“Another bridge?” you might think. But the Shihua Cave Bridge offers a gateway to a subterranean wonderland. It is near the entrance to the renowned Shihua Cave.
Shihua Cave means Stone Flower Cave. It is also known as Qianzhen Cave or Stone Buddha Cave. This geological marvel formed 70 million years ago. Earth movements shaped it over millennia.
Imagine standing before the Shihua Cave Bridge. Think of what lies beneath the surface. Shihua Cave is a national scenic spot. It is also a geological park. People know it for its unique karst cave sightseeing. It serves as a valuable resource for geological research.
Wanderer monk Yuan Guang named it Qianzhen or Shifo Cave during the Ming Dynasty. Shihua Cave became famous from then on.
The cave spans 1.8 hectares. It has seven clearly distributed layers. The first six layers showcase cave landscapes. The seventh holds an underground river.
Inside Shihua Cave, nature’s creativity will amaze you. Stone has created everything. See fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. Admire the stone curtains and flowers. Everywhere water drips. It creates delightful music. Stalactites and stalagmites grow until they meet.
The milk-white stone Yue Nai Shi is a wonder. It is a national treasure. It comes in stone lotus and mushroom shapes.
The Silver Fox Cave is worth visiting. It was discovered and developed in 1991. It has eight halls and over 40 scenic sights. This cave presents changeable scenery. A rare stone looks like a snow leopard’s head and a silver fox’s body. The stone has snow-white sharp hairs. These hairs are crystal clear. They are glittering. Miniature landscapes fill the cave.
The cave keeps a constant 13 degrees Celsius temperature. The four seasons are like spring. You can explore from levels one to four. The tour route is more than 2500 meters. There are 16 halls. You can see 18 scenic areas. More than 120 landscapes await.
The karst caves formed by the dissolution of groundwater. It happened in limestone areas.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes. The cave can be slippery. A flashlight helps you view the intricate formations. Start your exploration from the first layer. Work your way down. The lowest level features an underground river. The soothing sounds of flowing water are magical.
As you cross the Shihua Cave Bridge, prepare to descend into a world of geological wonder. Shihua Cave offers a unique glimpse into the Earth’s history. Its beauty inspires both awe and contemplation.