Baxiandong Caves: Immortal Deities and Stone Age Artifacts

In ancient Chinese mythology there are eight immortals in the world who rose above the human state and became blessed with divine, supernatural attributes and powers. They are somewhat amusing deities who spend their time entertaining themselves in various ways, often making merry and drinking too much. Each Immortal portrays a specific characteristic to fight evil and collectively they represent prosperity or long life and are often associated with birthday celebrations.

The Eight Immortals of Chinese Mythology

The Eight Immortals (The Baxian) are said to have resided in the eight caves (named Baxiandong Caves in their honor) as the area is often foggy and the environment resembles one in the story of them crossing the ocean.  In this tale, they travel under the ocean to find what they could not see in heaven and end up defeating the dragon-king before embarking on other adventures.

The Baxian. (Public Domain)

 While scientist have not found evidence of the eight deities, they have found the earliest prehistoric relics of the Paleolithic Culture in Taiwan.

Ancient Relics Spanning Two Stone Ages

The Baxian Caves, also known as Baxaindong or the Eight Caves of The Immortals, are located on the east coast of Taiwan along the cliffs facing the Pacific Ocean near the township of Changbin, and from their elevation the views of the ocean are spectacular.