“Imagine living inside a cliff face.” That’s the reality at Guyaju Caves. This extraordinary site is near Dongmenying in the Yanqing District of Beijing. These caves may have been dwellings for a fortified community.
The origins of Guyaju Caves are mysterious. Uncertainty surrounds the founding people. Their later disappearance adds to the enigma. One theory suggests the Kumo Xi tribe established it. This might have occurred during the Liao dynasty. Some think outlaws built the complex. Others believe it served as a military garrison during the Tang dynasty. But, there are no clear answers. Historical literature stresses its origins are a continuing archeological cipher.
Inside Guyaju Caves, you’ll find dwellings and a worship hall. These were hewn from the rock face of cliffs. Cave rooms are packed close together. In some spots, they’re cut at different levels. This gives the appearance of a multistory building. The complex holds 350 chambers inside 117 caves.
A Chieftain’s Palace sits at the bottom of one rock face. This elaborate residence has eight rooms. Columns cut from the rock support it.
The ancient cliff dwellings were first discovered in 1984. This happened during a cultural relics survey. The excavation date is inferred to be between 1000 and 2000 years ago. However, the exact date remains undetermined.
There’s no clear historical record of the occupants. The widely accepted speculation points to the Kumo Xi people. They may have lived here from the Tang dynasty to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. But, this theory faces objections. The occupants may have only lived there for just over 30 years. It is questioned whether they were capable of excavating the caves in that time. Another argument suggests Guyaju was actually a Han dynasty beacon.
In August 1991, Guyaju Caves officially opened to visitors. In May 2013, they were listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site. This provided protection at the National Level.
Guyaju Caves are the largest cliff dwelling site found in China. The site divides into two parts. There is the front ditch and the back ditch. All sit east to west. They cover an area of 1.5 square kilometers. The cave chiseling area spans 3931 square meters. Stone stairs lead from the cave entrance to the ground. These stairs are more than 10 meters long. There are between 117 and 170 stone rooms. These divide into more than 350 rooms. Most rooms are 1.8 meters high and 4 square meters in area. The largest is 2 meters high, 3 meters wide, and 5.2 meters long. Inside, you’ll see Kang bed-stoves, flues, window holes, and lampstands. The roof has a stone slot for collecting rainwater.
As you leave Guyaju Caves, consider the mysteries that remain. Who lived here? What was their purpose? The stones hold secrets. They whisper stories of the past. What do they tell you?