Linwu Cave is located on the east side of Xishan Island, a large island in Taihu Lake. It is hailed as the ‘Ninth Celestial Cave’ by Taoism. It is said to be the first stop of Xu Xiake’s travels. What is seen inside the cave are Taihu stones instead of stalactites that are commonly found in general karst caves. Outside the cave is a plum blossom garden. The main venue of the Taihu Plum Blossom Festival from February to March is here.
Large expanses of plum blossoms attract countless tourists. There are also many tourists on holidays such as National Day. The Taihu Bridge connecting Xishan and the mainland will be congested by private cars. If possible, choose to go on weekdays. Most buses will stop at Plum Blossom Garden, Baoshan Temple, and Linwu Cave. The distances between these three stops are very close. It is recommended to get off at Linwu Cave. If you come during the plum blossom festival, when the bus passes by and you see the plum blossoms protruding outside the wall, it already makes people feel a longing for closeness. Entering the south side’s yellow temple-like main entrance of the scenic area, several plum blossoms at the entrance emit a refreshing fragrance. Take advantage of the early time and head straight to Linwu Cave. Otherwise, when large tourist groups arrive, the cave will be so crowded that it will be difficult to move even an inch. There are some cliff carvings at the entrance of Linwu Cave. The cave is warm in winter and cool in summer. There are a total of six interconnected cave halls. The entrance is the Rain Cave, and from time to time water droplets drip from the top. Then comes the relatively large Gefan Cave. The Taihu stones growing on the ground form a maze. In many places, only one person can pass through. You need to pay attention to the red arrows on the stones to find the way. Along the way, you can see pictographic stones such as stone beds, stone tables and chairs, and the Ziyin Spring which is said to be connected to Taihu Lake. Crossing a few stones on the water, you will arrive at the Cave of the Queen Mother’s Other Palace, where there are some water features to see. Then you reach the Jinlong Cave. There are many stone flowers and stone pillars in a crack in the cave roof. The overall shape is like a dragon. The Jinlong used in the Taoist Dragon Offering Ceremony was unearthed in this cave. The real object can be seen in the Suzhou Museum. Passing through Cave Bing along the 180-degree turning road, and finally arriving at Yanggu Cave, which is a relatively spacious ‘hall’. The road out of Linwu Cave is narrow and the cave roof is very low. Be careful not to bump your head. There are some stone flowers on the cave roof to see. After coming out of the cave and encountering a fork in the road, the road pointing to Daoyin Garden will take you back to the entrance of Linwu Cave. A small patch of cliff carvings next to the sign is ‘Daoyin Garden’. Take the road pointing to Jiafu Pavilion on the mountaintop. It takes about 20 minutes to climb to the mountaintop. There are plum blossoms planted on both sides of the mountain path. Jiafu Pavilion (Sanqing Pavilion) enshrines Taoist immortals. The big bell in the middle of the third floor on the upper level can be struck for free. The outer corridor is a good viewing spot where you can overlook Taihu Lake and look down at the sea of plum blossoms in the plum blossom garden like a light gauze and mist covering the foot of the mountain. It is very spectacular. The Biluo Pavilion on the east side of Jiafu Pavilion can also be used for viewing. Returning to the entrance of Linwu Cave, walking north past the Taisui Hall, you will reach the Plum Blossom Garden (Linwu Plum Blossom Sea). There are many plum blossoms in the plum blossom garden. Red plum blossoms, white plum blossoms, and green plum blossoms are all in full bloom, which is suitable for taking pictures. If you don’t come during the plum blossom festival, just visiting Linwu Cave and Jiafu Pavilion is enough. The plum blossom garden is just like a park with good greenery where you can take a stroll.Operating Hours: The site is open all year round from 08:00 to 16:30.
Preferential Policies:
Children: Free admission for children aged 6 (inclusive) or below, or with a height of 1.4 meters (inclusive) or below; half-price for those aged 6 (exclusive) to 18 (inclusive).
Elderly: Free admission for those aged 70 (inclusive) or above; half-price for those aged 60 (inclusive) to 70 (exclusive).
