Taihe Ancient Cave

Taihe Ancient Cave

Taihe Ancient Cave is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Taihe Ancient Cave Scenic Area is situated on Huajian Mountain in the northern suburbs of Qingxin County, adjacent to the old National Highway 107. It lies only 2 kilometers from the county town, about 5 kilometers from the urban area, and 70 kilometers south of Guangzhou City. As one of the main attractions on Qingyuan City’s five key tourism routes — the Qingxin Natural Ecology Tourism Route — the site has a history of over 150 years. Initially constructed in the fourth year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1854), Taihe Ancient Cave is a renowned Taoist sacred site. The area features precipitous cliffs soaring into the sky, serene forests and deep valleys, cascading waterfalls over cliffs, and scattered stone inscriptions with winding streams competing in flow. The four large characters “Taihe Ancient Cave” embedded in the mountain gate were inscribed by Zhu Ruzhen, a native of Qingxin and the last Zhuangyuan (second-place scholar) in Chinese imperial history during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty.

The Qingxin Taihe Cave Scenic Area is located on the right side of Huajian Mountain, about 5 kilometers from the urban area and 70 kilometers south of Guangzhou. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and an important resort destination in the Pearl River Delta. Commonly known as Taihe Pit in the local dialect, Taihe Cave faces the Beijiang River in the front and leans against Lianfeng Mountain in the back. Its mountain ranges stretch for dozens of miles, presenting a majestic and ever-changing landscape. The area boasts steep cliffs that seem to pierce the sky, serene forests and deep valleys, waterfalls hanging in mid-air, and cliffs covered in inscriptions, all set among winding streams. Layered peaks and lush greenery create a heavenly paradise on earth, while miles of rosy clouds weave a terrestrial fairyland — a true utopia for leisure and vacation.

Taihe Cave was built in the fourth year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1856 AD) as a Taoist religious site and has a history of over 140 years. It houses the historic Lingshan Ancient Taoist Temple complex, including the Taihe Treasure Hall, Taoyuan Immortal Pavilion, Jade Emperor Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, Fude Shrine, Bell and Drum Towers, and more. The halls enshrine over ten deities, including the Jade Emperor, the “Three Pure Ones” (Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun, and Taiqing Daode Tianzun), the “Three Emperors” (Xuandi, Wenchang, and Guan Yu), and the “Three Masters” (Lü Dongbin, Wang Chongyang, and Qiu Chuji). The gracefully inscribed “Taihe Ancient Cave” characters embedded in the mountain gate were penned by Zhu Ruzhen, the last Zhuangyuan in Chinese history, during the Guangxu reign’s Jiachen Imperial Examination. Over its century-long history, Taihe Ancient Cave has experienced times of flourishing and decline. In 1992, with the support of the local government, Hong Kong compatriots, and enthusiastic members of the public, the century-old cave was restored to its former glory. The scenic area now integrates dining, accommodation, entertainment, and shopping, offering quality services to both domestic and international visitors. After a century of change, the cave has been revitalized, showcasing its beautiful natural landscape and unique cave culture — including ancient caves, serene valleys, peculiar rocks, and cliff inscriptions — providing visitors with a delightful and relaxing experience. Today, Taihe Ancient Cave remains a popular spiritual destination with constant incense burning and a steady stream of visitors who come to explore its serenity or pay homage, making it widely renowned overseas.

At the foot of the cave’s mountain lies a vast open area scattered with numerous large and small rocks, known as the “Huang Chao Mustering Troops” scene. The natural mountain-water swimming pool at the mountain base covers an area of 5,000 square meters, with cool spring-fed waterfalls and refreshing breezes. A 30-meter-long double waterslide offers an exhilarating ride to embrace summer’s energy. Meanwhile, a 4,000-square-meter grassy lawn allows you to relax amidst green hills and clear waters, gaze at the blue sky and white clouds, breathe fresh air, and savor the sweet mountain spring water — a true taste of leisure beyond the hustle and bustle of the city.

Following the mountain path upward, you’ll encounter a winding stream that flows over uneven stone slopes and boulders, forming dozens of waterfalls and pools. The crystal-clear, ice-cold water never dries up all year round, creating enchanting landscapes such as the “Wuling Paradise” and “Jade Stream Layered Greens” within the secluded valleys.

The mountain scenery is picturesque, with rolling peaks embracing the area, winding waters encircling the land, ancient trees towering above, exotic flowers and plants dotting the landscape, murmuring springs, and uniquely shaped rocks. Highlights include the “Toad Exiting the Mountain, Boar Entering the Mountain” beneath the big pit, the “Stone Eagle” perched on the cliff, the “Five Elders Returning to the Cave,” the “Elder Watching the Moon,” the “Mother and Child Lions,” the “Fierce Tiger Descending the Mountain,” the “Guanyin’s Robe” hidden in roadside bushes shining with rainbow hues, the “Stone Immortal Reclining” atop the mountain peak, as well as the “Stone Immortal Peach,” “Stone Lotus,” and “Stone Parrot.” For over a century, the beautifully scenic Taihe Cave has attracted numerous literati and poets who composed verses, inscribed calligraphy, and carved stones, leaving behind countless treasured artworks. Examples include “First-Class Cave Heaven,” “Protector of the World’s Sacred Mountain,” “Wuling Xi,” and “Desire to Purify Without Dust.” These rich stone inscriptions not only infuse the scenic area with poetic charm but also enhance the spiritual aura and allure of Taihe Ancient Cave, giving it significant artistic, archaeological, and touristic value.

European-style BBQ Garden: The largest BBQ park in Qingyuan City. Covering over 10,000 square meters, this large-scale countryside park integrates barbecuing, dining, villa accommodations, and fishing entertainment — an ideal leisure spot for those seeking romance or enjoying gatherings with family, colleagues, or friends. In the busy urban life, take some time out, gather a few close friends, head to the Taihe Ancient Cave European Garden, enjoy a bonfire cookout, return to simplicity, and experience a carefree and relaxing retreat.

Youth Physical Fitness Training Base: An emerging physical training activity and the only large-scale climbing facility in Qingyuan City. The base features 12 exercise programs such as “Zero Breakthrough,” “Going Forward Fearlessly,” “Two Hands Holding Up the Sky,” and “Flying Across.” All use wooden poles as posts, with guardrails, hanging logs, climbing structures, and nets all woven from hemp ropes. Here, you can train your physique, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your wit.

The scenic area also offers a central plaza stage for song and dance performances, open-air bars, bonfire cookouts, fishing zones, children’s amusement parks, the garden-style Songshi Villa, the Rongyuan Restaurant, a tourism shopping mall, a foot massage path, and a 4,000-square-meter leisure viewing grassland — ensuring you have a wonderful holiday experience.

Address: Taihe Ancient Cave Tourist Scenic Area, Qingxin County, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province

Type: Cave, Mountain, Waterfall, Historical Site

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 hour

Phone: 0763-5810647

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Ticket:

Qingyuan Taihe Ancient Cave Adult Ticket (Pool Not Included) 15 RMB