A Millennium Wonder Illuminated by Lotus Light

Exploring Lotus Ancient Cave: A Karst Underground Wonderland Hidden in Guizhou Sunlight pours in, stone lotuses bloom for a thousand years inside the cave Nestled in the hills of Banpo, Malinggang, Puding County, Anshun, Guizhou, Lotus Ancient Cave lies quietly. This is no ordinary karst cave; three skylights allow sunlight to cascade in, with stone curtains and draperies hanging inside, and bizarre stalactites that captivate visitors. During the Republic of China era, this place was already famous. The cave entrance bears the four characters "Lotus Ancient Cave" inscribed by Yang Sen, then Chairman of Guizhou Province of the Kuomintang. The most magical feature inside is the stone lotus atop a 2-meter-high giant rock in Yinhe Cave—layers of petals clearly distinguishable, formed by water droplets falling from the cave ceiling over many years. "Water drops form flowers," and the name Lotus Cave originates from this phenomenon. Photo Spots: Collect this light and shadow map · Dragon Bed Divine Light: The stone bed in front of the main cave hall is said to be where the Dragon King of the East Sea once spent the night. Around 11 a.m., sunlight beams through the skylight, perfectly passing through the stone bed. Lying down for a photo feels like being "favored by the divine dragon." · Stone Lotus Wonder: The stone lotus in Yinhe Cave is a must-photograph attraction. You can toss a coin onto the tray; hitting the flower center is said to bring good luck. Between 2-3 p.m., Tyndall light penetrates the skylight, creating a "Christ rays" effect in the mist. · Banana Cave Heaven: Inside the Banana Cave on the right, wild bamboo grows densely, with several tall banana plants reaching toward the skylight. Play some ancient-style music on your phone and watch the vines on the cave ceiling sway in the breeze, as if stepping into the world of "The Lost Tomb." · Inscribed Stone Carvings: The cave houses inscriptions by the famous calligrapher Mr. Ren Kecheng, reading "Water flows, flowers bloom; mountains rise, lotus spreads," each character about one meter tall, creating a magnificent cultural backdrop for photos. High Cost-Performance Experience Lotus Ancient Cave has no entrance fee and is truly a hidden gem off the beaten path. Drive to "Chenbao Village, Puding County," then follow the "Lotus Ancient Cave" signs along the gravel road (an SUV is recommended). Parking is available at an abandoned elementary school playground about 800 meters from the cave entrance to avoid parking fees. Gear Preparation: Bring a headlamp or flashlight with at least 2000 lumens (the cave is pitch dark), non-slip hiking shoes (moss and stalactite water are very slippery), and work gloves (to protect your hands). These items can be prepared for just a few dozen yuan per person. Best Time: On sunny days, early morning between 8-9 a.m. or afternoon between 2-3 p.m. for optimal lighting. Avoid rainy days as the cave becomes more slippery. Precautions · The cave floor is covered with moss and extremely slippery; every step requires caution. · Do not touch the rock walls with bare hands; the calcium carbonate crystals are sharp and may cause cuts. · Avoid wearing white clothing; water dripping from the cave ceiling contains iron ions that may leave stains. · Bring your own water and food; there are no commercial facilities inside the cave. · Follow Leave No Trace principles: take all trash with you and do not damage the stalactites. See the mountain, see the water, see yourself Standing before the stone lotus, watching water droplets fall from the cave ceiling dozens of meters above, landing perfectly in the tray—this single drop has traveled for a thousand years. The inscription inside the cave, "Water flows, flowers bloom," reveals a cosmic truth: water has its own rhythm, flowers have their own season. Walking through the darkness of Lotus Ancient Cave, suddenly illuminated by a beam of light from the skylight, you will understand: nature’s miracles are not far away, but right here in this stone lotus and this ray of light you are gazing at.