A Millennium-Old Secret Hidden in Xizhou Mountain! Unlock the Cool Adventure of North China's No.1 Karst Cave

When the four-hundred-million-year-old ocean transformed into the folds of the Taihang Mountains, and the legend of Yu the Great controlling the floods was etched into the rock walls, Yuwang Cave on the waist of Xizhou Mountain in Xinzhou became an "underground palace" hidden among the mountains. This secret realm, known as "North China's No.1 Karst Cave," features fantastical landscapes formed by stalactites, millennia-old cultural stories, and a cool, comfortable climate with constant temperature throughout the year—definitely worth adding to your short trip list. 1. Why You Must Visit This Karst Cave? 1. A Magical Palace Created by Hundred-Million-Year Geology Yuwang Cave began forming during the ocean era 400 million years ago. After the mountain-building movement 70 million years ago and long karst erosion, this underground wonder was sculpted. The cave extends over 2,000 meters deep, holding many unsolved mysteries. The developed 700-meter tour route showcases diverse stalactites, stalagmites, and stone curtains: "Welcoming Lions" resemble a lineup of mighty lions greeting visitors, "Golden Turtle Emerging" looks like a spiritual turtle exploring the depths, and the "Ice Waterfall World" recreates the grandeur of a suspended waterfall. Under the lighting, it feels like stepping into a fantastical scene from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. 2. Natural Air Conditioning with Year-Round Constant Temperature The cave maintains a steady temperature of 8-11°C all year. In midsummer, the cool breeze makes it a natural summer resort, while in winter it feels warm like spring, truly making it suitable for visits in all seasons. Especially when stepping into the cave entrance in summer, the outside heat is instantly blocked, leaving only refreshing air enveloping you, accompanied by the gentle sound of the underground river—pure comfort. 3. Cultural Heritage Enriched by Legend Four thousand years ago, Yu the Great moored his boat here to control the floods, giving rise to the names "Xizhou Mountain" and "Yuwang Cave." Inside the cave, a stone statue resembling Yu the Great adds a mysterious aura. The Ming Dynasty's "Xinzhou Gazetteer" recorded that the cave "is said to connect to Ping County and produces agate," and the legend of "chess games under the cave, centuries outside" imbues every stalactite with stories of time. 2. Essential Info Before You Go: Transportation and Tickets 1. How to Get There Most Conveniently? - Self-driving: From Taiyuan, take the Erguang Expressway (G55) to the Xinzhou exit, then drive about 30 minutes. Navigate to "Yuwang Cave National Forest Park." It’s only a 30-minute drive from Xinzhou city center. Parking at the scenic area entrance costs about 10 yuan per vehicle. - Public Transport: From Xinzhou city, take bus No. 305 directly to "Yuwang Cave Station," about 40 minutes. From Taiyuan, take the high-speed train to Xinzhou West Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi. Taxi fare is about 50 yuan. 2. Tickets and Opening Information - Core prices: Cave ticket 80 yuan per person, round-trip cable car 60 yuan (optional); some channels offer discounted tickets at 48 yuan, better value. - Discounts: Students and seniors with valid ID get half price; children under 1.2 meters enter free. - Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM; peak season (April to October) may extend to 6:00 PM. It’s recommended to arrive in the morning to avoid crowds. 3. In-Depth Experience: Must-Do Inside and Outside the Cave 1. Cave Exploration: Follow the Light and Shadows to Discover Wonders The cave is divided into three main halls—Yihong Hall, Zhihong Hall, and Xiehong Hall—and ten special caves. The highlight is "Yuwang Waterfall View"—stone curtains cascade like a waterfall, as if you can see Yu the Great controlling the floods; the "Crystal Curtain" is translucent and exquisite under the lights, and shooting with your phone’s night mode can yield cinematic-quality photos. Note that the floor is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and avoid touching stalactites or using flash photography to protect the formations. The full tour takes about 1 to 1.5 hours; bring a light jacket to stay warm. 2. Ways to Ascend the Mountain: Cable Car or Hiking - Cable Car Shortcut: About 10 minutes one way, offering panoramic views of Xizhou Mountain’s forest sea. Ideal for elderly, children, or those with limited stamina. The ride down offers a 360-degree panoramic view. - Hiking Challenge: About 1.5 kilometers from the foot to the cave entrance, with steep steps taking about 40 minutes. Enjoy mountain forest scenery along the way, but some sections are nearly vertical, so be prepared physically. 3. Nearby Attractions: Unlock More Surprises - Xizhou Mountain Hiking: Walk along mountain trails to experience the vast "forest sea like waves" and search for traces of Yu the Great mooring his boat. - Fudian Temple Visit: The ancient temple beside the cave is quiet and serene, complementing the natural wonders of the cave. It’s convenient to visit on the way. - Summit Viewing: Take the sightseeing bus to the Yuwang Pavilion viewing platform at the summit. On clear days, you can overlook the pastoral scenery of Xinfu District. The sunlight between 3 and 4 PM is perfect for capturing "glowing hair" portraits. 4. Food and Accommodation Tips: Local Hidden Gems 1. Must-Try Xinzhou Delicacies - Signature Staples: Dingxiang steamed pork is tender and fragrant, Youmian fish noodles are chewy and refreshing, and Xinzhou crispy tile cake is crunchy and sweet—local iconic foods. - Farmhouse Flavors: Near the scenic area, "Shanye Renjia" and other farmhouses are a must-try. Their stewed native chicken with mushrooms is incredibly delicious, and Xinzhou stewed vegetables are hearty. You can eat well for 30-40 yuan per person. 2. Where to Stay? - Xinzhou City: Recommended is the four-star Xinzhou Fan Hua Hotel, with complete facilities, convenient for next-day return or visiting other attractions. - Near the Scenic Area: Yuwang Cave Resort offers budget accommodations with windows overlooking the forest, perfect for visitors wanting to experience mountain tranquility. 5. Pitfall Avoidance and Tips 1. Dress Preparation: The cave is damp and cool; even in summer, bring a light jacket. Wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking or walking inside the cave to avoid slipping. 2. Energy Management: For elderly and children, it’s best to use the cable car plus sightseeing bus for the whole trip. Some iron ladders inside the cave are steep, so pay extra attention to safety. 3. Photography Tips: The cave is dimly lit; bring a tripod for stable shots and avoid flash. Use portrait mode at the underground river viewing platform to capture a soft-focus atmosphere. 4. Time Planning: Reserve one day; visit the cave in the morning, hike or visit ancient sites in the afternoon, avoiding the afternoon heat. From the magical landscapes of a hundred-million-year-old karst cave to the cultural imprints of millennia-old legends, from the refreshing mountain breeze to the rustic farmhouse cuisine, every corner of Yuwang Cave holds surprises. Whether for family trips, geological exploration, or niche check-ins, this place meets all your expectations for a short trip—after all, encountering the dual gifts of nature and history inside a cave is truly a rare experience.