Deep beneath our feet lies a hidden world. It is a world of stone flowers and crystal formations. This is the realm of Xinzhuang Cave.
Xinzhuang Cave is a karst cave in the Fangshan District. It is southwest of Beijing. This cave is also known as Shihua Dong or Stone Flower Cave. It is a scenic area with colorful lighting. Good paths make walking easy.
The Stone Flower Cave was discovered in 1446. Yuanguang, a Buddhist monk, found it during the Ming Dynasty. The cave system has seven levels. The top four levels are open to visitors. We will explore these levels.
The underground loop walk is 2.5 km long. It bottoms out on Level 4. That is 150m underground. The top level of Xinzhuang Cave is dry. The lower levels have drips of water. There is an underground river on the seventh level.
The temperature inside Xinzhuang Cave is a constant 13–16°C. This makes it a cool escape. Inside the cave, you will see many speleothems. Stalactites hang from the ceiling. Stalagmites rise from the ground. Columns connect floor to ceiling.
You will see flowstone formations. Admire the stone flowers. Look for the crystal flowers. Spot the cave shields. Gaze into rimstone pools. Notice the cave popcorn. Xinzhuang Cave is one of the four most famous caves in China. It has a superb collection of sights.
The first level is over 300 meters long. It includes a corridor and a lotus-shaped pool. You will find three big halls. There is even a cave within a cave. This is an eye-opening experience.
To visit Xinzhuang Cave, take the subway Fangshan Line. Get off at Liangxiang Naguan Station. Then take public bus Fang 43 to the final stop. The ticket price is 70RMB.
Nearby Xinzhuang Cave is Yinhu Cave or Silver Fox Cave. It is about 14 km to the west. The Silver Fox Cave has a rare fox-shaped calcite crystal. This multi-layer karst cave is a wonderful spectacle.
Yunshui Cave is in the Shangfangshan Mountain. It is another notable cave. Jingdong Karst Cave is known as the oldest karst cave in the world. Each cave offers a unique underground experience.
Xinzhuang Cave invites you to witness nature’s artistry. The Stone Flower Cave is a testament to time. This underground kingdom is a must-see.