Yao Lin Wonderland, also known as Yao Lin Cave, is a renowned cave located in Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province. It is approximately 80 kilometers from Hangzhou and about 23 kilometers from Tonglu County. This cave is famous for its stalactites and has a total depth of 1 kilometer. The interior is adorned with variously shaped stalagmites and stalactites that look especially beautiful under the illumination of colorful lights.
The cave is divided into three halls, each with its own notable sights. Among them are the ‘Galactic Waterfall’, ‘Heaven-Pillar Jade Column’, ‘Thirty-Three Heavens’, and ‘Yao Lin Jade Peak’. Visitors can also see many rocks shaped like animals, such as ‘elephants’, ‘lions’, and ‘frogs’. The best season to visit Yao Lin Wonderland is summer. While the temperature outside may reach 35 degrees Celsius, inside it is a comfortable 18-20 degrees Celsius. It is recommended for children and the elderly to bring a light jacket when visiting.
From the parking lot to the cave entrance, there is a walk involved. The cave is not very large, but due to its winding paths, it is easy to get lost. Therefore, guides lead visitors in groups. Accompanying the sound of flowing underground water, the first cave hall is reached. On the left at the entrance, there is a rock resembling a lion with a mane, and on the right, a group of rocks that look like a herd of elephants with long trunks, welcoming visitors from afar.
In the center of the cave hall stands the ‘Galactic Waterfall’, a large rock that is 7 meters high and more than ten meters wide. It resembles a waterfall and is very spectacular.The stone waterfall has a water autumn stone pillar that has been formed over several decades. Standing 7 meters tall, it is very elegant and upright. Additionally, there is a ‘Lingzhi Fairy Mountain’, with a delicate stone frog inside the mountain. Opposite it, a stone lion lies on the ground. One lion and one frog guard the Lingzhi fairy grass together.
The second cave hall features the ‘Heaven-Pillar Jade Column’ standing on the cliff at the end. It is a tall stone pillar, towering and reaching the sky. Approximately 14 meters high with a diameter of around 4 meters, it exudes a strong presence. There is also a ‘Hall of Lions’ with more than 50 formations resembling lions. They are either squatting, leaping, or shaking their manes and roaring, playing with each other in various postures.
The third cave hall has the ‘Thirty-Three Heavens’, with stalagmites scattered all over and stacked layer upon layer. Some compare it to the grand murals of the Tang Dynasty in Dunhuang. Near the end of the cave hall is a stalagmite weighing a thousand kilograms called ‘Yao Lin Jade Peak’. This stalagmite resembles a goddess dressed in white silk, holding flowers in her hands and standing gracefully. It is considered the treasure of Yao Lin Wonderland and known as the symbol of the scenic spot.
The entire cave tour takes about an hour. There is a new rafting activity inside the cave, but it is a bit expensive and the duration is short. There are two photography spots within the scenic area, and staff will help with taking photos.
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**Scenic Spot Opening Hours:**
– From January 1st to September 30th: 08:30 to 16:00
– From October 7th to December 31st: 08:30 to 16:00
– Special Hours for October 1st to October 6th: 08:30 to 20:00
**Preferential Policies:**
– **Children:** Free for those under 1.2 meters (not included); discounted tickets for those between 1.2 meters (included) and 1.5 meters (not included).
– **Elderly:** Discounted tickets for those aged 60 (included) to 69 (included); free for those aged 70 (included) and above with valid identification.
– **Disabled:** Free with a disability certificate.
– **Students:** Discounted tickets for full-time undergraduate and below students with valid identification.
**Service Facilities:**
– **Parking Lot:** Yao Lin Wonderland Parking Lot, reference price: ¥10 per time. Located within Yao Lin Wonderland, Taoyuan Village, Yao Lin Town, Tonglu County, Hangzhou City, with a capacity of 1200 spaces.
– **Restrooms:** Multiple restrooms are available within the scenic area, with prominent signs near the ticket hall and the scenic area entrance.
If you like the souvenirs, you can purchase one for 15 yuan at the exit.
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