Shanjuan Cave Scenic Area

Shanjuan Cave Scenic Area

Shanjuan Cave Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Shanjuan Cave Scenic Area is located on Luoyan Mountain in Zhuling Village, about 25 kilometers southwest of Yixing City. The scenic area boasts lush forests, picturesque landscapes, and exquisitely formed caves, earning it the reputation of "Ancient Spiritual Site" and "Fairyland on Earth." It is ranked among the "World’s Three Great Wonders of Caves," alongside the Han Cave in Belgium and the Lyon Cave in France.

The origin of the name "Shanjuan" dates back many years. According to the *Shenzi*, it is said that over 4,000 years ago, Emperor Shun offered his throne to the poet Shan Juan, who firmly declined and chose to live in seclusion in this cave, hence the name.

The Shanjuan Cave area covers approximately 5,000 square meters and is divided into four caves: Upper, Middle, Lower, and Water Cave. These caves are interconnected yet each offers a distinct view, making a visit feel like stepping into an underground palace.

The Upper Cave is famed for its ethereal beauty. The cave is often shrouded in mist, thus also known as the "Mist-Ridden Grand Hall." Stretching 70 meters in length and 30 meters in height, its walls are lined with an endless array of fantastic rocks—some resembling sheep, others horses—vivid and lifelike in countless poses. Spring water gushes from crevices in the rock, and colorful stalactites shimmer underwater, creating a dazzling spectacle.

The Middle Cave serves as the entrance to Shanjuan Cave. Upon entering, you’ll see the "Lion and Elephant Grand Hall"—a natural stone chamber spanning 1,000 square meters, with towering stalactites at the entrance that resemble giant guardians observing every visitor. On either side of the hall stand massive stones shaped like a blue lion and a white elephant, hence the name "Lion and Elephant Hall."

The Lower Cave features stunning rural and pastoral scenery. Cascading waterfalls pour down from the cliffs above, vigorous and majestic. The stalactites here differ from those in the upper and middle caves. They take on various forms—some like bananas, others like lotus roots—each uniquely beautiful.

The Water Cave presents a truly unique sight. With meandering streams and tranquil, mirror-like water, the cave is illuminated by multicolored lights that cast a refracted glow, evoking the feeling of an underwater Dragon Palace, crystalline and enchanting. Visitors can disembark and walk to the Rear Cave of Shanjuan. To the east lies the convergence point of Shanjuan and Liang-Zhu culture, featuring sites such as the “Tomb of Zhu Yingtai’s Zither and Sword” from the Jin Dynasty, and the “Zhu Yingtai Study Site,” allowing visitors to reflect on the world-renowned tragic love story while enjoying the scenery.

Address: Luoyan Mountain, about 5 kilometers northeast of Zhangzhu Town, Yixing City, Wuxi (approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Yixing City)

Type: Cave geological landform

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 3–4 hours

Phone: 0510-87391169

Official website: http://www.shanjuandong.cn

Opening hours:

Peak season (March–October): 7:30–17:00; Off-season: 8:00–16:30. Off-season hours begin on October 17.

Ticket information:

The 70 RMB ticket includes: entry to Shanjuan Cave, boat ride in the Water Cave, and access to the Pottery Bar (where you can make and take home small purple clay crafts). The combined 130 RMB scenic ticket includes all items in the 70 RMB ticket, plus the Savage Valley, cable car, slide, and Liang-Zhu Butterfly Garden.