Tongxuandong Cave in Shizong County, Qujing

Tongxuan Cave is located in the western outskirts of Shizong County (师宗县), Yunnan Province (云南省). The cave is composed of Baiyun limestone (白云质灰岩) from the Middle Triassic period and is situated on the side of a reverse fault. It consists of three sections: the upper, middle, and lower caves, which are interconnected and feature both water and dry caves.

Introduction

The lower cave is named "Tongyuan" (通源), where a clear spring flows gently eastward and extends approximately 0.5 kilometers. The middle cave is called "Tongyou" (通幽), stretching about 1 kilometer, deep and mysterious. The upper cave, named "Tongxuan" (通玄), is about 0.1 kilometers long and has seven interconnected halls. In the main hall, a massive stalagmite resembles a giant turtle stretching towards a waterfall cascading downwards.

Passing through the "Divine Brush Hall" (神笔厅) leads to the "Four Seasons Hall" (四季厅), which showcases scenes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. To the south, graceful willows sway in the wind; to the north, snow blankets the ground under a frozen sky; to the east, beneath the pine-covered mountains, a group of white elephants play leisurely in the forest; and to the west, rolling hills and layered pines create a vibrant autumn landscape with hues of green, yellow, and red. The cave's stalactites are colorful and diverse, resembling various animals and birds. A notable feature is the "Heavenly Script Wall" (天书壁), a sloping stone wall about 4 meters wide and 14 meters long, adorned with an intricate pattern that appears as symbols from a distance but resembles characters up close.

Tongxuan Cave is located 500 meters west of Shizong County, nestled in the TianTai Mountain (天台山) range, with its entrance facing northeast. Historical descriptions reference it as having "a phoenix holding a book" and "a parrot gazing far."

Structural Overview

Tongxuan Cave is regarded as one of the most distinguished underground karst caves on the plateau. It is divided into three parts: the upper cave (Tongxuan), the middle cave (Tongyou), and the lower cave (Tongyuan). The upper cave is vast and spacious, containing multiple halls connected to one another, with numerous stalactites predominantly in white and crimson hues. A significant feature is the "Two Heavens" (两重天), where the lower section is crimson and the upper section is milky white, giving it the nickname. At the top, a large stone bears two footprints, commonly referred to as the "Immortal's Footprints" (仙人脚印).

The essence of Tongxuan Cave lies in the middle section. From 300 meters south of the upper cave, one descends over 10 meters, revealing a giant hand reaching out from the cave's ceiling, clutching a banana plant. Following the strings of banana trees through the "Cold Snowy Land" (冷天雪地) in the north, the passage narrows. Inside, the water reaches up to one's waist, with numerous stone lotuses, mills, pillars, and pedestals. Due to the drop in water levels, slender stalactites protrude from the walls, resembling intricate murals that extend to the cave's end. This, along with hundreds of bonsai "floating" in the water, creates a three-dimensional landscape painting. The "mystery" of Tongxuan Cave likely refers to these extraordinary natural masterpieces.

How to Get There

To reach Tongxuan Cave, you can drive to Shizong County from Kunming (昆明), which is about a 2.5-hour journey. Public transportation options include buses from Kunming to Shizong, followed by a short taxi ride to the cave entrance.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Tongxuan Cave is during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are mild and the surrounding scenery is picturesque.
2. What to Bring: Make sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and consider bringing a flashlight, as some areas within the cave may be dimly lit.
3. Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience, providing insights into the cave’s history and geology.
4. Safety Precautions: Be cautious of wet and slippery surfaces within the cave, and keep an eye on your belongings.
5. Photography: Capture the stunning natural formations, but be respectful of the environment by not touching or climbing on the stalactites and stalagmites.