| Taiji Cave | |
|---|---|
| 太极洞 | |
 Exterior of the Taiji Cave | |
 Interactive map of Taiji Cave | |
| Location | Guangde County,Xuancheng,Anhui |
| Coordinates | 30°55′50″N119°29′33″E / 30.93056°N 119.49250°E /30.93056; 119.49250 |
| Length | 5.4 km (3.4 mi) |
Taiji Cave (simplified Chinese:太极洞;traditional Chinese:太極洞;pinyin:Tàijí Dòng;lit. 'Cave of theSupreme Ultimate') is akarst cave located on Shilong Mountain (石龙山) inGuangde County,Xuancheng City,Anhui Province, People's Republic of China, where the provinces ofJiangsu,Zhejiang and Anhui meet.Ming dynasty writer and poetFeng Menglong described the cave as one of the "Four Absolutes Under Heaven" (天下四绝Tīanxià Sìjué).[1] It is also considered a primary "Place of Enlightenment" (道教道场Dàojiào Dàochǎng) byTaoists, similar to theBodhimanda ofBuddhism. The 200-million-year-old cave is divided into dry and wet layers representing theyin and yang of Chinese philosophy.
In February 2004, theChinese State Council included the cave on its fifth list of National Scenic Attractions. It is also a 4A rated National Tourism Area.
At 5.4 kilometres (3.4 mi) in length and covering a surface area of 140,000 m2 (1,500,000 sq ft), Taiji Cave is the largest natural limestone cave inEast China.[2][3] The cave's first chamber extends to 1,600 m2 (17,000 sq ft) and has a height of 5 to 10 metres (16 to 33 ft).[4] To date nineteen separate chambers have been opened to visitors. There are more than 160 features inside the cave, including the "Ten Large Landscapes" (十大景观Shí Dà Jǐngguān).
By boat it is possible to explore the water-filled level of the cave where there are many unusual rock formations.
These interior features of the cave are largely based on their resemblance to other objects.[4] Some are individual rock formations, whilst others are groups.
Dotted around the cave there are many places of historic interest including the "Hidden Dragon Bridge" (卧龙桥Wòlóng Qiáo) whereEmperor Guangwu (5 BCE–29 CE) took refuge during theHan dynasty, the military command platform (将军台Jiāngjūn Tái) of GeneralLu Meng (178–220 CE)[5] and the "Sabre Gorge Stone" (剑峡石) ofSong dynasty patriotYue Fei (1103–1142 CE). Outside the cave lies the Inkstone Lake (砚池湖Yànchí Hú), said to be the location where Song dynasty politician and writerFan Zhongyan washed hisinkstone.[4]
