Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave

Introducing Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave

The Shoushan Ancient Mine Cave is located in Shoushan Village, Beifeng, the back garden of Fuzhou, 28 kilometers away from the city center. It is connected to Lianjiang in the east and Luoyuan in the north. It is the birthplace of Fuzhou's Shoushan Stone culture and the central scenic area of ​​Shoushan National Mining Park. It is also the world's only place of origin of Shoushan Stone , the first of China's four national stones .

Shoushan Stone was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The ancient mines, dating back to the Song Dynasty, are the remains of ancient people digging for Shoushan Stone. Numerous, interconnected tunnels form a vast maze of caves. (For safety reasons, only one-tenth of the tunnels are open to visitors .)

The " underground maze " Shoushan ancient mine cave is rich in Yuanhe Cave, which produces " silver wrapped in gold " , Qiyuan Cave, the " king of mountain pit stones " , Dripping Cave, Niutou Cart, Yahong Hall, Golden Land, Hong Kong Land, and Fortune Stone, so that you can understand the legend of Shoushan Stone and Shoushan Stone culture. Here you can uncover the secrets of how the ancients quarried stones in the era without machines and feel the magic of Shoushan Stone.

When you are in the cave, you will feel as if you have entered a colorful world, red, purple, yellow, black, and crystal colors, which makes you enter a glorious stone painting. While we marvel at the magic of nature, it also increases our infinite imagination.

Climate and best time to travel

The temperature in the ancient mine cave is constant at 15-20 degrees Celsius all year round , and the temperature outside the cave is constant at 23-25 ​​degrees Celsius in summer, making it a natural air-conditioned city and a great place to escape the summer heat.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

90 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:30-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave is a historical site in Fuzhou, famous for its ancient stone mining history. The caves and tunnels were once used for mining stone, particularly Shoushan stone, which is a unique and valuable material used in traditional Chinese art and sculpture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave is located in Fuzhou, Fujian province. To get there, you can:

• Take a taxi from downtown Fuzhou (approximately 20-30 minutes).
• Use public buses that go towards Shoushan, which are frequent during the day.
• If staying nearby, walking to the cave area is possible, but it may take a while due to the natural terrain.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The cave is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler, and the crowds are fewer.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and it's not necessary to buy them online.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not required, but during peak tourist seasons, it may be helpful to reserve tickets to avoid long lines at the entrance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need around 2-3 hours to fully explore Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave, depending on your interest in history and photography.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see highlights include:

• The ancient stone mining tunnels and cave carvings.
• The scenic viewpoints that offer a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
• The display of Shoushan stone and the artifacts made from it.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. It is recommended to take a guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance of the site.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include:

• The entrance to the cave, which gives a great perspective of the stone structures.
• High vantage points within the cave that show the sprawling layout of the mining tunnels.
• The surrounding natural landscapes and rock formations that frame the cave.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by entering the cave and explore the tunnels. Follow the path that leads to the historical artifacts and carvings. Then, head to the viewpoints for a relaxing break and photo opportunities.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not available at Shoushan Stone Ancient Mine Cave. However, the cave is well-lit during the day for an enjoyable visit.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The cave can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are early mornings on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include:

• Public restrooms near the entrance and at key points inside the cave.
• Food stalls selling local snacks and refreshments near the entrance.
• Rest areas where visitors can relax after walking through the cave.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The attraction may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to the uneven and sometimes narrow terrain inside the cave. However, children and most visitors can enjoy the site with some precautions.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at the cave. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller shops inside the attraction.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local restaurants and cafés near the entrance where visitors can enjoy traditional Fujian cuisine, such as seafood and rice dishes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but some local restaurants may offer suitable dishes upon request.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby accommodations include:

• Fuzhou Shoushan Hotel, located a short distance from the cave.
• Several budget hotels and guesthouses within a 10-minute drive.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include:

• Fuzhou National Forest Park, a great place for a nature walk.
• Sanfang Qixiang, an ancient cultural street with traditional architecture.
• Fuzhou Rongcheng Park, a peaceful park with scenic views.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near the entrance where you can buy Shoushan stone products, such as small carvings, jewelry, and traditional stone art.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the cave, you can take a taxi or use public transport, such as buses, to reach nearby attractions or return to the city center.