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At Yuxu Cave, visitors can explore the natural cave formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a Buddhist temple inside the cave that adds a spiritual aspect to the visit. The surrounding area is also great for hiking and nature walks.
Yuxu Cave is located in Luojiagou, Shimen Town, 27.5 kilometers north of Luonan County, Shaanxi Province. It is a karst cave formed by the winding southeastern branch of the Qinling Mountains. Surrounded by lush green mountains, shrouded in mist and haze, and lush green pines and cypresses, it feels like a fairyland. Legend has it that in the 13th year of the Ming calendar, monks from Dabei Temple discovered it by following a jade rabbit halfway up the cliff. Since then, Yuxu Cave has become famous, attracting countless visitors, all of whom marvel at its unparalleled craftsmanship and natural beauty.
Surrounded by lush green mountains, shrouded in mist and haze, and verdant pines and cypresses, the cave feels like a fairyland. Legend has it that in the 13th year of the Ming calendar, monks from Dabei Temple discovered the Jade Rabbit halfway up the cliff. Since then, Yuxu Cave has become renowned, attracting countless visitors, all of whom marvel at its unparalleled craftsmanship and natural beauty.
The entrance to Yuxu Cave is approximately 2 meters high and 1 meter wide. Entering the cave, one enters a 23-meter-wide and 9-meter-high cave hall, spacious enough to accommodate hundreds of people. Inside, the cave offers a dazzling array of breathtaking scenery, each exquisitely carved and translucent, a breathtaking spectacle. The cave is approximately 800 meters deep, with eight branch caves arranged in a circular pattern. Deep, winding paths cleverly connect the caves, creating a wondrous landscape of large, unfathomable caves interspersed with smaller caves. Stalactites hang everywhere, and rock flows cascade down.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate features four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, and distinct dry and wet seasons in the summer and winter. Avoid the cold winter and travel in spring, summer, and autumn.
Yuxu Cave in Shaanxi Province features attractions such as "Black Dragon Exploring the Mysterious," "Cypress Pillars Supporting the Sky," "Lotus Pond Reflecting the Beauty," "Silver Buddha Sitting in Meditation," "Peaks Competing for Beauty," "Divine Pagoda Welcoming Visitors," "Double Guards in the Sky," "Stone Flows Hanging," "Oxhide Hanging from the Sky," "Myriad Scenes Competing for Brilliance," and "Jade Rocks Dripping with Dew." These include exquisitely carved and translucent structures, scattered emerald hues, jagged rocks, and overlapping mountains, resembling a reclining ox, a crouching lion, a sitting monk, or even growing bamboo shoots. The "Grape Cave" boasts clusters of grapes, while the "Drum and Gong Cave" offers the relentless rhythm of gongs and drums. The "Corn Flower Cave" is filled with buds, and the "Black Wind Cave" boasts a black wind blowing across your face, leaving visitors with endless possibilities for imagination.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
40 yuan/person
09:00-17:00
Yuxu Cave is a historically significant site in Shaanxi Province, known for its religious importance, particularly in Taoist traditions. The cave is also a natural wonder, showcasing impressive rock formations shaped over centuries. It has been a place of pilgrimage and meditation for monks and spiritual seekers.
Yuxu Cave is located in Shaanxi Province, near the city of Xi'an. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car from Xi'an, as public transportation options are limited. It's about a 1-2 hour drive from the city center.
The cave is open year-round, with opening hours typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the cave is less crowded.
The entrance fee for Yuxu Cave is around 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and in some cases, they may be available through online booking platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring, summer, and public holidays). A few days in advance should be sufficient for booking.
To fully explore Yuxu Cave, including the temple and natural formations, it typically takes around 2-3 hours. If you plan to hike the surrounding area, you may need an additional hour or so.
Inside Yuxu Cave, the must-see highlights include the main chamber with its towering stalactites, the Taoist temple, and the meditation spaces. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect place for reflection and photography.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer basic English explanations. Audio guides are not commonly available, but a guide will provide valuable insight into the cave's spiritual and geological significance.
The best viewpoints are inside the main cave, where the natural rock formations create stunning backdrops. The temple area also provides great photo opportunities, especially with its serene environment and natural surroundings.
Start by exploring the main cavern to admire the stalactites and stalagmites. Then, visit the Taoist temple and take time to reflect or meditate. End with a peaceful walk around the cave’s surroundings to enjoy the natural beauty.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Yuxu Cave, but the cave itself provides a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere, especially in the quieter morning or evening hours.
Yuxu Cave can be crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon during the off-peak seasons (autumn and spring).
The site has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas. There are no large shops or restaurants, so it’s recommended to bring water and snacks if you plan on spending a long time exploring the area.
The cave itself involves some walking and steps, which may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and most visitors should have no trouble navigating the site with the assistance of handrails in some areas.
Cash is commonly used at Yuxu Cave, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at the entrance and souvenir shops. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.
There are no restaurants inside the cave complex, but you can find local eateries in the nearby town. For a wider variety of food, head to Xi'an city where there are numerous dining options, including regional Shaanxi cuisine.
Vegetarian food options are available in the nearby town and in Xi'an city. Halal food is also available in Xi'an, as the city has a significant Muslim population.
There are no large hotels near Yuxu Cave, but small guesthouses and inns are available in the nearby town. For more luxurious accommodations, you can stay in Xi'an and travel to the cave as a day trip.
Nearby attractions include the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi'an, Mount Hua, and the ancient city walls of Xi'an. These landmarks can easily be combined into a full day or multi-day trip from Yuxu Cave.
There are small souvenir shops near the cave entrance selling local crafts, Taoist-related items, and natural souvenirs like crystals. For more extensive shopping, visit Xi'an's markets.
The best transportation option to continue your trip after visiting is to return to Xi'an by taxi or private car. Xi'an has excellent bus and train connections for further travel in Shaanxi or to other parts of China.
