Hainan Shihua Shuidong Geological Park

Shihua Shuidong

Shihua Shuidong is located at the foot of Yingdao Mountain in the state-owned Bayi General Farm, Danzhou City, Hainan Province, about 30 kilometers from Danzhou. It consists of three scenic areas: the cave scenic area, the stone forest scenic area, and the tropical hundred-fruit garden sightseeing area. Each of the three areas has its own unique features yet complements one another, forming a comprehensive garden landscape that integrates scientific research, tourism, and science education.

In 1998, during limestone mining operations, the Bayi Farm unexpectedly discovered a stone flower cave. The following year, experts from the Cave Research Committee of the Geological Society of China investigated and concluded that this was an extremely rare stone flower cave, not only in China but also around the world. It was formed 1.4 million years ago, and they immediately recommended naming it “Shihua Shuidong.” The cave consists of a dry cave and a water cave. The dry cave is approximately 2,000 meters long, while the water cave is about 3,000 meters in length, with water depths mostly between 5 to 7 meters and a maximum depth of 17 meters. Inside the cave, uniquely shaped and variously formed stalactites hang from the ceilings or rise from the ground, creating breathtaking views. Especially noteworthy are the “one stone with two flowers” formations—helictite, aragonite flower, and calcite crystal flower—growing inside the cave, all considered national treasure-grade rarities.

Within Yingdao Mountain’s Shihua Shuidong lies a national treasure-level wonder known as “helictite,” located on the ceiling in the middle section of the dry cave, covering an area of about 1,010 square meters. This type of helictite appears as white jade-colored, rod-like, coiled, or bean-sprout-shaped calcite crystals. They have a soft luster, with individual lengths reaching up to 44–66 cm. Experts from the China Cave Association have determined that these helictites are not formed by dripping water, and their origin remains a mystery. To date, they have only been found in a few countries including the United States, Romania, and China. Previously, similar formations were also discovered in a stone flower cave in Heilongjiang, but the helictites found in Hainan’s Yingdao Mountain Shihua Shuidong stand out in terms of both area and shape, ranking first in China and can be regarded as a world wonder. The discovery of helictites in Yingdao Mountain Shihua Shuidong has drawn significant attention from many experts both domestically and internationally, and the National Museum has collected samples of these formations for research and preservation.

The cave walls are also covered with a unique type of stone flower that resembles coral and shines brilliantly under the light. According to expert studies, the formation of these stone flowers differs from other cave formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, and stone waterfalls, which are typically formed by dripping, flowing, or stagnant water deposits. In contrast, stone flowers are formed by seepage water, splashing water, and capillary water deposits. Most astonishingly, within Yingdao Mountain Shihua Shuidong, there is a thin wall made of stone flowers stretching across mid-air, resembling the legendary magpie bridge where the Cowherd and Weaver Girl meet.

The cave is also home to the highly precious and nationally protected animal: the Chinese giant salamander.

Yingdao Mountain Shihua Shuidong winds and twists, with widths of up to 10 meters in some sections and as narrow as two or three meters in others. Visitors can take boat rides through the water cave. The total length of Shihua Shuidong is about 5,000 meters, but currently, only a 900-meter section is open to visitors. This includes 550 meters of the dry cave and 350 meters of the water cave, with the entire tour lasting approximately an hour or more.

Shihua Shuidong also boasts three treasured highlights: aragonite flower, helictite, and calcite.

Inside, you can find rare stone formations created by dripping water, such as “elephants playing in water” and “Pigsy carrying his wife.”

Shihua Shuidong is described as having “a spiritual mountain, beautiful waters, peculiar stones, and a mysterious cave.” Still waters are clear and elegant, flowing waters convey emotion; there are scenes within scenes, offering a world apart.

Shihua Shuidong serves as a vivid geological science textbook and is also a great destination for sightseeing and travel.

Address:

Yingdao Mountain, Bayi General Farm, Yaxing Town, Danzhou City

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:30

Ticket Price:

55 RMB