Snowy Jake Cave (雪玉洞), located in the Fengdu County of Chongqing, is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its stunning geological formations and unique history. With a total length of approximately 1644 meters, it offers a developed tour route spanning around 1166 meters, divided into six major scenic areas and spread across three levels.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Origin of the Name
- Four World-Class Wonders
- Vlog about Snowy Jade Cave
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Fengdu
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 98 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-023-70637999 0086-023-70637888 |
Location and Transportation
The Snowy Jade Cave is nestled within the borders of Fengdu County in Chongqing, China, a mere 17 kilometers away from the county’s urban center. To get there from Chongqing, you can choose the following ways:
- By Ferry: You can take a ferry from Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Dock to Fengdu Dock. Ferries are available at various times (please inquire at the Chaotianmen ticket hall). The journey takes approximately six hours and will bring you to the old town of Fengdu. Upon disembarking, you will find yourself right at the entrance to the scenic area.
- By Bus: From Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Long-Distance Bus Station, there are hourly buses heading to Fengdu. These buses will drop you off in the new town of Fengdu. From there, you can transfer to the local bus route 109, which will take you directly to the Snowy Jade Cave scenic area.
- By High-Speed Train: You can also take a high-speed train from Chongqing North Station to Fengdu. Trains are available almost every half an hour. After arriving at Fengdu, you can complete the remaining 25 kilometers of the journey by taking a taxi, which should cost approximately 50 RMB.
Origin of the Name
The fascinating story of Snowy Jake Cave begins with its geological history. According to expert research, the cave started forming along the banks of the Long River around 80,000 to 55,000 years ago. It wasn’t until within the last 10,000 years that the cave’s environment became conducive to the generation and development of secondary chemical deposits. This is a significant departure from the typical timelines of other caves and stalactite formations, which generally date back tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years, often exhibiting aging textures and faded colors. In contrast, Snowy Jake Cave’s unique features have all developed in a relatively short period, spanning from 3,300 to 10,000 years, retaining their pristine white quality, resembling jade, hence earning the name “Snowy Jake Cave.”
Four World-Class Wonders
The cave boasts four extraordinary wonders that have earned it international acclaim. The first of these wonders is the largest and most numerous collection of tower-shaped coral formations, creating a surreal landscape that transports visitors to an otherworldly realm. The second wonder is the “Stalactite King,” a breathtaking formation that appears like an enormous, delicate flag hanging from the cave walls and ceiling. This extraordinary stalactite is the result of continuous water flow in the cave, forming incredibly thin and transparent deposits of calcium carbonate. The “Stalactite King” measures approximately 8 meters in length, making it the longest and most delicate formation of its kind in the world, with an estimated formation time of around 50,000 years.
The third wonder is the “Penguin Shield,” with a diameter of up to 4 meters. Resembling a gleaming, snow-white shield, this unique formation adds to the cave’s enchanting charm. Finally, the cave is home to the “Goose Tubes,” which are approximately 2.5 meters long. These tubes are formed as gravity-driven water drips from the cave’s ceiling, resulting in intricate and overlapping structures that hang in the air, resembling delicate goose feathers. The density of these goose tubes is unparalleled globally, making them a spectacle in their own right.
Vlog about Snowy Jade Cave
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Footwear: Since there will be a fair amount of walking involved, it’s advisable to wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, such as sports shoes or hiking boots. This will ensure that you can navigate the terrain safely and comfortably.
Beware of Wild Monkeys: The area around the Snowy Jade Cave is known to be inhabited by wild monkeys. While they can be fascinating to observe, it’s important not to feed them or engage with them.
Unique Cave Route: One of the most distinctive features of the Snowy Jade Cave is its upward-extending route. Unlike many other caves that wind and twist deeper into the earth, the Snowy Jade Cave’s path ascends before circling back to the cave entrance. This unique layout provides visitors with a memorable and immersive experience as they explore the cave’s interior.
