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Explore the natural beauty of Taoyuan Cave, known for its stunning limestone formations and clear, cool waters. Hike around the surrounding mountains, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and visit nearby temples. Take a boat ride inside the cave to fully experience its unique landscape.
Located 10 kilometers north of Yong'an City in Sanming City, Fujian Province, close to National Highway 205, Canglu Mountain covers an area of 37 square kilometers and is named after the Peach Blossom Stream within the scenic area. A poem by Li Gang of the Song Dynasty reads, "Banlu Mountain, a hundred miles away from Shaxi, the water and rocks make it a small Wuyi Mountain." Hence, it is also known as "Little Wuyi." During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1619), it was designated a tourist area with over ten pavilions and towers. In 1987, it was designated as one of the first provincial-level scenic spots, along with the Linyin Stone Forest. In 1994, it was designated as one of the third national key scenic spots.
With the entrance to Taoyuan Cave as its axis, the area is divided into five scenic areas, namely Taoyuan Cave, Baizhang Rock, Geli, Xiuzhu Bay, and Canglu Pond, with 73 tourist attractions. The entrance to Taoyuan Cave is actually a huge fissure between two peaks. A winding Peach Blossom Stream winds through the narrow valley between the towering twin peaks, merging gently into the Shaxi River. On a 120-meter-high cliff, inscribed on the cliff face are four large characters, "Taoyuan Cave Entrance," written by Chen Yuanzhan, a successful juren (imperial scholar) during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Each character is two meters square, and below it is a seven-character poem, "Taoyuan Cave." A carp-shaped stone, over ten meters long, is wedged horizontally at the upper right corner.
In ancient times, the area surrounding Taoyuan Cave was home to numerous palm trees, earning it the historical name "Palma Mountain." Records indicate that ascetic monks settled in Geli during the Tang Dynasty, and a Palm Temple was built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. During the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty (1605 AD), Chen Yuanzhan, a local Ansha native and the Sima of Liangjun, donated funds to build over ten pavilions, terraces, towers, and pavilions. The area was renamed Taoyuan Cave, symbolizing "paradise on earth." The four characters "Taoyuan Cave Entrance" were carved 36 meters above the 120-meter-high cliff at the entrance. Southern Song Prime Minister Li Gang and Left Minister Deng Su once lived and studied here. The great Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake also visited the area and left poems there. Since then, Taoyuan Cave has become renowned.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Taoyuan Cave sculpture, Taoyuan Cave entrance, Locking Cave Bridge, Guanyin Dashi Hall, Tongtian Pavilion, and Yitiantian.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
60 yuan/person
08:00~18:00
Taoyuan Cave is a significant natural landmark in Fujian, famous for its unique geological features such as stalactites and stalagmites. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and also holds historical importance due to the ancient temples nearby that reflect the region's spiritual heritage.
Taoyuan Cave is located in Sanming, Fujian Province. The best way to get there is by taxi or bus from the city center. There are also local shuttle services available for tourists.
The cave is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. Early mornings are also a quieter time to visit.
The entrance fee is around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or they can be bought online through the official tourism website.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but is recommended during peak tourist seasons, particularly during national holidays. Booking a few days ahead ensures better availability.
You will need about 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore Taoyuan Cave, including a boat ride inside the cave and some time to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Inside the cave, the most notable highlights include the stunning stalactites and stalagmites, particularly the "Dragon Bone" formation. The boat ride through the cave is a must-do experience to fully appreciate its beauty.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides are also offered in Mandarin and English. It’s recommended to hire a guide to learn more about the cave’s history and geology.
The best photography spots include the entrance of the cave with its beautiful surroundings, the boat ride inside the cave, and various stalactite formations, which make for dramatic photos.
Start by visiting the cave’s entrance and the surrounding park. Then, take the boat ride through the cave to see the main formations. Afterward, explore the nearby temples and enjoy the scenic views of the mountains surrounding the area.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows. However, special tours may be available during festivals, such as Chinese New Year or the Dragon Boat Festival. It’s worth checking the schedule before your visit.
Taoyuan Cave can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, particularly in the early mornings.
The cave area has clean toilets, rest areas, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Visitors can also purchase bottled water inside the park.
While the cave is accessible, some areas may require walking on uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the main pathways are fairly easy for children to navigate.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at most places, including ticket booths and food stalls. It’s still advisable to carry some cash for small transactions.
There are local restaurants and food stalls near the entrance of the cave offering traditional Fujianese cuisine, including rice noodles, dumplings, and local specialties.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, but halal options may be limited. It’s advisable to ask at the restaurant for specific dietary preferences.
Nearby accommodations include Taoyuan Hotel and several guesthouses in Sanming, all within a short drive from the cave. There are also local inns offering budget-friendly options.
Nearby attractions include the Nanping Stone Forest and the Baizhang Waterfall. These can be easily visited in one day with Taoyuan Cave.
Souvenir shops at the cave offer local handicrafts, such as pottery, wooden carvings, and traditional Fujian textiles. You can also find postcards and small trinkets for souvenirs.
Taxi or local buses are available to continue your trip. For further travel, you can head to Sanming Railway Station, which is easily accessible from the cave.
