Deep in the mountains of Yuan'an County, Hubei Province, there is a place that is "half cool and half warm".

Caves Hidden in Snow, Gorges Float with Hot Springs! A Comprehensive Guide to Wuling Gorge

Deep in the mountains of Yuan'an County, Hubei Province, lies a secret haven, half cool and half warm—the Wuling Gorge Ecological Tourism Resort. Here, you'll find the majestic beauty of a karst gorge, the depths of ancient caves, and year-round cave skiing and underground hot springs. Whether you're looking for a family getaway, an outdoor adventure, or a wellness retreat, there's something for everyone. This guide will help you unlock a unique experience where canyon and snow meet.

Core Check-in Area: A Diverse Collision of Nature and Culture

Canyon and Cave Secrets

- Wuling Main Gorge: The 5-kilometer-long bluestone canyon boasts over 30 scenic spots, weaving together hidden rivers, pools, and cliffside plank paths. Strolling through the area, you'll discover cliff carvings from the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty, such as "High Mountains and Long Waters" and "Gradually Entering a Better Scene." Every touch bears witness to history.

- Four Linked Caves: A gorge connects the four major caves of Moon Cave, Poplar Cave, Soldier Cave, and Tiankeng Cave. Moon Cave is famous for its thrilling rock climbing, Poplar Cave boasts diverse stalactites, Bingma Cave is steeped in ancient legends, and Tiankeng Cave, with its winding tunnels, is a natural maze.

- Suspension Bridge and Starlight Tunnel: The swaying suspension bridge in the middle of the canyon offers panoramic views of the stream below. The dazzlingly illuminated Starlight Tunnel within the cave creates a sense of entering an "underground starry sky," and the Tyndall effect creates stunning photo opportunities.

Specialized Experiences

- Four-Season Cave Ski Resort: Central China's only ski resort within a cave, the cave remains a chilly zero degrees Celsius even when it's 30°C outside. The 150-meter slope is gentle and easy for beginners and children. Snow tubing, skis, and other equipment are available, so bring your own gloves to avoid frostbite.

- Underground Natural Hot Spring: Sourced from a spring 2,150 meters below ground, the water reaches a temperature of 42°C and is rich in trace elements such as sodium and potassium. The outdoor hot spring pool is nestled against the mountainside, while the indoor swimming pool and spa area offer a truly relaxing soak after a day of fun.

- Off-Road Racing Track: A professional venue that has hosted national off-road events, experience the thrill of speed. Nearby attractions include a glass water slide and the popular swaying bridge, perfect for unwinding.

Humanistic and Ecological Embellishments

- Fujiahe Ancient Residences: The preserved stone houses and ruins of the ancient official road within the scenic area carry the memories of the ancient trade routes. Stone tablets and exhibits beside the old buildings tell stories of the past.

- Ecological Picking Garden: Over 70 acres of picking gardens offer seasonal fruits. Enjoy hands-on experience of authentic farming and experience the joys of farming. This immersive experience is perfect for families with children.

Route: Choose between a one-day free-ride and two-day in-depth tours.

One-day essential tour (based on fitness level)

Relaxed route (suitable for families/seniors)

Scenic area entrance → Hot Spring Resort → Cave Ski Resort (direct navigation to the ski resort entrance, no need to hike) → Specialty floating restaurant → Hot Spring pool → Exit

1. Morning (2 hours): Head directly to the Cave Ski Resort for 1-2 hours of skiing. All equipment is included in the ticket price, and beginners can easily access the ascending elevator to and from the resort.

2. Lunch (1 hour): Enjoy local cuisine and refuel at the floating restaurant.

3. Afternoon (2 hours): Relax in the hot springs or relax at the hot springs gym or bar to escape the afternoon sun.

In-Depth Hiking Route (Suitable for Young Adults/Adventurers)

Scenic Area Entrance → Wuling Main Gorge → Cliff Plank Road → Four Caves Exploration → Starlight Tunnel → Cave Ski Resort → Back Mountain Official Road → Ancient Residences → Exit

1. Morning (2.5 hours): Hike along the canyon, view the cliff carvings and suspension bridges, and delve into the four major caves, experiencing the wonders of stalactites and underground rivers.

2. Lunch (1 hour): Enjoy a light lunch in the scenic area and rest before heading to the ski resort.

3. Afternoon (2 hours): After skiing, descend the back mountain official road, passing ancient residences and lush greenery. The entire hike takes approximately two hours, offering panoramic views.

Two-Day Vacation

- Day 1: Arrive at the scenic area → Check into the wooden villa → Hike the canyon caves in the afternoon → Experience hot springs in the evening → Enjoy farm-style cuisine in the evening.

- Day 2: Cave skiing in the morning → Participate in ecological harvesting after lunch → Go off-road racing or glass slide in the afternoon → Return

Practical Tips: Transportation, Tickets, and Tips

Transportation Guide

- Driving: Approximately 1.5 hours from downtown Yichang. Exit Yuan'an North (Xujiapeng) on the Beiha Expressway and drive another 8 kilometers. Ample parking is available.

- Public Transportation: Four daily shuttle buses run directly to the scenic area from Yuan'an County. From downtown Yichang, take the high-speed rail to Yuan'an Station and then transfer to the shuttle bus.

- Tips: The winding mountain road to the scenic area takes about 40 minutes. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness medication in advance.

Tickets and Opening Information

- Core Ticket Prices: Cave entrance fee is approximately 38 yuan, skiing ticket is approximately 59 yuan (including equipment), and a cave and ski combo ticket is 79 yuan for a more economical price. Hot spring tickets are charged separately, and hotel guests can enjoy package deals (e.g., 299 yuan for a double room, cave, and skiing).

- Opening Hours: The scenic area is open 24/7. The ski slopes and hot springs are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Arrive early to avoid peak crowds.

Tour Tips

- Clothing Recommendations: Wear non-slip sneakers for hiking and light, long-sleeved shirts to protect against mosquitoes and the coolness of the caves. Waterproof clothing is essential for skiing; thick ski jackets are provided, but you should bring your own gloves.

- Best Time to Visit: In summer, the caves and skiing are the best options for escaping the heat, while autumn and winter are ideal for hiking and hot springs. Early morning photos are most scenic when the canyon mist still lingers.

- Dining Recommendations: Enjoy local river seafood at the floating restaurants within the scenic area. After leaving the area, enjoy authentic local cuisine at the farmhouse restaurants in Yangping Town, offering better value.