Wushan Grottoes (Wushan Coastal Grottoes)

Wushan Grottoes (Wushan Coastal Grottoes)

Wushan Grottoes

Ye Xianjin

The stone chamber hides a spring that cools to the bone,

Bamboo screens the stone door, sheltering a temperate cool.

Who built this mountain retreat in a celestial vale,

Could it rival the grand halls of the Han family?

The Wushan Grottoes scenic area is located on the shore of Sanmen Bay in the central coastal region of eastern Zhejiang, in Changjie Town, Ninghai County, about 30 kilometers from downtown Ninghai.

The surrounding terrain is a coastal hilly plain, generally flat, with five low hills—none over 100 meters in elevation—arranged among them. From north to south, they are Song’ao Mountain, Daoshi Rock, Buzhou Mountain (originally named “Triangle Pond Mountain”), Congming Mountain (originally “Lower Long Mountain”), and Shilan Mountain (originally “Lantou Mountain”), hence the name “Wu Shan” (Five Mountains).

The Wushan Grottoes are relics left from ancient quarrying activities, boasting a history of over 800 years and known as the “Grotto Heavens of the Bay.” To date, around 30 cave groups and more than 100 uniquely shaped caves have been discovered. Some resemble giant bells, with domed ceilings and barrel-like walls; others look like ancient military tents, with towering cliffs that inspire awe; still others are like massive square wells, descending vertically from the ground or from within other caves, reaching depths (or heights) of tens to over 100 meters, with bottom diameters ranging from 10 to 30 meters. Most caves extend from the mountaintop deep into the mountain; some even feature tunnels cut through the rock to emerge on the other side. Cave arrangements vary—single caves, double caves, and interconnected clusters. They stack vertically, connect horizontally, and link in intricate labyrinths full of wonder. Hollowed rock windows let in light, sheer cliffs form long corridors, and stacked levels resemble towers. Some caves collect water into unfathomable pools, their surfaces shimmering like jade; others feature walls that seep water to form colorful, natural murals of stunning beauty.

The first phase of the Wushan Grottoes scenic area development includes two main zones: Buzhou Divine Mountain and Congming Mountain. Buzhou Divine Mountain is a grotto garden sightseeing area, featuring spectacular and uniquely shaped caves that create a fascinating stone culture corridor. Themed around ancient Chinese mythology, visitors can explore the rich cultural meanings behind legends such as “Nüwa Mending the Sky with Stones,” “Gonggong’s Rage Against Buzhou Mountain,” “Yu the Great Taming the Floods,” and “Kuafu Chasing the Sun,” marvel at the grandeur of the caves, and reflect on ancient times. Congming Mountain is a grotto fairy-tale amusement area, composed of numerous peculiar vertical-shaft and mountain-body caves, with sunlight streaming in to create ever-changing effects. While preserving the natural features of the landscape, the site has been enhanced with exquisite cultural design—vivid colors, bright tones, and a warm atmosphere—that evokes cherished memories of world-famous fairy tales like “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” and “The Frog Prince.” The area’s architecture is infused with rich exotic flavors.

Address: Within Changjie Town, Ninghai County, Ningbo City

Type: Cave & Mountain Historical Site

Recommended Visit Duration: About 2 hours

Tel: 0574-65317566

Official Website: http://www.nbwssk.com/

Opening Hours:

8:00-16:30

Ticket Information:

Wushan Coastal Grottoes ticket: 80 RMB, includes entry to both Congming Mountain and Buzhou Divine Mountain. Children under 1.1 meters, active-duty military personnel, and people with disabilities are admitted free with valid ID. Children between 1.1 and 1.4 meters enjoy half-price entry. Seniors with a senior ID and students with a student ID receive a 20% discount.

Changjie Town: Located in the eastern part of Ninghai County, Changjie Town borders Xiangshan Bay to the east, Sanmen Bay to the south, Huchen Port to the west, and Huchen Township to the north. It is a major agricultural town, industrial hub, and central urban center of Ninghai. The town covers an area of 134.6 square kilometers, governs 7 sub-district offices and 82 administrative villages, with a total population of over 68,000. In 2003, the town’s total industrial and agricultural output value reached 1.835 billion RMB, fiscal revenue hit 32.5 million RMB, and per capita rural income was 3,900 RMB.

Changjie Town enjoys a superior geographical location, with the coastal highway running through it. It lies 29 kilometers from Ninghai County seat… More detailed information about Changjie Town++