Damo Ancient Cave

The Damo Ancient Cave is located to the east of Wuma Ferry Square in the Mu Yan Riverside Scenic Area of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is a natural stone cave situated on a steep cliff between the hills. The cave is deep and winding, with a path leading through the seclusion. The entrance faces the river, offering a panoramic view of the Yangtze River's beauty. Geographic location: East of Wuma Ferry Square in the Mu Yan Riverside Scenic Area, Nanjing Transportation: Self-driving. There is a parking lot Ticket price: 30 Legend has it that 1600 years ago, the Buddhist master Damo debated Buddhist matters with Emperor Wu of Liang. When their conversation did not go well, Damo crossed the river on a reed. Passing through the Mufu Mountain, he saw a stone cave and took a brief rest there, which is why it was later named the Damo Ancient Cave.

Damu Ancient Cave is located to the east of Wumadu Square in the Muyan Riverside Scenic Area of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is a natural cave, located on a steep cliff between the mountains, with a deep and secluded path. The cave faces the river and overlooks the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River. Legend has it that more than 1600 years ago, the founder of the Dharma, Damo, and Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty debated Buddhist affairs. Due to different perspectives, the two did not get along and traveled from Nanjing across the river to the north, passing through Mufu Mountain. They saw a stone cave and entered it for a rest, hence it was later called Damo Ancient Cave. The Damo Ancient Cave has 101 statues of Damo with different expressions, becoming a little-known niche attraction, known as the 'Little Mogao Grottoes'. This line is actually quite fun, with the Jialuo Peak climbing, a line of sky, Damo Ancient Cave, plus the light and shadow show, it is worth the ticket price. To the right of the ancient cave is the 'Yiwei Du Damo Stone Cave Light and Shadow Art Museum' which is highly recommended, where you can immerse yourself in the art of light and shadow, with a strong visual impact. On weekends, you can take the subway to Shangyuanmen, along the Straw Shoe Gorge Monument, Wumadu, Damo Ancient Cave, Shishi Crossing, Santai Cave, Toutai Cave, Yanzi Cliff, Guanyin Gate, to Yanzi Cliff Subway Station, 8 kilometers, can be cycled or walked, to see the river view. -Travel Guide- ✅Variety of Damo Stone Cave 🈶More than a hundred Damo bronze statues carved by artists, Standing under the huge statue, it feels very shocking, The photos are very good, especially suitable for ancient style Hanfu📷 ✅Light and Shadow Art Museum in the Stone Cave Be sure to go inside the stone cave, there is a different world❗ See picture 4 at the entrance The light and shadow design is very artistic, not tacky, A layer of film is played in a loop, you can sit quietly and watch, The second floor has light and shadow interaction, and you can also go outside the cave to overlook the Yangtze River🌊 ✅Hiking From the Light and Shadow Art Museum, you can continue to hike, The main peak is about 110 meters above sea level, the mountain road is mainly steps and a bit steep, you need to wear sports shoes. ⏰The play time is 1-2 hours, if you add hiking, it is recommended to arrange at least half a day. 📷About photography: I arrived around 15:30 in the afternoon, the light was just right, and it was not overexposed. I recommend girls to wear light-colored new Chinese style, super out of the picture. The scenic area is not big, but it is very shocking and worth a visit. Take advantage of the fact that there are not many people now, hurry up❗After taking the pictures, you can go straight to Yanzi Cliff to watch the sunset. 🗺Surrounding play: 1⃣The area around Damo Ancient Cave is also a good place to enjoy the river view and walk and ride. I recommend a city walk route, which is about 8 kilometers long Subway to Shangyuanmen Station→Straw Shoe Gorge Monument→Wumadu→Damo Ancient Cave→Shishi Crossing→Santai Cave→Toutai Cave→Yanzi Cliff→Guanyin Gate→ Yanzi Cliff Subway Station . 📍Self-driving: Damo Ancient Cave Scenic Area 🚇Subway: Line 3 Shangyuanmen Station➡Transfer to Bus 307 to Wumadu 🎫Scenic area ticket: 30/person (including visit to the Light and Shadow Art Museum)🉑Use Nanjing Garden Card

I stood before the ancient Damo Cave, filled with reverence and curiosity. This ancient cave, located on the hillside of Mount Mufu in Nanjing, is said to be the place where Bodhidharma, the patriarch of Zen Buddhism, once practiced. I followed the steep mountain path, winding my way up, and finally arrived at the entrance to the Damo Cave. The cave's entrance hung high, as if it were a portal to another world. I stepped carefully into the cave, and a cool breeze greeted me, invigorating my spirit. Inside the cave, rocks jutted out in disarray, and the stone walls were covered with moss and mottled traces, as if narrating the vicissitudes of time. I looked up to see the high cave ceiling, where a sliver of light from a crevice shone down, illuminating a corner of the cave. Under that faint light, I seemed to see the figure of Bodhidharma, the patriarch, practicing diligently within the cave. I continued along the small path inside the cave, and a statue of Bodhidharma appeared before me. He was draped in a kasaya, holding prayer beads, with his eyes slightly closed and a serene expression on his face. At that moment, I felt as if I could sense his inner peace and wisdom. As I moved deeper into the cave, I discovered that the interior was complex, with many stalactites and stalagmites forming a unique landscape. I couldn't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship, capable of creating such a wondrous topography. In the ancient Damo Cave, time seemed to stand still. I was immersed in the ancient history and religious atmosphere, feeling a tranquility that was cut off from the world. There was no noise or disturbance from the outside, only inner peace and contemplation of life. When I left the Damo Cave, my heart was filled with emotion and respect. This ancient cave has witnessed the inheritance and development of Buddhist culture, and it has prompted me to think more deeply about life. With respect for Bodhidharma, I set off on my way home, hoping to bring this tranquility and wisdom back into my everyday life.

Few people know that there is also a Damo Ancient Cave in Nanjing, which is also one of the 48 scenic spots in Jinling. In fact, there are two places named "Damo Cave" in China, one is located in Songshan, Henan Province, and the other is in Nanjing. Legend has it that more than 1600 years ago, Master Damo and Emperor Wu of Liang debated on Buddhism. Because of different thinking perspectives, the two did not get along and went north from Nanjing across the river, passing through Mufu Mountain, saw a stone cave, and entered the cave for a short rest, so it was called Damo Ancient Cave by later generations. A few years ago, I came here when I was hiking in Mufu Mountain, and it was just a cave at that time. In 2016, the mine was repaired and developed, with three levels, a total of 101 different Damo statues, becoming a little-known niche attraction, known as the "Little Mogao Grottoes". This line is actually not bad for playability, climbing Jialuo Peak, One Line Sky, Damo Ancient Cave, plus the light and shadow show, it is worth the ticket price. On weekends, you can take the subway to Shangyuanmen, along the Straw Shoe Gorge Monument, Wumadu, Damo Ancient Cave, Shishidu, Santaidong, Toutaidong, Yanziji, Guanyinmen, to Yanziji Subway Station, 8 kilometers, can ride, can walk, see the river view. Next to Damo Cave, there is also a hidden photo check-in point, which has been updated for everyone yesterday. Transportation: Get off at Shangyuanmen Station on Subway Line 3, ride along the river for about 10 minutes, and there is a parking lot in the scenic area. Ticket: 30 yuan (annual ticket can be used, light and shadow show is closed on Monday every week)

Nanjing's hidden gem—Dama Ancient Cave—is definitely a niche spot you can't miss on your travels! Built against the mountain and standing by the river, it is not only one of the ancient Forty-eight Scenic Spots of Jinling, but also leaves people in awe with its unique scenery. Here, you feel as if you are in the wonderful world of a mini Dunhuang, where even on non-holiday days, you can enjoy tranquility and serenity. Spring in Dama Ancient Cave has a unique charm. With lush green leaves and blooming cherry blossoms, every step is a beautiful painting. In such an environment, whether you're taking photos of the landscape or portraits, you can easily capture stunning images and create unforgettable memories. Standing in front of the divine statues, we may feel our own insignificance, but it is this very feeling that helps us understand the true essence of life. It is only through our own efforts that we can gradually make life better. Dama Ancient Cave is not just a tourist attraction, but also a place for deep reflection. Getting to Dama Ancient Cave is convenient. You can take subway line 7 to Yanziji Station and then transfer to bus 101, or take subway line 3 to Shangyuanmen Station and then take a taxi. The ticket price is 30 yuan, which is absolutely worth it. In addition to the 101 Buddha niches on the outside, the Light and Shadow Art Gallery inside the cave is not to be missed. Under the interplay of light and shadow, the statues and murals seem to come to life, displaying a mysterious and majestic beauty. Stepping into the Light and Shadow Art Gallery, you will be deeply attracted by the artistic atmosphere, as if you are in a dreamlike world.