May Day Getaway | Fangshan Shihua Cave: This World Treasure Is a Must-See!
When it comes to Shihua Cave, old Beijingers know it inside out. Almost every friend of mine born in the 1980s visited here on a school-organized spring outing in elementary school. As Beijing welcomes the blossoming spring, I returned with enthusiasm to this awe-inspiring place that never fails to amaze visitors.
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How Famous Is Fangshan Shihua Cave?
Shihua Cave is a member of the International Tourist Caves and one of China’s national scenic spots. Covering 84.16 square meters, it boasts incredibly diverse and outstanding cave formations and scientific value. With karst cave landforms as its core scenic resource, the cave’s vast scale, complete variety, and exquisite shapes make it an exceptionally precious cave resource. The scenic area features layered mountains and the meandering Dashi River, and Shihua Cave shines like a brilliant pearl amid the beautiful peaks. First-time visitors will be utterly stunned—its grandeur is a perfect display of nature’s artistry.
What Wonders Does Fangshan Shihua Cave Hold?
To say this is the most breathtaking cave landscape I’ve ever seen is no exaggeration. Inside, the so-called ten world wonders will astonish you one after another. From the classic Jade Pool Stone Lotus to the unique Fire Trees and Silver Flowers, nature has fully unleashed its masterful craftsmanship here.
In the second hall on the first level, a beautiful lotus pond blooms with “lotus flowers,” geologically known as “moonmilk stone.” Discovered for the first time in Beijing Shihua Cave in 1982, carbon-14 and uranium-series dating shows it formed about 34,000 years ago.
At the highest point of the west branch cave on the second level, strange and wonderful stalactites, stone swords, and stone flags hang from the ceiling, as white as jade, hence the name “White Jade Canopy.” The most spectacular is a stone flag measuring 2.18 m high and 1.1 m wide, formed by the combined action of dripping water and sheet flow.
Deep in the second-level west branch cave, a stone waterfall created by flowing water plunges down from cracks—the upper water saturated with calcium carbonate deposits as it cascades, forming a stone waterfall over 10 m high and 20 m wide. Visitors now see only one third; the other two thirds extend deeper into the cave. This is the cave’s largest stone waterfall, named “Soaring Waterfall” because it resembles surging water.
In the central hall of the second level stands the cave’s largest stalactite formation, created by dripping and flowing water growing from the ceiling downward. This giant stalactite is 18 m high and 3 m wide, looking like an upside-down torch burning brightly—“Inverted Torch.”
At the bottom of the second level lies a magnificent group of stone draperies, the cave’s largest, formed by dripping, linear, and sheet flows along the wall. The curtain-like formation is 10 m high, 18 m wide, and composed of 540 stone drapes, called the “Dragon Palace Harp” or “Dragon Palace Curtain.”
At the junction of the second and third levels, two majestic stone pillars of uniform thickness stand—connected stalactites and stalagmites. At 12.6 m tall, they are the cave’s highest pillars. Similar in form, origin, and age, they are called the “Sky-high Mandarin Duck Pillars.”
At the entrance to the third level, the “Dragon Maiden’s Embroidery Platform” is the cave’s largest stone shield, 1.2 m high and 2.6 m in diameter. Stone shields form from confined water in wall cracks; Shihua Cave contains over 630 shields of various sizes, truly a kingdom of shields.
At the fourth level’s entrance, the area known as “Fire Trees and Silver Flowers” was created by seepage and capillary water. This 30 m long, over 3 m wide stretch is covered with stone flowers, stone hair, stone branches, and stone chrysanthemums hanging on the wall, creating a splendid variety of formations.
In the middle of the fourth level, a sunken pool features deposits from dripping, splashing, and still water. Thin ice-sheet-like material just a few millimeters thick floats on the surface, called “water calcium film” or “cave raft.” Below the water line, calcite crystal clusters and underwater stone grapes have crystallized in various shapes—cave pearls, cave biscuits, and crystal flowers in the pool.
Near the exit, a stalagmite formed by dripping water has three separate drip points on its top. Where the water is purer and crystallization slower, the stalagmite is transparent; where there are more impurities and faster crystallization, it is opaque. Thus, one stone yields three different formations, each unique—a marvelous sight.
How Beautiful Is Fangshan Shihua Cave?
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder; everyone perceives it differently. Every formation can be interpreted in its own way, and some scenes even tell an interesting story. I think this is precisely the kind of natural, unadorned beauty Shihua Cave gives us—an ideal beauty beyond artifice.
How Many Levels Does Fangshan Shihua Cave Have?
According to the guide, seven levels have been explored so far, but only levels 1–4 are open to the public. On the last stretch of the fourth level, you can see the entrance to the fifth level, though it’s very small and currently closed. The first four levels reach a depth of about 160–170 meters underground. But because there are naturally formed vents and cracks throughout the cave, it never feels stuffy down there—truly nature’s ingenious design. I also heard that the earliest scientists explored the cave by being lowered on a single rope into the pitch-black depths, which makes me admire their courage immensely.
Shihua Cave Travel Tips:
1. Tickets: 70 yuan, half price for students. Driving directions: Take the Jingshi Expressway to the Fangshan (Yancun) exit, then pass through Tuoli to reach Shihua Cave; or take the Jingshi Expressway to the Fangshan Liangxiang Airport exit, then go via Qinglonghu and Beicheying.
2. Address: Nancheying Village, Hebei Town, Fangshan District
3. Bus: From Tianqiao, take bus 836 or 835 to Liangxiang Ximen (West Gate), then transfer to bus 833 (or Fang 13) and get off at Shihua Cave crossing.
4. For visitors over 60 and those with limited mobility, the scenic area provides thoughtful accessible facilities.
Moon Mountain Scenic Area
Next to Shihua Cave, there’s a lesser-known spot perfect for a visit after exploring the cave. Not only can you see many animals here, but you can also hike—and most surprisingly, there’s a glass walkway hidden here, something I never expected. Glass walkway enthusiasts, you must come!
There’s also Fangshan’s famous wild vegetable feast, where healthy local greens are served. The refreshing and delicious wild vegetables seem to be infused with magical vitality by the chef, each dish with its own unique flavor. The food is excellent and the restaurant offers great value; it can even host wedding banquets and team-building events.
Listen to the Wind, Play the Qin, Savor Tea, Gaze at the Mountains
Ask not why you came, but let kindred spirits share the moment.
Spring is the season of blooming mountain flowers and rejuvenation. Every plant and tree in Xiude Valley exudes a fresh, relaxing vibe. Put on a Hanfu and let the crisp mountain breeze welcome you—suddenly you feel transported to ancient times. Here you can meditate in stillness, or play the qin and enjoy the moonlight.
I first learned about Xiude Valley through a friend who attended a bigu (fasting) retreat here. The whole courtyard is steeped in Zen ambiance. Now blooming with all kinds of mountain flowers, the over 70 rooms are cozy and elegant. Living here with simple, light meals feels like leading a celestial life.
I especially loved the vegetarian food—it completely amazed me. From taste to appearance, it closely resembles regular dishes. In the morning, you can join activities to pick your own favorite wild vegetables. I also think this is a fantastic place to bring kids for a unique experience—definitely full of charm.
Jixiang Jingshe Inn
Activities: Mountain hiking and herb seeking, tea ceremony, guqin, Hanfu experience
Address: Xiude Valley, Beibanbidian, Hebei Town, Fangshan District, Beijing
