Mancheng Mulan Valley

Mancheng Mulan Valley

The Mulan Valley Scenic Area is situated in Daxi, Xizhaozhuang Village, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Mancheng County. Legend has it that Hua Mulan, the heroine of ancient times, once stationed her army here, and the ruins of an old military campsite remain to this day. Both the Mulan Valley Scenic Area and the Mulan Cave are named after this historical site. The scenic zone is embraced by mountains and spans a total area of 10 square kilometers. Development started in 2009, including the construction of roads, parking lots, restaurants, and other facilities. It was then officially opened to the public, unveiling the mysterious veil of the Mulan Cave, which had been sealed for 280 million years. Other attractions within the Mulan Valley Scenic Area include the Ape Man Cave, Yang Chengwu War Relics, Taiping Platform, Training Ground, Mulan Camp Ruins, Japanese Mining Site from the invasion of China, Sun and Moon Palace, White Dragon Temple, White Dragon Well, Pear Garden Valley, waterfalls, and more. The most iconic attraction is undoubtedly the Mulan Cave.

The scenery of Mulan Valley is picturesque all year round. Surrounded by mountains, the area boasts pleasant landscapes. Layers of trees complement the verdant peaks, dressing the hills in lush greenery, while murmuring streams and blooming wildflowers add further charm to the scenery. The valley is also home to wildlife such as badgers, rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, mountain birds, and monkeys can occasionally be spotted.

The Mulan Cave stretches 3,000 meters in length, though only over 1,000 meters have been developed for exploration. Some formations lie on the same level, while others are located on upper or lower tiers, requiring visitors to climb ladders up or descend via steps down. Stepping into the cave is like entering another magical world. Looking around or gazing upward, one is greeted by an overwhelming array of stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and columns. Notable sights include the Blessed Palace, Guanyin Pavilion, and White Dragon Pool, among over ten designated attractions. Additionally, countless indescribable stalagmites, draperies, stalactites, flowstones, and waterfall clusters are found throughout the cave. Truly, it’s a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship, rivaling anything created by human hands.

The Mulan Cave has existed for 280 million years. For a stalactite to grow just one centimeter, it takes roughly ten thousand years of calcium carbonate accumulation. No wonder there is a sign at the cave entrance stating that those who damage the stalactites will be fined between 2,000 and 100,000 yuan per piece — a measure meant to encourage everyone to cherish this rare natural wonder.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Daxiyu, Xizhaozhuang Village, Mancheng County, Baoding City, Hebei Province

By Bus: Take a bus from Mancheng County bound for Tuonan Township, and then transfer to a minibus to Xizhaozhuang upon arriving in Tuonan.