Taozu Sacred Land, an expansion of the original Muli Cave, is a captivating destination featuring three main attractions: the stunning stalactites of Muli Cave, the lush bamboo forests that blanket the mountains, and the pottery making技艺 at Fan Li Kiln. Throughout the area, cultural landmarks inspired by the love legend of Fan Li and Xi Shi are prominently displayed.
During the summer months, the bamboo forests offer a welcome respite from the scorching sun, while the cave provides a cool and refreshing escape, making it an ideal spot to evade the heat. Located 28 kilometers southwest of Yixing city in Jintang Mountain, Taozu Sacred Land is conveniently situated just three stops away from Yixing Bamboo Sea. Although it may be overshadowed by the ‘Three Caves of Yixing’—Shanjuan Cave, Zhanggong Cave, and Linggu Cave—Taozu Sacred Land enjoys a more peaceful ambiance with fewer tourists.
The main entrance to the scenic area, which is styled to resemble an ancient city gate, also functions as the Fan Li Cultural Exhibition Hall. This hall offers a rich array of illustrated information about the life of Fan Li. After passing through Fan Li Square, where a statue of Fan Li stands, you will arrive at the exit of Muli Cave. Here, a pool of clear water is graced by a statue of Xi Shi. From the Waterfall Pavilion, visitors can admire the人工 waterfall cascading down the cave’s rock wall.
Muli Cave is the heart of the scenic area. While the exit is conveniently located at the main gate, accessing the entrance requires a climb up the mountain. The ascent is not overly challenging, and the journey is dotted with numerous small attractions that make the climb worthwhile. For those pressed for time, a brisk pace is advised. Following the mountain trail south leads to the triangular Fan Bamboo Pavilion, where the One Line Sky offers a fascinating experience. The Taihu stone forests here form narrow gaps, just wide enough for a single person to pass through.Embarking on a journey through the scenic spots, one first encounters the iconic Crane Tower, also known as the Westward Pavilion, and the impressive Yuan Bao Stone. These landmarks lead to the serene bamboo forest corridor, where wooden plank roads and suspension bridges guide visitors through a lush, verdant landscape. Here, one can marvel at the diversity of bamboo species, such as the Jin Xiang Yu Bamboo, Arhat Bamboo, and Purple Bamboo, which tower above, while the intricate Taihu stone forests unfold beneath.
For families with children, the ecological playground within the bamboo forest offers a delightful array of activities, including swings and slides, providing entertainment and a closer connection with nature.
Continuing the exploration, one ventures further south to the Thousand Turtle Longevity Pond, where a poignant sculpture of a large turtle carrying a small one stands as a symbol of longevity. Adjacent to the pond lies the Fan Li Kiln, offering a hands-on pottery experience. Visitors can use their tickets to receive a portion of pottery clay and create their own pottery using the provided molds.
To the east of the pond, the bun-shaped Fan Li Ancient Kiln and the God of Wealth Hall stand, though they are less remarkable compared to other attractions. However, the highlight lies in the Muli Cave, located to the north of the Thousand Turtle Longevity Pond. In contrast to the grandeur of Zhanggong Cave, Muli Cave offers a more intimate and winding experience due to its narrow passages. The cave tour, stretching approximately 900 meters including waterways, reveals an array of stalactite formations with captivating shapes. Some resemble the Welcoming Guests Pine, others the Spirit-Valuing Immortal Grass, and still others, a peacock in full display. The cave also features landscapes named after the legends of Fan Li and Xi Shi, such as the Beauty Bridge, Xi Shi Well, and Husband-Watching Bridge, adding a layer of historical and cultural significance to the visit.Remember to look up, as there are many stalactites in the shape of water droplets about to fall, which are lifelike. Near the cave exit, there is a waterway about 150 meters long, where one can either take a boat ride or walk out of the cave.
The entire text is open all year round from 08:00 to 17:00.
Preferential policies for children: Children who are 1.4 meters (inclusive) or younger than 6 years old (inclusive) enter for free; children taller than 1.4 meters (exclusive) and up to 1.5 meters (inclusive) or younger than 18 years old (inclusive) (with valid identification) can enjoy a 50% discount on the ticket price.
Concessions for the elderly: Elderly people who are 70 years old (inclusive) or older (with valid identification) enter for free; elderly people who are 60 years old (inclusive) to 69 years old (exclusive) (with valid identification) can enjoy a 50% discount on the ticket price.
Student concessions: With a student ID, enjoy a discounted ticket.
Active duty military: Active duty military personnel (with valid identification) enter for free.
Residents: With a Suzhou Leisure Card, Wuxi Hui Ming Leisure Annual Card, or Changzhou Hui Ming Leisure Tourism Annual Card, free entry to the park (only for the main entrance ticket of the scenic area, not including the projects inside).
Additional notes: Free entry is only for the main entrance ticket of the scenic area and does not include the projects inside. This information is for reference only, and the specific details should be based on the scenic area’s disclosure.Service Facilities:
Parking Lot:
– Name: Taozu Sacred Land North Gate Parking Lot
– Reference Price: ¥10 per time
– Address: Zhuhai Village, Hufu Town, Yixing City
– Capacity: 500 spaces
Park Transportation:
– Reference Price: 30 yuan per person
– Address: The dock at the entrance to the cave
