Shanjuan Cave (善卷洞), located in Wuxi, is a natural wonder spanning approximately 5,000 square meters with a length of around 800 meters. It is divided into four sections, including upper, middle, and lower caves, all interconnected, creating a mesmerizing underground labyrinth. One of its most remarkable features is the vast natural stone hall known as the “Lion and Elephant Grand Hall” within the middle cave, covering an impressive 1,000 square meters. At the entrance stands the towering “Stone Pillar Peak,” a magnificent stalagmite reaching up to 7 meters in height.
Another captivating aspect of Shanjuan Cave is the 120-meter-long “Water Cave,” where visitors often delight in the unique experience of boating through the underground waterway. This subterranean marvel is renowned for its stunning formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and offers a remarkable glimpse into the geological wonders of Wuxi. Shanjuan Cave promises an unforgettable journey through its intricate chambers, making it a must-visit attraction for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Shanjuan Cave
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Vlog about Shanjuan Cave
- Other Attractions in Yixing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 110 RMB including the cave, the boat ride, the garden out of the cave, the wildman valley, and the cable car) |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 15.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0510-87394875 |
Location and Transportation
Shanjuan Cave is situated atop Luo Hill in Zhuling Village, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Yixing City, Jiangsu Province. This picturesque location nestled within the Luan Hill area offers visitors a serene and natural setting to explore the wonders of this remarkable cave system.
Tourists from Wuxi can first take a coach to Yixing Bus Station and then transfer to a taxi or Bus No. 801 or 202 to get the the cave. The whole journey covers about 95 kilometers but will take about 2 hours if you choose the bus for the second half.
Highlights of Shanjuan Cave
Lion and Elephant Grand hall
The Lion and Elephant Grand Hall in Shanjuan Cave is a breathtaking natural wonder. This colossal hall stretches over 1,000 meters and features towering stalagmites, one reaching an astonishing height of 7 meters. These magnificent formations are the result of countless years of mineral-rich water slowly dripping and depositing layer upon layer, growing about 1 centimeter taller every 30 to 50 years. The formation of this incredible hall spans more than 30,000 years. Adding to its enchantment, on either side of the hall, stand giant rocks that strikingly resemble a pair of majestic creatures – a green lion and a white elephant, their lifelike appearance adding to the cave’s mystique and allure.
Water Cave
The Water Cave within Shanjuan Cave holds a fascinating secret – a remarkably ancient underground river. Stretching approximately 120 meters in length, with a water depth of 4.5 meters and a maximum width of 6 meters, it provides a unique and tranquil boating experience year-round. This subterranean river takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of the cave, allowing them to appreciate the serene beauty of its crystal-clear waters and the captivating formations that adorn its walls. The Water Cave is a serene and enchanting section of Shanjuan Cave, offering a refreshing contrast to the cave’s other remarkable geological wonders.
Upper Cave
The Upper Cave in Shanjuan Cave is a remarkable natural sanctuary, measuring 70 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and soaring to a height of 30 meters. It is perpetually veiled in mist and maintains a consistently comfortable temperature of 23 degrees Celsius year-round, earning it the nickname “Warm Cave.” Along its walls, one can marvel at the stunning formations of peculiar rocks, which create images of lotus flowers in reflection, ancient plum trees, graceful sheep, majestic horses, pandas, and other lifelike scenery. This ethereal environment within the Upper Cave adds a touch of enchantment to the cave’s already impressive geological wonders
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Best Visiting Season: The optimal time to explore Shanjuan Cave is from April to October, with the Ceramic Art Festival being a particularly good period to visit.
Diverse Local Cuisine: Numerous restaurants are scattered around the Shanjuan Cave area, offering representative local dishes such as Pao Tou Yu (Fat-Headed Fish), Braised Local Chicken, and Stir-Fried Mountain Yam Shoots.
Weather Considerations: It is advisable to choose a sunny day for the trip. In case of rain, be cautious of slippery surfaces, especially inside the cave, as it tends to be damp.
Feeding White Pigeons at Liangzhu Garden: At the exit of Shanjuan Cave, Liangzhu Garden has many white pigeons that you can feed with bird feed.
Performance Schedule at Shanjuan Cave: Liangzhu Garden and Wild Man Valley hosts performances at specific times:
- Liangzhu Musical “Butterfly Lovers”: 9:30 / 10:30 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 14:30 / 15:30 / 16:15
- “Wild Man” Cultural Performance: 8:30 / 9:30 / 10:30 / 13:00 / 14:00 / 15:00
