Underground Palace of Ten Thousand Wonders: A Journey Through Wanxiang Cave

The First Cave in Northern China

1.Located on the southern slopes of Jingshan: Mountain along the Bailong River in Wudu District, Longnan City, Wanxiang Cave is celebrated as the "First Cave in the North",. This massive karst system features a known exploration area of 45,000 square meters and a total known volume of approximately 360,000 square meters. With a documented history of visitors dating back over 1,000 years, the cave serves as a living museum of both geological evolution and historical cultural exchange,.

A Millennial Chronicle in Stone

Historically, Wanxiang Cave has been a site of pilgrimage and study since at least the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581 AD). The cave's walls are adorned with over 100 historical inscriptions and poems left by officials and scholars from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties,. Notable figures, such as the philosopher Cheng Yi from the Southern Song Dynasty, are recorded to have visited and meditated within these depths. These inscriptions provide a unique "Underground Forest of Steles," documenting the social and cultural history of the region across centuries.

Geological Splendor and Mysticism

Formed between 2.5 to 3 million years ago, the cave is a masterpiece of karst topography. It is divided into several major sections, including the Wanxiang Hall, Dragon Palace, and the Inscription Gallery. The interior is filled with an incredible variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars that resemble forests, palaces, and mythological creatures,. Local folklore adds a layer of mysticism, suggesting the cave was once a dwelling for immortals like Chengzi, further cementing its status as a spiritual landmark.

Natural Preservation and Microclimate

Wanxiang Cave maintains a nearly constant temperature of approximately 14°C to 16°C throughout the year, making it a natural haven for visitors regardless of the season. The internal environment features underground rivers and springs that have carved the limestone over millions of years, creating a complex subterranean landscape of halls and corridors that extend for over 4 kilometers,.