Cuiyun Xianrendong Cave in Puer City
Chinese Name:普洱市思茅区云仙乡大芦山仙人洞
English Name: Cuiyun Xianrendong Cave in Puer City
Location and Naming
Dalu Mountain Village is part of Yunxian Township in the Simao District of Pu’er City, situated atop the mist-covered Dalu Mountain. Legend has it that a cave at the mountain’s peak, known as the “Xianren Cave,” was once inhabited by immortals. The locals named it “Xianren Cave,” and the township’s name, “Yunxian,” is derived from this legend.
The Mystical Xianren Cave
Xianren Cave on Dalu Mountain is renowned for its mythical stories. According to local folklore, immortals once lived in this cave. Elders in the village claim to have seen stone tables, stools, bowls, and cups used by these immortals in the cave’s main hall. Another intriguing feature of the cave is that, despite the water scarcity across most of Dalu Mountain, water continuously drips from the cave’s ceiling, regardless of the season.
Unique Features of Xianren Cave
The Xianren Cave is located on the highest peak within the Simao District, at an elevation of 2,154 meters. Standing at the summit, visitors can see the distant Simao City and experience the changing weather patterns around Dalu Mountain, feeling the chill that comes with high altitudes. The cave entrance itself is at an elevation of 2,066 meters, measuring approximately 15 meters in height and 25 meters in width. Although the cave originally contained many deep and dangerous side tunnels, most have been sealed off for safety. Inside, the cave remains cool and is adorned with uniquely shaped stalactites, seemingly crafted by nature’s hand, hanging from the expansive walls.
The Charm of Dalu Mountain Village
Located just below Xianren Cave is Dalu Mountain Village, also under the jurisdiction of Yunxian Township in the Simao District. The name “Yunxian” originates from the mountain’s cloud sea and the legendary Xianren Cave. Today, Dalu Mountain is known as the “Home of Mountain Songs” and a “Beautiful Mountain Village,” celebrated for its captivating karst landscape, making it a unique leisure and tourist destination in Simao and even Pu’er.
Attracting Artists and Nature Lovers
In recent years, Dalu Mountain’s natural scenery and rich cultural traditions have drawn photographers, painters, and literary artists, who have captured its beauty through their work, creating countless masterpieces.
Dalu Mountain’s Geography and Spirit
Dalu Mountain, standing at over 2,100 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in Simao District. It features a typical karst landscape and harsh natural conditions, once infamous for its water scarcity and poverty. Despite these challenges, the people of Dalu Mountain have thrived for generations, embodying a resilient spirit. They have cultivated crops such as rice, corn, tobacco, angelica, coffee, mango, tea, rubber, and vegetables, and raised livestock like cattle, buffalo, goats, pigs, and the famous Lushan black-bone chickens.
The Enchanting Sea of Clouds
Dalu Mountain is most renowned for its sea of clouds, a natural wonder that is thick, colorful, mysterious, and ever-changing, much like a dynamic painting or an inspiring poem celebrating resilient life. To witness the formation of Dalu Mountain’s sea of clouds, one must arrive at the summit at dawn. From there, one can watch the mist slowly rise from deep within the valleys, winding around the mountain ridges like jade, wrapping around bamboo-covered villages and winding roads, creating scenes of ethereal beauty. As time progresses, the mist thickens and becomes more dense, obscuring the mountains and filling the landscape with a sense of mystery and vitality.
The Formation of the Sea of Clouds
This sea of clouds is formed by radiation fog, typical of mountainous areas. During winter and spring, or after rainy nights, the fog becomes even thicker, enveloping entire slopes and reducing visibility to just a few meters. It often persists until noon. On sunny days, it’s not unusual for fog to form suddenly around five or six in the afternoon. Without the mist, the blazing sun makes the area unbearably hot, one reason why Dalu Mountain struggles to retain water.
Life on Dalu Mountain
Underneath the bright blue sky, the landscape is marked by dry riverbeds and dark stones. Amidst these rocks, green vegetables and other crops grow. Water tankers are frequently seen delivering water to irrigate young tobacco plants. The extreme heat and limited water resources present challenges, but the residents of Dalu Mountain have little choice but to adapt.
The Yi People of Dalu Mountain
The Yi ethnic group forms the majority in Dalu Mountain. Skilled in song and dance, the Yi people often sing mountain songs and perform traditional dances accompanied by instruments like the sanxian, flute, and mouth harp. Despite the harsh conditions, they live joyful lives, enjoying sweet moments and lively festivities. Dalu Mountain’s residents appreciate art, share happiness, and have even appeared on television shows.
Hospitality and Joy on Dalu Mountain
Everywhere in Dalu Mountain, the smiles of its people are bright. Villagers often invite visitors to their homes for tea and conversation, offering dishes of local green vegetables and the famous Dalu Mountain angelica-cooked black-bone chicken. They celebrate together with wine, refusing to stop until everyone is satisfied. The laughter on Dalu Mountain is genuine, the hospitality sincere, the scenery magnificent, and the sea of clouds breathtaking. The people of Dalu Mountain are hardworking, simple, and straightforward, welcoming, kind, and good-hearted. A visit to Dalu Mountain promises endless natural beauty and culinary delights, marking an unforgettable bond with this beautiful rural community.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dalu Mountain and Xianrendong Cave is during the winter and spring months. During this period, the likelihood of witnessing the spectacular sea of clouds is higher, and the weather is generally cooler and more pleasant for outdoor exploration.
How to Get There
To reach Dalu Mountain and Xianrendong Cave, you can travel to Puer City, Simao District, and then take a local transport or hire a car to Yunxian Township. From there, it’s a scenic drive or a hike up to the peak of Dalu Mountain.
Useful Travel Tips
- Bring warm clothing, as the higher altitude can make the temperatures drop significantly, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Carry sufficient water and snacks, as the area has limited facilities.
- It’s recommended to visit with a local guide who can navigate the paths and provide insights into the cultural and natural history of the area.
- Make sure to respect local customs and traditions, as the Yi people take great pride in their heritage.
