Live Your Best Lives
Explore the stunning stalactites and stalagmites inside Shanjuan Cave, which is famous for its natural formations. You can also take a boat ride along the river that runs through the cave, offering a unique view of the formations. It's a great spot for hiking and photography as well.
Shanjuan Cave Scenic Area is a famous limestone cave, considered one of Yixing's "Three Wonders." Located on Luoyan Mountain in Zhuling Village, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Yixing City, Shanjuan Cave covers an area of approximately 5,000 square meters and is approximately 800 meters long. The cave consists of four distinct, interconnected caves: upper, middle, lower, and rear.
The most remarkable features are the Lower Cave and the Water Cave. The Water Cave is 120 meters long, and many visitors enjoy boating in it. Entering the cave is like entering an underground palace. The entrance is through the Middle Cave, where the Lion and Elephant Field is a large natural stone hall covering an area of 1,000 square meters. A 7-meter-high stalactite stalagmite stands proudly at the entrance, known as the Dizhu Peak. Formed by the accumulation of stalactites, it grows 1 centimeter every 30 to 50 years, and is over 30,000 years old. The Stone Hall, spacious and spacious, can accommodate thousands of visitors and is covered with a variety of vivid stalactites. On either side of the Stone Hall stand a pair of giant rocks shaped like a blue lion and a white elephant, each with a lifelike and lifelike appearance.
It has a subtropical monsoon climate and is suitable for all seasons, but the best time to travel is from March to October each year.
Recommended places to visit:
stalactites
Entering the cave is like entering an underground palace. The entrance is in the middle cave. The Lion and Elephant Field in the middle cave is a large natural stone hall covering an area of 1,000 square meters. A stalactite stalagmite, 7 meters high, stands at the entrance, known as the Dizhu Peak. Formed by the accumulation of stalactites, it grows 1 centimeter every 30 to 50 years, and is over 30,000 years old. The stone hall, spacious and spacious enough to accommodate thousands of visitors, is covered in a variety of vivid stalactites. On either side of the stone hall stand a pair of giant rocks shaped like a blue lion and a white elephant, each with a lifelike, almost lifelike appearance.
The Upper Cave is even larger than the Middle Cave, measuring 70 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 30 meters high. Shaped like a snail shell, the cave is shrouded in mist year-round, keeping the temperature at a constant 23°C in the summer and warm in the winter. It's also known as the Warm Cave. Strange rock formations on the walls create lifelike reflections of lotus flowers, ancient plum blossoms, sheep, horses, and pandas. A trickle of water gurgles through the cracks, gathering into pools. Stalactites on the roof are reflected in the pool, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.
Recommended play time: 3~4 hours
The 70 yuan ticket includes Shanjuan Cave, a boat ride through the water cave, and a pottery bar (where you can make your own purple clay crafts and take them home for 5 yuan). A combined scenic area ticket is available for 145 yuan, including Shanjuan Cave, a boat ride through the water cave, the Wild Man Valley (where you can watch the "Wild Man Customs Performance"), the cable car, the slide, the Liang Zhu Butterfly Garden (where you can watch the "Liang Zhu Opera Performance"), and the pottery bar. Children under 1.4 meters tall and seniors over 70 are free. Discounted tickets are available for seniors aged 60-69 with valid ID (senior citizen card or ID card) and children between 1.2 and 1.5 meters tall.
Peak season (March 1st - October 19th): 7:30-17:00; low season (October 20th - end of February): 8:00-16:00.
Shanjuan Cave, located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, is a geological marvel with centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is not only a natural wonder but also a historical site, with its formation dating back to millions of years ago. The cave has become an important part of Wuxi’s tourism due to its breathtaking beauty and scientific significance.
Shanjuan Cave is located in the city of Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. You can take a taxi from the city center, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Public buses are also available, but the taxi is the most convenient option for tourists. There are no metro stations near the cave.
The cave is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially during holidays and weekends when it gets busier.
The entrance fee for Shanjuan Cave is around 50 CNY for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through various local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons or on weekends. You can book them 1-2 days in advance online for a smoother experience.
It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the cave and its surroundings. The boat ride and hike around the area may take additional time if you wish to fully enjoy the experience.
The most notable highlights are the large stalactites and stalagmites formations inside the cave, the underground river, and the unique lighting that enhances the natural beauty of the formations. Don’t miss the boat ride through the cave, which offers an incredible perspective of the stalactites.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides may also be provided in English and Chinese, depending on availability. It’s recommended to inquire at the entrance if you require an English-speaking guide.
The best viewpoints for photography are around the entrance to the cave, along the boat ride through the underground river, and in the main chamber where the stalactites and stalagmites are most impressive. The lighting inside the cave is designed to highlight the formations beautifully, offering great photo opportunities.
Start by entering the cave and walking through the various chambers to see the most spectacular formations. Take the boat ride along the underground river for a unique view of the stalactites. After exiting the cave, explore the surrounding hiking trails for a more scenic experience.
The cave does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours may be available during the peak seasons, especially for larger groups. It’s best to check the official website or inquire at the entrance for availability.
The cave tends to be less crowded on weekdays, particularly in the early mornings and late afternoons. Avoid weekends and public holidays if you prefer a quieter experience.
The cave has basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and a small gift shop. There are food stalls near the entrance, where visitors can purchase snacks and drinks. However, it’s a good idea to bring water, especially if you plan on hiking around the area.
Shanjuan Cave is somewhat accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, but the cave's paths can be narrow and uneven in places. The boat ride is accessible, but some areas of the cave might require some effort to navigate. It’s best to check with the staff regarding specific needs before your visit.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) and credit cards are widely accepted at the ticket counter and gift shop. Cash is also accepted but less common.
There are small food stalls and cafes near the cave entrance offering snacks and drinks. For a wider variety, you can find restaurants in Wuxi city, which is about a 30-minute drive away.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal food may be more limited but can be found in the larger Wuxi city area.
There are several hotels near the site, including mid-range options like Wuxi Grand Hotel and luxury hotels in Wuxi city, which is a short drive away from the cave.
Nearby attractions include Taihu Lake, which is famous for its scenic beauty and traditional boat rides. You can also visit Wuxi’s Liyuan Garden and the Nanchan Temple, both of which are within an hour’s drive.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the cave entrance where you can buy local crafts, small sculptures, and other items related to the cave and its geological features.
Public transport options such as buses and taxis are available for continuing your journey. If you’re heading back to Wuxi city, taxis are the most convenient choice, while buses can take you to other scenic areas in the region.
