Dali Qingxuan Cave

【Introduction】: Overview of Dali Qingxuan Cave Dali Qingxuan Cave, widely known as "Qingxuan Cave," is located at the foot of Fenghuang Mountain in Fengmi Village, Xintun Town, Heqing County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It belongs to a karst cave landscape complex. The core area consists of a main cave and 15 smaller branch caves, with the main cave extending 84.6 meters deep. Inside, stalactite pillars stand tall, casting dappled light and shadow, creating a magical space where "caves within caves and diverse scenery" unfold. Outside the cave, over 30 cliff carvings, including Guanyin Bodhisattva and the Eighteen Arhats, adorn the stone walls, forming a religious art spectacle known as "Eighteen Arhats Paying Homage to Guanyin" alongside the nearby Tianzi Temple. Historically, Qingxuan Cave earned the name "Tianzi Cave" (Emperor's Cave) for enshrining Zhao Shanzheng, the king of the Nanzhao Daitianxing Kingdom (commonly called "Tianzi Laoye"). Zhao Shanzheng is revered as the "Benzhu" (local guardian deity) by 13 villages in Heqing. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, surrounding villages hold grand temple fairs, blending rituals, trade, and folk activities like mountain song duets, a tradition spanning over a millennium. Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake once visited and praised it as "a place of winding paths, embraced by cliffs above and clear waters below, truly a marvel." Literary inscriptions by scholars further enrich its historical depth. 🕘【Opening Hours】 Qingxuan Cave is open year-round with no fixed closing days. The recommended visiting hours are 9:00–17:00, with the best lighting for viewing stalactites between 10:00–14:00. **Notes**: - The cave floor is slippery; wear anti-slip shoes. - During temple fairs (13th–16th of the first lunar month), crowds are dense; consider off-peak visits. - Respect religious customs: photography is prohibited near Buddha statues, and avoid stepping on thresholds or pointing at deities. 💴【Ticket Price】 Qingxuan Cave currently offers free admission, though voluntary donations may be accepted in religious areas (e.g., Tianzi Temple, Wealth God Temple). If fees are introduced later, expect prices around ¥20–30/person (based on nearby cave attractions). Check the latest updates via the official WeChat account "Heqing Culture and Tourism" before your trip. ⛺【Activities】 **Core Experiences** 1. **Cave Exploration** - Highlights: The deep main cave and winding branch caves feature unique stalactite formations like "Stone Bamboo Shoots Piercing the Sky" and "Jade Pillar Waterfall." Ming Dynasty cliff carvings are preserved, with Guanyin and Arhat statues from the early Republic of China listed as cultural relics. - Route: Entrance → Main Cave → Left Branch (best lighting) → Right Branch (dense stalactites) → Exit at Tianzi Temple. - Tips: Duck in narrow sections; bring a flashlight. 2. **Religious Culture** - Tianzi Temple: Houses a statue of Zhao Shanzheng. During temple fairs, witness Bai "Benzhu" rituals and join trade or song duets. - Qingxuan Cave Temple Ruins: Features structures like the Mahavira Hall and Three Emperors Hall, showcasing Ming-Qing temple architecture. 3. **Natural Scenery** - Xiangmi Longtan (Fragrant Rice Dragon Pool): Southeast of the cave, offers clear waters and panoramic views. - Pine Forest Garden: Hosts temple fairs; a leisure trail ideal for photos. 🚌【Transport Guide】 **From Dali Ancient Town** - **Self-drive/Charter**: Route: Dali Ancient Town → Dali-Lijiang Expressway → Heqing Exit → Dayang Road → Fengmi Village (~50 km, 1 hour). Cost: Charter ~¥200–300/day (shareable). - **Public Transport**: 1. Take the "Dali–Heqing" bus (¥25/person, 1.5 hours) from Dali Ancient Town Station, alight at "Xintun Town." 2. Transfer to a local tricycle or walk 3 km to Fengmi Village (~¥10/person by tricycle). - **Tour Shuttle**: Some agencies offer day trips (¥120/person) with round-trip transport and guided tours (book in advance). 👉【Itinerary】 **Day Trip Suggestion** - Morning: Explore Qingxuan Cave (2–3 hours) → Relax at Xiangmi Longtan (1 hour). - Lunch: Try Bai specialties like sour-spicy fish or raw pork skin in Fengmi Village (~¥40/person). - Afternoon: Stroll Pine Forest Garden/Tianzi Temple Fair (if during the 15th) → Return. **Nearby Attractions** - Heqing Xinhua Village (15 km): Famous for silverware; try hands-on crafting (¥100–300/item). - Caohai Wetland: Birdwatching/boating in summer; reed photography in autumn. **Accommodation** - Budget: Yunhe Hotel in Heqing (¥150–200/night), near Xinghe Road Night Market. - Unique: Yindu Shui Xiang Inn in Xinhua Village (¥300–500/night), featuring Bai courtyard views. 🧡【Packing List】 - Essentials: ID (for tickets/accommodation). - Clothing: Non-slip shoes, sun protection, light jacket (cave temp: 15–18°C). - Gear: Flashlight, power bank, raincoat (summer showers). - Meds: Band-aids (cave bumps), motion sickness pills (bumpy bus rides). - Cultural Prep: Small cash for temple fair donations.