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Explore Muli Cave’s stunning limestone formations, unique rock structures, and crystal-clear underground streams. The cave offers a great adventure for nature lovers and photographers. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the cave, admire the stalactites and stalagmites, and take in the serene atmosphere.
Nestled in Jintang Mountain in the southwestern Hushan area of Yixing, Muli Cave is one of Yixing's largest karst caves. With its magnificent landscape and extraordinary grandeur, it stands as a new gem among Yixing's numerous karst caves and a stunning attraction within the national Taihu Lake Scenic Area. Located at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, Muli Cave is connected to the ecological tourism attraction "Bamboo Sea Park," creating a captivating blend of mountains and water. Folklore has long circulated that this is an "Immortal Cave" inhabited by immortals, and that the Buddha Shakyamuni once resided here, earning it the nickname "Muni Cave."
It has a subtropical monsoon climate, so it is suitable for all seasons.
Recommended places to visit:
Muli Cave
Muli Cave covers a total area of over 10,000 square meters and boasts a 900-meter tour length, including a 150-meter water cave. Within the cave, there are nine large halls, all dotted with stalactites and jagged rocks, creating a breathtaking natural wonder. The path is flat and winding, making it suitable for all ages. Boating through the cave, amidst the shimmering water, offers a leisurely and enjoyable experience. While seemingly a small, perpetually dripping cave, the cave was actually discovered on February 27, 1983, when two young men from a mountain village, curiously enough, ducked into a crevice and discovered a large, breathtaking cave over a hundred meters below. Following exploration, they jointly raised funds with Gangxia Village in the autumn of the same year for development. After three years of development, the cave was completed and opened to the public on May 1, 1986. Muli Cave is a typical limestone cave, dominated by an underground river. Through the long-term melting and condensation of dripping water, a myriad of stone pillars, stalagmites, stone curtains, and stone flowers have been formed. The entire cave covers an area of 8,200 square meters, of which the waterway covers an area of 1,750 square meters and flows 750 meters. Muli Cave has a magnificent landscape and extraordinary aura, and is a new wonder among the many caves in Yixing.
Recommended play time: 2~3 hours
50 yuan
7:30~17:30
Muli Cave is a natural limestone cave known for its geological formations, which date back millions of years. It is famous for its unique cave structure and underground beauty. The cave holds scientific significance for geologists studying karst landscapes and has become a popular tourist destination due to its awe-inspiring scenery.
Muli Cave is located in the Wuxi region of Jiangsu Province. It is accessible by taxi from Wuxi city center, approximately 30-40 minutes away. Public transportation options are limited, so a taxi or private car is the most convenient option.
The cave is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds, especially on weekends or public holidays.
The entrance fee for Muli Cave is around 40-60 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the cave entrance, and some local travel agencies also offer pre-purchased tickets online.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or holidays. You can purchase tickets on-site, but booking a few days in advance can ensure a smoother experience.
It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore Muli Cave. If you enjoy photography or want to take your time to admire the formations, you may need an additional 30 minutes.
The must-see features include the main cave chamber with its striking stalactites and stalagmites, the underground river, and the impressive rock formations. Don't miss the crystal-clear pools and the cave's unique mineral deposits.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be offered in Chinese, though English-speaking guides or audio options are generally not available, so it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of Chinese or travel with a translator.
The best photography spots are near the main entrance to the cave, where you can capture the grand scale of the cave's entrance, as well as inside the large chambers with their impressive formations. The still waters of the underground river offer a serene, reflective shot.
Start by entering the cave from the main entrance, explore the first chamber, then move deeper into the cave to see the unique rock formations and underground river. It’s best to follow the designated path to ensure safety while navigating the more challenging terrain in some parts of the cave.
No, night visits and light shows are not available at Muli Cave. It is recommended to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the cave.
The cave can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit during weekdays, especially in the morning hours, when fewer tourists are present.
Basic facilities are available at the cave, including toilets and a small rest area. However, there are no large restaurants or food vendors inside the cave. It is advisable to bring water and snacks with you if needed.
Muli Cave is not fully accessible for disabled visitors, as parts of the cave involve uneven surfaces and narrow paths. Elderly visitors and children should take caution when exploring deeper areas of the cave.
Cash is accepted for entry fees, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely accepted. Credit cards are not commonly used at the entrance.
There are a few small, local eateries near the cave entrance serving traditional Chinese food. For more dining options, you can head back to Wuxi city center, which is a short drive away.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby local eateries. Halal food options may be limited, but can be found in Wuxi city center.
Several mid-range hotels are available in Wuxi city center, including Jinling Hotel and Wuxi Grand Hotel. For a more rural experience, there are also guesthouses near the cave.
Nearby attractions include Taihu Lake, Liyuan Garden, and Wuxi Nanchan Temple. These can easily be combined into a day trip, allowing you to explore both natural and cultural landmarks in the region.
There are small souvenir shops near the cave selling items like traditional Chinese handicrafts, cave-themed souvenirs, and local snacks. Popular souvenirs include local tea and handmade pottery.
Taxis are readily available near the cave for transportation to other attractions in Wuxi. Alternatively, public buses and car rentals are also available for those wishing to explore more of the region.
