Fairy Cave, Cultural heritage cave in Mount Lu, China
Fairy Cave is an eroded sandstone cavern on Mount Lu measuring about 14 meters long and 7 meters high with naturally formed rock shelters overhead. The entrance features a distinctive round gate marked with Chinese characters that opens directly into this protected space.
The cave served as a meditation site for the Taoist master Lü Dongbin during the Tang Dynasty before receiving its current name. Later, during the Ming Dynasty, an emperor was so moved by the place that he ordered a pavilion to be built nearby.
The cave holds meaning in Taoist spiritual practices and remains connected to stories of immortals that locals continue to share with visitors. This connection between ancient beliefs and the natural landscape shows how a simple rock shelter became a place of deeper significance in people's minds.
Visitors should bring torches or flashlights since the interior lacks artificial lighting and darkness fills the space. Sturdy footwear is advisable because the ground is uneven and careful stepping is needed throughout the visit.
A photograph of this cave inspired a famous political leader to write a poem about it, which was published shortly afterward. This unexpected literary legacy connects the natural site to the modern history of the nation.
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