Changchun Cave of Weibao Mountain in Weishan County, Dali

Changchun Cave of Weibao Mountain in Weishan County, Dali
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Chinese Name: 巍山县巍宝山长春洞
English Name: Changchun Cave of Weibao Mountain in Weishan County, Dali

Location and History:

Changchun Cave is located at the western foothills of Weibao Mountain in Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It was originally established in the 44th year of the Qianlong era (1779) during the Qing Dynasty by Daoists Li Fa-ji and Yang Fa-yin. During the Jiaqing, Daoguang, Xianfeng, and Guangxu reigns of the Qing Dynasty, the cave underwent further expansions and renovations, evolving into its current scale. It is now recognized as a Taoist temple of the Pure Yang sect of Quanzhen Daoism in China.

Architecture and Layout:

Changchun Cave is oriented east to west, built along the mountainside, and covers an area of 1,656 square meters. The layout follows the Daoist “Bagua” (Eight Trigrams) arrangement and includes the mountain gate, front hall, main hall, side rooms, Daoist dormitories, and gardens. The main hall is constructed on a 1.85-meter high stone base, featuring a double-eaved hip roof with a bracket set and a combination of horizontal and vertical support beams. The interior houses statues of the Jade Emperor and the Two Emperors, with intricate decorations including an octagonal ceiling with a Bagua diagram and various Taoist murals depicting the “Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars” and other themes. Changchun Cave is renowned for its representation of Taoist architecture and is one of the scenic spots of Weibao Mountain, often referred to as “Ancient Cave Spring.” Changchun Cave of Weibao Mountain in Weishan County, Dali

Historical Evolution:

  • Changchun Cave was founded in 1779 during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty.
  • During the Jiaqing, Daoguang, Xianfeng, and Guangxu periods of the Qing Dynasty, the cave was expanded to its current form.
  • In 1987, the Weibao Mountain Yi and Hui Autonomous County government undertook restoration work.

Architectural Features:

  • Front Hall: Originally housing a statue of Lü Dong-bin, the front hall now enshrines various deities including the Thunder God, Land God, Spirit Officer, and the Gods of Wealth. The hall’s front pillars are adorned with couplets, and there are four plaques with inscriptions.
  • Main Hall: Situated on a 1.88-meter high stone base, the main hall faces east and features a double-eaved hip roof. The hall’s design includes a “bright on two sides, dark on one” layout, with an outer layer of corridors. An ornate plaque with the inscription “Tongming Tiangong” is displayed. The hall’s interior features intricate wood carvings and murals, including a “Map of the Celestial Palace” and various Taoist themes. The main hall also houses eight carved doors depicting the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” each illustrating a different legendary figure.
  • Side Rooms: The northern side rooms feature circular windows with various patterns and 69 images, including traditional motifs and scenes. The southern side room displays a large “Hundred Birds Worshiping the Phoenix” painting, depicting a lush phoenix tree surrounded by numerous birds.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

  • Legend: A local legend associated with Changchun Cave involves a colorful phoenix that flew over Weibao Mountain, attracting birds from all directions to pay homage. This legend inspired the “Hundred Birds Worshiping the Phoenix” painting in the cave.
  • Cultural Value: The cave’s murals depict scenes from the “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” celestial banquets, and various Taoist themes, making them invaluable cultural artifacts for the study of Taoism.

Protection Measures:

  • In December 1987, the Weibao Mountain ancient architectural complex was designated a provincial-level key cultural heritage site by the Yunnan Provincial Government.
  • On May 25, 2006, Changchun Cave was listed as a national key cultural heritage site by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
  • The protected area extends 50 meters outward from the perimeter walls of the Changchun Cave complex.

Tourist Information:

  • Location: Changchun Cave is situated in Weibao Mountain, Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
  • Driving Directions: From Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, travel via G215 to Changchun Cave, approximately 70 kilometers in total.