Yanxia Cave

CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou

Located in the center of the southern side of Wengjiashan (Weng Family Mountain) on the southern shores of West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, this naturally formed cave extends 30 m into the mountainside. Natural stalactite formations hang from the cave ceiling. Based on the remaining inscriptions, it can be inferred that the cave dates from the Wuyue Kingdom (907–978). Some of the more exquisite carvings are from the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127). The cave was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The east and west walls inside the cave are carved with the Sixteen Arhats, each wearing a different expression, and a warrior making an offering. Freestanding statues of Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas stand symmetrically on either side of the entrance.