A Summer Encounter with the Immortals

◦ Location: Situated in Longmen Pavilion, Chaotian Town, Chaotian District, Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province. It lies 4 kilometers north of Chaotian Valley in the upper reaches of the Jialing River, nestled in the forests along the southern bank of the Qianxi River. ◦ Name Origin: Named after Song Geng, a Southern Song Dynasty hermit known as Xuexi Jushi, who practiced Taoism here. The name first appeared in the Southern Song geographical record "Yudi Jisheng." During the Qing Dynasty, it was also called "Immortal Cave," and in the 1950s, it was referred to as "Meijia Cave." In 1989, its original name, "Xuexi Cave," was restored. ◦ Geology: Xuexi Cave is a limestone karst cave stretching over 10,000 meters, with 2,000 meters currently developed. The temperature inside remains between 12-16°C year-round, featuring well-preserved limestone formations like stalactites, stalagmites, stone flowers, and stone curtains. **History & Culture** ◦ Poetry: Legend has it that in the spring of 1172, the poet Lu You composed a poem while passing through Xuexi Cave. Southern Song scholar Lou Key also wrote the poem "Xuexi Immortal Retreat," enriching the cave's cultural heritage. ◦ Immortal Legends: Local folklore claims Xuexi Cave was a gathering place for immortals. Scenic spots like the Immortal Crossing Bridge, Immortal Meeting Bridge, and Immortal Stone Dwellings are all tied to these myths. ◦ Red Culture: Xuexi Dragon Palace holds revolutionary history—it was once a Red Army stronghold where soldiers used guerrilla tactics to defend the Jialing River crossing route. **Main Attractions** ◦ Xuexi Dragon Palace: Upon entering, neon lights illuminate countless stalactites resembling blooming lotuses hanging over the Lotus Pool, with golden ripples and crystal-clear petals. ◦ Phoenix Terrace: A small platform of 100+ square meters features a stalactite wall resembling a phoenix mid-flight, now serving as an underground dance hall. ◦ South Sea Guanyin: A 20+ sqm platform fronts a 5-meter-tall stalagmite resembling the merciful goddess Guanyin, graceful and serene. ◦ Pangu Jade Tree: Behind the Tiger King Stone stands a towering pillar, formed over 130 million years ago. **Tourism Development** ◦ Status: A key part of the "National Key Scenic Area" Jianmen Shudao and the core attraction of the "AAAA-rated" Longmen Pavilion. ◦ Features: The site blends traditional culture with modern tech like light art and interactive experiences for immersive tourism. **Accommodation Suggestion:** Stay at **Bona Hotel (Guangyuan High-Speed Rail Station Huangze Temple Branch)**! Arrived late the first night and grabbed skewers🍢 right across the street. Slept in, had breakfast, then drove about an hour to the scenic area. Perfect summer retreat—scorching outside but refreshingly cool inside, a true contrast! Top summer travel pick, with nearby rafting for water lovers.