The rare Taoist grottoes in China are hidden in the suburbs of Taiyuan. The Tianlongshan Grottoes in Taiyuan are famous.

Longshan Grottoes A rare Taoist grotto in China, hidden in the suburbs of Taiyuan The Tianlongshan Grottoes in Taiyuan are very famous, but the Longshan Grottoes nearby are much less well-known. Few people know that it is a rare Taoist grotto group in China. Among the 9 caves of Longshan Grottoes, Caves 4 and 5 were built in the Tang Dynasty; the other 5 caves were excavated at the turn of the Song and Yuan Dynasties by Quanzhen Master Song Defang and his disciples Qin Zhian and Li Zhiquan. Song Defang successively studied under Liu Chuxuan, Wang Chuyi and Qiu Chuji, three of the Seven Masters of Quanzhen, and was one of the eighteen disciples who accompanied Qiu Chuji on his journey to the West. The five grottoes he excavated were designed according to the needs of the Quanzhen Taoist priests at that time for holding fasting and offering sacrifices and practicing. They represented the structure of the typical Quanzhen temples at that time and the standards for the most basic statues that were essential in the temples. 1Xuhuang Cave (Cave 1, Yuan Dynasty): Xuhuang is the God of Taixu and the incarnation of Laozi. There are 21 statues and a giant dragon relief on the top of the cave. Unfortunately, tourists cannot see the top of the second cave. 2 Wo Ru Cave (Cave 2, Yuan Dynasty, p9): An old man without a hat lies on a pedestal. It is a reclining statue of Wang Chongyang (some say it is Song Defang himself), which is obviously influenced by the reclining Buddha statues in Buddhist caves. ③Sanqing Grotto (Cave No. 3, Yuan Dynasty, p1-5): In the middle are the "Three Pure Ones" (Taiqing, Yuqing and Shangqing), and on both sides are the "Six Imperial Gods", also known as the "Four Emperors and Two Queens" (Jade Emperor, Beiji Emperor, Tianhuang Emperor, Donghua Emperor, Houtu and West Queen Mother). The Three Pure Ones and the Six Imperial Gods were the highest gods of Taoism during the Song and Yuan Dynasties. There is also a giant dragon relief on the top of the cave. 4 Santian Dafashi Shrine (Tang Dynasty, p10): The Santian Dafashi enshrined here are the descendants of Zhang Daoling, Zhang Heng and Zhang Lu, the founders of Taoism. Xuanzhen Shrine (Tang Dynasty): The main statue is Wang Zijin, who was named "Prince Shengxian" by Wu Zetian. 6 Piyun Kan (Yuan Dynasty, p6-8): The main statue is Song Defang himself, with his disciples Qin Zhian and Li Zhiquan on both sides. A child at the side door is half-opening the cave door, listening to his master's teachings. There are two circling and dancing phoenixes on the top of the cave, shaped like Tai Chi. The decorative techniques are somewhat similar to those of the Northern Dynasties Buddhist caves, but the Northern Dynasties Buddhist caves featured deified flying celestial musicians, while here there are phoenixes and auspicious clouds that are rich in folk auspicious meanings. I personally think this is the most beautiful cave! 7 Seven True Shrines (Yuan Dynasty): Enshrined the seven major disciples of Wang Chongyang of the Quanzhen Sect. 8. Three Emperors Shrine (Ming Dynasty): dedicated to the Emperor of Heaven, the Emperor of Earth and the Emperor of Man. The clay sculptures have all been destroyed. Bian Dao Kan (Ming Dynasty): There is no statue in it. It is a place for Taoists to meditate, practice, and preach. 【Tip for visiting Longshan Grottoes】 It takes about 40 minutes to climb from the entrance of the scenic area to the grottoes. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the climb. There is also a famous Tongzi Temple near Longshan Grottoes. Wu Zetian once came here to worship Buddha. Now only ruins remain. If you have enough time, you can go and see it. Taiyuan Longshan Scenic Area