Seven Stars Cave - Residence of the Immortals

Tucked beneath the dramatic limestone cliffs of Guilin’s Seven Stars Park lies a sprawling karst cave system, veiled in myth and mystery. Named after the seven towering peaks that crown the landscape, said to mirror the celestial pattern of the Big Dipper, this subterranean realm has captivated explorers and spiritual seekers for a millennia. Though its precise moment of discovery has been lost to time, ancient inscriptions and artefacts suggest that humans have been venturing into its depths for more than a thousand years. Within its winding chambers, hidden grottos and natural stone halls, an underground river still flows, shaping the cave’s interior into other-worldly formations. More than just a geological wonder, the cave stands as a silent witness to generations of awe and imagination.

Early references to this cave can be found in historical texts as early as the Suii and Tang Dynasties around 518AD and its legacy is still visible in ancient inscriptions carved into the grotto walls.  Valued for its natural beauty and the stillness of its chambers, the cave is also believed to have served as a sacred retreat for Buddhist Monks and Taoist practitioners, a secluded place of meditation. They sought refuge in the darkness.

The area accessible to the public is highlighted by other-worldly lighting, it looks like an alien planet or immense coral system

Formed over millions of years through the slow, persistent erosion of limestone by flowing water, this vast, multi level cave system is a striking example of karst geology. Inside, the cave is adorned with dramatic natural features, towering stalagmites, delicate stalactites, flowstones and thick limestone columns that have fused together over millennia. Stretching over 1100 metres in length and rising to heights of more than 50 metres, the cave's scale is as impressive as its complexity. An underground river, still active today, winds its way through the lower caverns, gradually sculpting new paths as it has done for countless years.

As legends say, long before the cave became a place of meditation, it served as the lair of ancient dragons, guardians of the mountain and protectors of its hidden treasures. These powerful creatures were bound to the land, charged with preserving the balance of the earth and the ancient knowledge buried within it. Those who dared enter in search of riches or secrets met a brutal fate, their bones scattered across the cave’s chambers as a warning to others. At the heart of the cave lies the largest of these dragons, coiled around forgotten relics, while the spirits of the fallen remain, forever trapped in the rock and bound to the mountain's dark legacies.

Archaeological excavations, which continue to this day, have uncovered a wealth of artefacts dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Pottery shards, stone and metal tools and human bones have been unearthed, offering a glimpse into the lives and practices of those who once sought refuge here. The discovery of these remains, carefully interred alongside ritual objects, suggests that the cave was used not only as a place of shelter but also as a sacred site for burial rituals, confirming its use as a significant location for ancient spiritual practices.

The size of this cave is quite staggering

Location : Qixing Seven Stars Park, 1 Qixing Road, Guilin, Guanxi, China

How to get there : The park is centrally located to downtown Guiin and easily accessible on foot or via Didi Taxi (which only cost around $5). There are several main gates dotted around the park.

Attraction Info : The entry fee to the Seven Stars Park is 55 yuan and the cave costs an additional 40 yuan. Combo tickets are available. Directions to the cave are visible throughout the park. Guided tours are available for a small fee but they're mostly in Mandarin. Allow at least an hour to explore the caves at a leisurely pace. Access is relatively easy with minimal steps. 

Musings from ancient times. This immense cave system was regularly frequented by scholars, poets and artists who were captivated by its size and beauty

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