Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes, also known as Xiangtang Temple Grottoes, are located in the Fengfeng Mining Area to the southwest of Handan City, Hebei Province. It is a domestic Buddhist grotto and one of the largest in Hebei Province. The Buddha cave statues were originally built during the Northern Qi period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties and have been expanded through successive dynasties. There are now 16 cave temples and numerous Buddha statues, making it a popular destination for exploring ancient sites and praying for blessings in North China.
Currently, visiting Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes is divided into two locations: North and South Xiangtang Mountain, approximately 15 kilometers apart. Additionally, there is a nearby Shuiyusi Temple, also known as the Small Xiangtang Grottoes. Among the three grottoes, the North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes are the largest and best preserved, and they are the main destination for tourists. It takes about half a day to visit the North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes. If time allows, one can also visit the smaller South Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes. Shuiyusi Temple (Small Xiangtang Grottoes) is even smaller and is usually only visited by local villagers for incense offerings; only tourists very interested in grotto art would go for an in-depth visit.
The North Xiangtang Mountain Grottoes, built under the supervision of the Northern Qi royal family, are located on the north side of the Fengfeng Mining Area and are the main attraction for visitors. This site is not only a grotto sanctuary but also a scenic mountain ridge where visitors can hike and explore along the way. The scenic area is mainly divided into the foothills area, the grotto area on the mountainside, and the summit and rear mountain areas. It takes about half an hour to climb from the base to the grotto area, and 1-1.5 hours to reach the summit. The foothills area features ancient pagodas from the Song Dynasty and the remains of temples, all very simple and rustic, suitable for visiting and photography.
The summit area is mainly characterized by natural scenery. The natural cave, Xianren Cave, charges a separate admission fee of 3 yuan, with guides inside to visit rocks and Buddha statues. The rear mountain’s Tianqiao also charges 3 yuan, and this area is known for its beautiful mountain scenery. After climbing to the top, the surrounding mountain views are very expansive. The grotto area on the mountainside is the main attraction within the scenic area, where the nine main grottoes of North Xiangtang are located.
The South Xiangtang Grottoes are located next to the urban area of the Fengfeng Mining Area and were built under the supervision of the Northern Qi minister Gao Anagong. The scale here is relatively small, and there is no need to climb mountains, making the visit relatively simple. The grottoes are divided into two levels along the mountain wall, with a total of seven main Buddha caves. However, many Buddha heads have been stolen, and many are scattered overseas.
The Thousand Buddhas Cave is adorned with numerous Buddha statues and exquisitely painted murals, as well as intricate roof designs, making it the quintessential cave within the scenic area. It takes approximately 2 hours to tour the entire Southern Xiangtang Grottoes. Also known as the Small Xiangtang Grottoes, Shuiyu Temple is located about ten kilometers to the north of Fengfeng Mining District. Constructed under the supervision of monks and local residents, this grotto is relatively small in scale and can be toured in 1-2 hours. In front of the grotto lies a temple, which serves as a place for local villagers to offer incense. Behind the temple are the grottoes, divided into eastern and western caves, with the existing Buddha statues primarily dating from the Tang and Song dynasties. Due to the later period of construction and the maturity of the carving techniques, these grottoes are more delicate. Unfortunately, many Buddha heads have been lost due to historical destruction and theft. It is important to note that Shuiyu Temple has not yet been officially developed as a tourist attraction; the grottoes are protected by railings and are only opened on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month when villagers come to offer incense. If you wish to visit, please take note of the timing. Opening hours are from November 5th to January 31st, from 08:00 to 17:30.
Concessions are offered to children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) for free; children between 1.2 meters (exclusive) and 1.4 meters (inclusive) receive discounts. Elderly people aged 70 years and above (with ID for entry) enter for free; those aged between 60 and 69 receive discounts. Full-time students with student IDs also receive discounts.
Essential tips: 1. The grottoes are located in a mining area with significant dust on the roads. It is recommended to prepare sunglasses, headscarves, and masks for dust protection when visiting. 2. The grottoes at Shuiyu Temple are protected by railings and are generally only opened on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month when villagers come to offer incense, so please be mindful of the visiting time.
