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Visit the natural Bathing Cave, which is a unique geological feature where you can enjoy the natural hot springs. It is also a great place for hiking and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Xishen Cave is located below the travertine waterfall in the Huanglong Scenic Area of Huanglong Township, Sichuan Province, on the second step of the Huanglong Valley. Legend has it that since the Ming Dynasty, Taoist and Tibetan Buddhist monks from all over the country have come here to bathe and purify themselves, in order to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Hence, it was named Xishen Cave.
Xishen Cave itself is a travertine stream cascading down from the Golden Beach. Here, it suddenly collapses, forming a 10-meter-high and 40-meter-wide travertine wall. It is currently the longest travertine wall in the world. The rushing water flows over the embankment and cascades down the travertine wall into a magnificent golden waterfall, which is a very spectacular sight. It is a key attraction in the Huanglong Scenic Area.
Plateau temperate subarctic monsoon climate;
September to October is the best time to visit
Included in Huanglong Scenic Area ticket
Peak season (April to November): 170 yuan
Off-season (November-March): 60 yuan
08:00~17:00
The Bathing Cave is an important cultural and natural site in Sichuan. The cave has been used for centuries by local Tibetan people for bathing and spiritual purposes. It is believed to have healing properties, which is why it attracts both locals and tourists.
It is located in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The cave is accessible by taxi or private car from Chengdu, which is about a 3.5-hour drive away. There are no direct public transport links to the cave, so a taxi is the most convenient option.
The cave is open year-round, with the best visiting times being in the spring and autumn months, when the weather is milder. The cave is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
The entrance fee is about 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the cave or through local travel agencies.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but during peak tourist seasons, it’s recommended to book at least a few days in advance.
You will need around 1-2 hours to explore the Bathing Cave and enjoy the hot springs. If you plan to hike in the surrounding area, an additional 1-2 hours may be required.
The highlight is the natural hot spring bath inside the cave, along with the cave's stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The surrounding mountain views are also worth seeing.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and some English. Audio guides are not available, but local guides can provide insights into the cave’s history and significance.
The best photography spots are at the cave’s entrance, where you can capture the view of the surrounding mountains, and inside the cave, where the natural formations create an interesting contrast with the hot springs.
Start by exploring the exterior of the cave and then enter to see the hot spring bath. Afterward, take a walk around the surrounding area to enjoy the mountain views and natural landscapes.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Bathing Cave, but visiting during early morning or late afternoon provides a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
The cave tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekends and public holidays can see higher visitor numbers.
Basic facilities such as toilets and small rest areas are available. There are no large shops or restaurants on-site, but there are vendors near the entrance offering snacks and drinks.
The cave is not fully accessible to disabled visitors due to the uneven terrain and steps. However, elderly visitors and children can enjoy the area around the cave and the nearby hot springs.
Cash is commonly accepted, though mobile payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming more popular in the area. Credit cards are not widely accepted.
There are small local eateries near the cave offering traditional Tibetan food such as momo (dumplings), yak meat dishes, and butter tea.
Vegetarian options are available at local eateries, though vegan and halal food options may be limited in this remote area.
There are basic guesthouses and hotels in nearby towns, such as those in the Aba region. For more comfortable accommodations, Chengdu has several luxury hotels that can be accessed as a day trip.
Nearby attractions include the Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong National Park, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These can be combined into a day trip from the Bathing Cave.
There are small souvenir shops near the cave selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, and local tea.
After visiting the cave, taxis or private car rentals are the best options for continuing your trip. The nearest larger cities, such as Chengdu, can be reached by car in a few hours.
