姐妹洞

Gazing up at the entrance of 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave), can you sense the whispers of ancient legends? 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave), nestled in the foothills of Qingcheng Mountain, holds a captivating tale of two sisters, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing. They were not ordinary mortals. They were snake spirits, diligently cultivating their powers within the depths of this very cave. Stone Flowers Cave, also known as Shihua Dong, is a karst cave system with seven levels. The top four levels are open to the public, offering a 2.5km underground loop walk. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 13–16°C. The legend intertwines with the famous story of the Broken Bridge, a symbol of love and longing. Bai Suzhen, the elder sister, fell in love with a mortal man named Xu Xian. Their love story faced numerous obstacles, including the disapproval of celestial beings. One day, while gathering herbs on the mountain, Xu Xian stumbled upon 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave) and met Bai Suzhen. Their connection deepened, but their happiness was short-lived. Jealous deities intervened, imprisoning Xu Xian. Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing embarked on a perilous quest to rescue him. Their journey led them far from Qingcheng Mountain, eventually to Hangzhou’s West Lake. There, at the Broken Bridge, a pivotal scene unfolded. Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian were reunited, their love enduring despite the trials they faced. The “Broken Bridge” became a poignant symbol of their enduring love, echoing the legend back here at 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave). The “Broken Bridge” isn’t actually broken. It’s a visual effect created by melting snow. The snow on the sun-facing side melts first, while the shaded side retains its white blanket, giving the illusion of a bridge split in two. Here at 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave), the story takes on a unique twist. During the spring, plum blossoms bloom near a small stone bridge. Some blossoms drift onto the bridge, creating a scene reminiscent of the Broken Bridge. The white petals against the grey stone evoke the image of residual snow. The connection between Bai Suzhen, Qingcheng Mountain, and the Broken Bridge adds another layer of intrigue to 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave). The cave itself descends deep underground, with a dry top level and progressively wetter lower levels. The formations within include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstone, ‘stone flowers’, and more. As you explore the depths of 姐姐洞 (Sisters’ Cave), remember the tale of the two sisters and their journey. It’s a story of love, perseverance, and the enduring power of legends.