

Phone 0310-8333811;0310-8333123