Hanyan Cave
寒岩
A giant danxia cave in western Tiantai, where the Tang poet-monk Hanshan is said to have lived in seclusion for decades; the origin of the 'harmony culture' associated with Hanshan.
Hanyan lies in Jietou Town in western Tiantai and is a steep danxia peak. Halfway up the mountain is a natural cave about 100 meters wide, big enough to hold several hundred people. It is known as Hanyan Cave, or Hanshan Cave. Legend says the Tang poet-monk Hanshan lived here and was on friendly terms with Shide of Guoqing Temple. Later generations revered them as the 'Two Sages of Harmony,' so Hanyan is regarded as the birthplace of harmony culture. Statues of Hanshan and poetry carvings stand inside and outside the cave. From the scenic area visitor center, climbing the stone steps to the cave takes about 30–40 minutes, and the views of the gorge and village below are wide. Ticket prices and opening hours follow the official announcement. It is about 40 km from the county town and requires a private car or chartered vehicle. It can be combined with nearby Mingyan, Hou'an Village and Hanshan Lake into a one-day western Tiantai tour.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Hou'an Village
- Mingyan Cave
- Zhangsi Ancient Village
- Hanshan Lake
- Shifeng Lake Night Tour
- Zhexi Old Street
- Qiongtai Fairy Valley
- Chicheng Mountain