Shihua Karst Cave (Stone Flower Cave, 石花洞), also known as Shifo Cave (十佛洞), was discovered by the Buddhist monk Yuanguang during the eleventh year of the Ming Zhengtong era (1446). Initially named “Qianzhen Cave,” it features carvings of the “Thirteen Ksitigarbha” and the cave’s name on the external rock face, as well as marble statues of the “Three Ksitigarbha Bodhisattvas” inside. The cave boasts the most karst deposits in China, and it is one of the country’s four major karst caves, along with the Reed Flute Cave in Guilin, Yuhua Cave in Fujian, and Yaolin Cave in Hangzhou.
The cave has a multi-level, multi-branch structure, with a total of seven layers. The first to the sixth layers are dry caves, while the seventh layer is an underground river. Currently, only the first to the fourth layers, spanning a total length of 2500 meters, are open to the public. The cave’s deposits are colorful, diverse, and densely packed, with five types and thirty-three different forms. It features twenty major scenic areas and over 150 primary sights, each complementing the other. Notably, the cave is home to numerous multicolored stone flags, unique shields, and the only moonmilk stone lotus in Chinese caves. Additionally, the cave has skylights and underground water ponds, which are unique in China.
Travel Information about Stone Flower Cave
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 70 RMB
Opening Hours:
- Peak Season: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Off Season: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
The Shihua Karst Cave is suitable for visiting all year round. The cave maintains a warm temperature in winter and stays cool in summer, with pleasant temperatures in spring and autumn as well.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Nancheying Village, Hebei Town, Fangshan District
Public Transport:
- Take the Fangshan Line of the subway, then transfer to bus F43 at Houyan Village.
- Alternatively, take bus 836 or 917 from the South Square of Beijing West Railway Station or Liuliqiao East, and transfer to bus F43 at Yancun Road.
By Car:
- Exit the Beijing-Shijiazhuang Expressway at the Fangshan (Gezhuang) exit, and pass through Tuoli to reach Shihua Karst Cave.
- Alternatively, exit the Beijing-Shijiazhuang Expressway at the Fangshan Liangxiang Airport exit, and pass through Qinglong Lake and Beicheying to reach the cave.
Scenic Spot Rating
- Cultural: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
Useful Tips
The parking lot for Stone Flower Cave is about a 10-minute walk from the cave entrance. On the way back, if you want to avoid traffic at the Jingshi toll station, you can take Jingliang Road to Huaxiang and get on the Fourth Ring Road at Xinfadi, then take the Jingkai Expressway.
The scenic area provides free guides who accompany visitors throughout the tour. It’s best not to fall behind as the guided commentary enhances the experience.
The cave lighting operates in a chain system, turning on ahead and off behind. When inside the cave, walk without sightseeing and only stop to look at the scenery. Always be mindful of safety.
Highlights of Stone Flower Cave
First and Second Levels
The first level of Stone Flower Cave is approximately 348 meters long and features attractions such as “Lion Welcoming Guests,” the stone statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, “Jade Screen Green Shadow,” and “Fairyland of Penglai.” This level includes two main halls. The first hall is 64 meters long and 23.4 meters at its widest point, filled with various scenic features reminiscent of a fairyland, hence called “Fairyland of Penglai.” The second hall showcases a beautiful lotus pond, with formations resembling blooming lotuses, mushrooms, and cauliflower, known geologically as “moonmilk stone,” which is the cave’s first major wonder and the largest of its kind in the country. Visitors can access the second layer through a connecting passage.
The second level has a tour route length of approximately 1352 meters and includes five main halls. Notable sights here include “Bamboo Fence and Thatched Cottage,” “White Jade Canopy,” “Silver Flag,” “Soaring Waterfall,” “Jade Willow Casting Shade,” and “Sky-Supporting Mandarin Duck Pillar.”
Related Details:
- The stone pillars in Stone Flower Cave contain micro-layers that record the annual summer temperatures in Beijing from 665 BC to 1985 AD, earning it the nickname “Millennium Thermometer.” These yearly layers also serve as a “Natural Clock” because they visually indicate the passage of time.
- In the first layer hall, there is a stone sculpture of two people playing chess, with a figure in the middle resembling a referee. This stone formation was created by water deposition, with only the chessboard and pieces being manually placed.
Third and Fourth Levels
The third and fourth levels are designed for scientific exploration and sightseeing, with a tour route of approximately 800 meters. These levels showcase small and growing formations not visible in the first and second levels. Key attractions include the stone shield known as the Dragon Maiden’s Embroidery Terrace, the Ten-Meter Gallery, the vertical shield called the Immortal’s Mirror, the Grand Theater, the Sea Turtle Guarding Treasure, the Natural Bridge, the Stone Flower, the Fiery Trees and Silver Flowers, the Stone Chrysanthemums, the Flower Stalagmite Forest, and Clustered Stone Flowers.
Related Details:
- If you want to take a closer look at the cave formations, it’s best to bring a flashlight.
- The cave’s temperature averages around ten degrees Celsius year-round, getting colder as you go deeper. It’s advisable to bring a jacket when visiting in the summer.
- At a certain slope in the middle of the fourth level, you will need to bend down and crawl using both hands and feet. This passage leads to the fifth level. There is a segment of the route that requires you to go back and forth, and then you must climb up a ladder on the right to exit the cave.
Accommodation and Dining at Shihua Karst Cave
Accommodation
The scenic area offers various options for lodging, including Yinian Mountain Villa, Rose Garden, Beitai Folk Village, General Kettle, and other large ecological and leisure resorts. It’s recommended to book in advance during holidays.
- Yinian Mountain Villa: Located at the center of Shihua Karst Cave scenic area.
- Beitai Folk Village: A comprehensive folk holiday village that integrates traditional folk life, farming activities, folk entertainment, fruit picking, and leisure vacations, based on the folk life of the deep mountain areas of southwest Beijing.
- Century Cultural Exchange Center: Another option providing comfortable accommodation.
Dining
Yinian Mountain Villa, Beitai Folk Village, and Century Cultural Exchange Center all have restaurants. The dishes are made from wild vegetables and home-raised poultry, ensuring green, pollution-free ingredients at moderate prices. Visitors can enjoy delicious homemade meals while taking in the natural and pristine mountain scenery.