Wandering the streets of Maokong, a wooden sign pointed us toward the Zhanghu trailhead and Yinhe cave. In that moment, we chose to hike. We zipped up our raincoats and ascended a large set of steps into the mountainside.
Tea Lover’s Dream
We trekked along the mountain ridge overlooking a sea of tea plots. During the 19th century, immigrants from China’s Fujian Province discovered that the moist climate and good soil in this region perfectly suited oolong tea. Tea lovers dream of Maokong’s baozhong oolong tea.
Into The Woods
Eventually, we reached a series of wooded trails surrounded by lush mountain forest.
A chorus of bird songs and insect calls cut through the pitter patter of rain hitting the leaves above. Fronds of Taiwaniana alsophilia gently swayed back and forth in the breeze as if to wish us well.
With several directions to choose from, we continued towards the Yinhe Cave Waterfall. We hiked though thick vegetation, passing by several farms before descending a series of slippery man-made steps.
Yinhe Cave Temple
We rounded the bend and found ourselves at the doorstep of the breathtaking Yinhe Cave Temple. Yinhedong. We admired this quaint temple tucked carefully into a natural cave recess along the mountainside. So named for the temple’s natural waterfall, Yinhedong translates to silver stream or milky way.
Divine Hall
When we entered the divine hall, rhythmic chants enveloped us as the chorus echoed around the room. These melodic chants quickly took root as they grounded our minds, bodies and spirits.
An unmistakable aroma of sandalwood pulled us towards the Buddhist shrine featuring Guanyin and an assemblage of fortune telling instruments.
Just past the altar, hallways led to a path that climbed along a sheer cliff passing just behind the waterfall. Prayer flags lined this ascending walkway, which led to a Taoist temple set inside a smaller natural cave.
An Immortal Greeting
Lu Dongbin, an immortal master of internal alchemy, greeted us on entry. He represents one of the Eight Immortals of Chinese legend. A scholar warrior, he stood ready with a sword on his back to dispel evil spirits.
Reflections on Yinhe Cave Temple
Although it has been two years since my trip to Yinhedong, I can still feel the pulse of those rhythmic chants of the divine hall resonate through my mind, body and spirit. This humble yet powerful temple stands in harmony with nature. As a result, this remains one of the most deeply spiritual places that I’ve been fortunate enough experience firsthand.
Truly great ones rely on substance,
And not on surface,
Hold on to the fruit,
And not to the flower.
– Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
—
