Shihua Water Cave

　　Shihua Water Cave is located at the foot of Yingdao Mountain in the State-owned Bayi Farm in Danzhou City, Hainan Province, 30 kilometers from downtown Danzhou. It is composed of three main scenic areas: the cave interior area, the stone forest area, and the tropical fruit orchard sightseeing area. Each of these three zones has its own unique features and complements one another, forming a comprehensive landscape that combines scientific research, tourism, and educational experiences.

　　In 1998, while quarrying limestone, the Bayi Farm unexpectedly discovered a stone flower cave. The following year, experts from the Cave Research Association of the Geological Society of China visited and concluded that this was an extremely rare stone flower cave, not only in China but also around the world. Formed 1.4 million years ago, they immediately recommended naming it “Shihua Water Cave.” The cave system includes both a dry cave and a water cave. The dry cave is approximately 2,000 meters long, while the water cave stretches around 3,000 meters, with water depths mostly between 5 and 7 meters, reaching a maximum of 17 meters. Inside, the uniquely shaped and diverse stalactites hang from the ceilings or rise from the ground, presenting a breathtaking view. Among them, the “One Stone, Two Flowers” formations—helictites, aragonite flowers, and calcite crystal flowers—are considered national treasures.

　　The Yingdao Mountain Shihua Water Cave also houses a national treasure-level wonder known as “helictites,” located on the ceiling in the middle section of the dry cave, covering an area of about 1,010 square meters. These helictites are white, rod-like, twisted, or bean-sprout-shaped calcite crystals, with a soft luster and individual lengths reaching up to 44–66 cm. Experts from the China Cave Association have confirmed that these helictites are not formed by dripping water. Their origin remains a mystery and they have so far only been found in a few countries such as the United States, Romania, and China. Although similar formations were previously discovered in a stone flower cave in Heilongjiang, the helictites found in Hainan’s Yingdao Mountain Shihua Water Cave surpass others in terms of area and shape, ranking first in China and regarded as a global marvel. The discovery of helictites here has drawn significant attention from experts both in China and abroad. The National Museum has also collected samples of these crystals for research.

　　The cave walls are also covered with peculiar stone flowers. Resembling coral, these formations shine brilliantly under the light. According to expert studies, their formation differs from other cave structures such as stalagmites, stalactites, and stone waterfalls, which are usually formed by dripping, flowing, or stagnant water. Instead, the stone flowers are formed by the deposition of percolating water, splashing water, and capillary water. Most remarkably, a thin wall made entirely of stone flowers stretches across the cave like the “Magpie Bridge” where the legendary Cowherd and Weaver Girl meet.

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

　　The Yingdao Mountain Shihua Water Cave meanders with sections as wide as 10 meters and as narrow as two or three meters. Visitors can take boat rides through the water cave. The total length of the cave is about 5,000 meters, but currently, only a 900-meter section is open to visitors, including 550 meters in the dry cave and 350 meters in the water cave. The entire tour takes just over an hour.

　　There are three treasured highlights within the cave: aragonite flowers, helictites, and calcite crystals.

　　Inside, you can find rare stone formations created by dripping water, such as “Elephant Playing in Water” and “Pigsy Carrying His Wife.”

　　Shihua Water Cave embodies “majestic mountains, beautiful waters, extraordinary stones, and mysterious caves.” Still waters are pristine and clear, flowing waters tell stories; there are scenes within scenes, offering a world apart.

　　Shihua Water Cave is a living geological science textbook and also a fantastic destination for sightseeing and travel.