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Explore the stunning limestone formations inside Yuhua Cave, enjoy a peaceful hike around the cave's surroundings, and take in the scenic views. A boat ride inside the cave is highly recommended for an immersive experience.
Yuhua Cave, located 7 kilometers south of Jiangle County, Fujian Province, covers an area of 43 square kilometers. Located at the foot of Tianjie Mountain, 5 kilometers southeast of Jiangle County, Yuhua Cave is named for the jade-like, radiant rock within. It is the largest limestone cave in Fujian Province. The entire cave is approximately 6 kilometers long and has two passages. It consists of six branch caves—Zanghe Cave, Leigong Cave, Guozi Cave, Huangni Cave, Xiyuan Cave, and Baiyun Cave—and three small rivers, ranging from 1 to 3 meters wide: Shiquan, Jingquan, and Lingquan. In May 2002, the Yuhua Cave Scenic Area was designated by the State Council as a fourth batch of national key scenic spots.
Yuhua Cave, renowned since the late Eastern Han Dynasty, is rich in ancient poetry and inscriptions. Northern Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianist Yang Shi and Shangshu Feng Mengde, among others, composed poems about the cave. Xu Xiake, a renowned Ming Dynasty geographer, toured the cave in 1628 and penned a moving travelogue, praising it as "a cave of dazzling ingenuity and wonder, filled with secluded and mysterious places." Ming Dynasty officials including Shangshu Liu Zhang, Shangshu Pei Yingzhang, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Huang Chen, Minister of Rites Cao Xuejian, and Inspector Yang Sizhi all left inscriptions after experiencing the beauty of Yuhua Cave.
Yuhua Cave has two passages, which are composed of six branch caves including Zanghe Cave, Leigong Cave, Guozi Cave, Huangni Cave, Xiyuan Cave and Baiyun Cave, and three small rivers including Shiquan, Jingquan and Lingquan, which are 1 to 3 meters wide and less than knee-deep.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
A fan of wind, Canghe Cave, Leigong Cave.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
105 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
Yuhua Cave is renowned for its unique limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. It is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors due to its geological wonders and natural beauty.
Yuhua Cave is located in Sanming, Fujian Province. You can get there by taxi or local buses from Sanming city center. Walking from the city is possible but not recommended due to the distance.
The cave is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring or autumn for mild weather, and visiting early in the morning will avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is about 60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through local tourism websites.
Booking in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during holidays or peak seasons. A few days in advance is sufficient to secure tickets.
You will need approximately 2 to 3 hours to explore Yuhua Cave, including time for hiking and taking the boat ride inside the cave.
The must-see highlights include the main cavern with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The boat ride through the cave is also a must for a unique perspective of the formations.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides in Mandarin and English can be rented at the entrance.
The best viewpoints are near the cave’s entrance and along the boat ride route. Photography inside the cave is allowed, but it’s best to use a camera with a good flash due to the low light conditions.
Start by exploring the cave’s entrance, then take the boat ride into the main cavern to see the stunning rock formations. Afterward, enjoy a walk around the surrounding park or temples.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available. However, special guided tours may be offered during festivals, so it’s a good idea to check ahead.
The cave tends to get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.
There are basic facilities, including clean toilets, rest areas, food stalls, and souvenir shops near the entrance and around the cave.
The main paths around the cave are accessible, but some areas require walking on uneven terrain, which might not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children will find it easy to navigate the main areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry cash as well for small purchases or if mobile services are unavailable in some areas.
There are local restaurants and small cafes near the cave entrance offering simple Fujianese dishes, such as noodle soups and dumplings.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, but halal food options may be limited. It’s advisable to inquire at the restaurant about dietary preferences.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Sanming, such as Sanming Hotel and local inns, all within a short drive from Yuhua Cave.
Nearby attractions include the Baizhang Waterfall and Nanping Stone Forest. These can easily be visited in combination with Yuhua Cave in a single day trip.
Souvenir shops near the cave sell local handicrafts, such as carved wooden items, pottery, and postcards. You can also find traditional Fujianese snacks and tea.
Taxi or local buses are available for onward travel. Sanming Railway Station is a short ride away and offers connections to other major cities in the region.
