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Our Lady of Lourdes Mountain in Jilin, commonly known as Our Lady Cave, is located in Jilin City, Jilin Province. It is specifically located at No. 206 Huashan Road on the bank of the scenic Songhua River. It is a place for Catholic activities.
It was built in 1920 when French priest Joseph purchased the land and built the Our Lady's Cave and Church.
Inside the cave stands a 1.8-meter-high cast iron statue of the Virgin Mary. The church on the hill above the cave is a Gothic building.
In the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920), Father Joseph Gu of the Paris Foreign Missions Society of France bought more than 48,000 square meters of mountain land and built the Our Lady Cave and the Church.
All of them were destroyed during the "Ten Years of Turmoil". In 1986, Bishop Li Ruowang of the Jilin Province Diocese followed the example of Joseph Gu and spent all his savings on church days and the Doumu Temple Fair.
During every temple fair, male and female believers come here to burn incense and offer sacrifices, set up tents and perform plays, and the place is very lively.
Temperate monsoon climate, suitable for all seasons
long time
free
The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Jilin is a religious site that replicates the famous Lourdes Grotto in France, a place of healing and pilgrimage. It was built as a tribute to the Virgin Mary and is visited by people seeking spiritual solace and miraculous healing. The Grotto is significant to local Catholic communities and draws visitors for both its spiritual importance and natural beauty.
The Grotto is located in Jilin City, Jilin Province, China. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the city center. There is no direct metro connection, so public transport or walking from nearby bus stops is recommended for short distances.
The Grotto is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid the crowds. Weekends and religious holidays may see more visitors due to the spiritual services held at the site.
The entrance to the Grotto is free of charge for general visits. If you wish to participate in special religious ceremonies or events, there may be a small fee. Tickets, if necessary, can be purchased on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically required unless you are attending a special event or service. It's advisable to book at least a few days ahead if planning to visit during a peak time or holiday.
A visit typically lasts 1 to 2 hours. This includes time for reflection at the Grotto, exploration of the surrounding area, and any religious services or ceremonies.
Guided tours may be available, but they are primarily offered in Chinese. If you require a tour in English or other languages, it’s best to arrange in advance with the site’s administration.
Begin by visiting the Grotto itself for a spiritual experience. Afterward, take a peaceful walk around the garden and the surrounding area, which offers a serene environment for reflection. If available, attend a religious service for a deeper experience.
There are no scheduled night visits or light shows at the Grotto. However, the site is open during the day, and certain religious services may take place in the evening. It is best to check the schedule for special events.
The Grotto can get crowded during weekends and religious holidays, especially during services. For a more peaceful visit, try to go on weekdays, early in the morning or later in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors.
Basic facilities, including toilets and water fountains, are available at the site. However, there are no large shops or food outlets directly at the Grotto. Visitors can bring their own food or visit nearby restaurants in Jilin City.
The Grotto area is mostly accessible, with flat paths leading to the site. However, some parts of the surrounding gardens and hilltops may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain. It is recommended to inquire about specific accessibility needs before visiting.
Cash is not strictly required, as mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted. Credit card usage is less common at smaller attractions, so it’s advisable to carry some cash.
While there are no restaurants or cafes directly at the Grotto, there are various dining options in Jilin City, just a short drive away. Traditional Chinese food, hot pot, and other local dishes are available at nearby restaurants.
There are vegetarian and some vegan options in Jilin City’s restaurants. Halal food may also be available in specific local eateries catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels in Jilin City, ranging from budget options to more luxurious accommodations. For a closer stay, you can choose one of the local hotels offering easy access to the Grotto.
There are no souvenir shops at the Grotto itself, but nearby shops in Jilin City sell religious items, local handicrafts, and other souvenirs related to the area.
After visiting the Grotto, the best options for continuing your trip are by taxi or public transportation. Jilin City has a bus system and taxis that can take you to other attractions or transport hubs for further travel.
