Just came back from Nanjing—is this place really real?

Didn't expect Nanjing to hide such a stunning secret spot. —It is one of the Forty-Eight Views of Jinling, said to be a resting place of Bodhidharma, known to later generations as the "Bodhidharma Ancient Cave." 101 Bodhidharma statues with different expressions stand quietly between the cliffs of the mine pit, solemn and magnificent. Standing before the giant statues, one can't help but feel awe. This place is quiet and sparsely populated, like a "Little Mogao Cave of Nanjing" gently buried by time. 📍Address: Nanjing Bodhidharma Ancient Cave Scenic Area 🎫Ticket: 30 RMB/person (Nanjing Tourism Annual Card accepted, Light and Shadow Pavilion closed on Mondays) 🕒Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🚇Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Shangyuanmen Station, exit 2; recommended to bike or take a taxi (about 10 minutes) For self-driving, navigate directly to the scenic area, parking available 📖【Cultural Background】 China has two "Bodhidharma Caves," one in Songshan, Henan, and the other in Nanjing. It is said that over 1600 years ago, after a disagreement on Buddhism with Emperor Liang Wu, Bodhidharma crossed the Yangtze River northward and found this cave at Mufu Mountain, where he rested, hence the name "Bodhidharma Ancient Cave." A few years ago, this was just a natural stone cave. In 2016, after mine pit restoration and cultural development, it transformed into a three-level grotto landscape with 101 statues, blending history, grotto art, and light and shadow technology, becoming a niche but visually and spiritually impactful attraction. 🌟【Highlights】 ➊ Bodhidharma Grotto Statues: 101 Bodhidharma statues distributed across three levels, each with unique and solemn postures, perfect for photography ➋ Yiwei Crossing Light and Shadow Art Museum: immersive light and shadow show, visually stunning, note closed on Mondays ➌ View of the Yangtze River: the grotto faces the Yangtze River; climb the platform for river views and a clear mind ➍ Cultural Hiking Route: recommended to combine with Yanziji, Santai Cave, Guanyin Gate, and other river-view historic sites for an 8 km light hike or bike ride (Route: Shangyuanmen → Caoxiexia → Wumadu → Bodhidharma Ancient Cave → Yanziji) 📸【Photo Tips】 From 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the light is soft, enhancing the layering of people and grottoes; wearing light-colored, modern Chinese-style clothing is recommended for better photos Bring a telephoto lens to capture statue details and structural beauty 🔖Tips: The scenic area is small but exquisite, suitable for visitors who love culture, photography, and a quiet atmosphere; recommended to use with the annual card for better value; nearby you can also explore the Muyan Scenic Belt for a fulfilling one-day cultural tour. —If you are tired of crowded popular spots, come to Bodhidharma Ancient Cave to experience a quiet and stunning dialogue between grottoes and light and shadow.