Lingyan Cave, a gem on Wuyuan’s northern scenic line, is a complex of 36 karst caves. Currently, visitors have access to the Hanxu Cave and the Lianhua Cave. These caves offer a glimpse into the wonders of stalagmites and stone forests, sculpted by water over limestone, as well as the opportunity to admire inscriptions left by historical figures such as Yue Fei and Zong Ze. The surrounding ancient villages and notable ancient trees are also attractions worth exploring.
The Hanxu Cave is a multi-level marvel, divided into seven distinct levels. The journey begins at the entrance, situated on the sixth level. Visitors descend through each level, culminating in a visit to the underground river at the cave’s base before exiting via raft. A standout feature on the fifth level is the ‘Bodhi ancient tree’, a natural formation resembling a bodhi tree that requires many to embrace it. This tree is also the central pillar supporting the entire Hanxu Cave. Nearby, ‘Zong Ze’s Inscription’ marks the spot where Zong Ze, the mentor of Yue Fei, inscribed his words during a visit to Lingyan Cave, adding to the cave’s distinguished features.
Between the fourth and fifth levels, one encounters a dramatic scene of a ‘collapsing sky and collapsing earth’. The area is characterized by steep rock walls and fallen boulders, suggesting a geological event that shaped the landscape. This spectacle is a highlight of the cave’s interior. As one ventures further down, the scenery becomes increasingly intricate. The ‘Golden Mountain and Silver Mountain’, for instance, features the same pool of water displaying two distinct colors—gold and silver.The glittering mineral deposits in the water and the alluring name of ‘Golden Mountain and Silver Mountain’ are truly impressive. The open and cascading ‘Immortal Field’ resembles a naturally formed terraced field. In one area, water droplets are deposited in circles to form petal-like shapes, resembling a giant ‘peony’ blooming in the field. This is arguably the most beautiful stone landscape within the cave. On the cave ceiling wall ahead, lotus-shaped stalagmites grow. Not only are they beautiful in shape, but such stalagmites growing upside down are very rare. You can make your way down to the underground river on the lower level and exit the cave by taking a small raft. Boating on the river allows you to slowly appreciate the surrounding rock walls, as if experiencing an adventure.
After exiting the Hanxu Cave, you need to climb a section of the mountain to reach the Lianhua Cave. Due to its relative distance and somewhat repetitive scenery compared to the Hanxu Cave, there are fewer tourists here. The famous landscape inside is ‘Laojun Making Pills’. At the entrance of Shicheng Village, located at the foot of the scenic area, there is an ancient forest. Ancient maples, ginkgo trees, torreya trees, yew trees, nanmu trees, and locust trees can be found here, with some trees being thousands of years old. You can visit the ancient village and see these ancient trees. There are also small shops around to cater to your food and accommodation needs.
The caves are open all year round from 07:30 to 17:00.**Preferential Policies:**
**Children:**
– Free for children under 1.2 meters in height (excluding 1.2 meters).
– Preferential rates for children between 1.2 meters (including) and 1.5 meters (excluding) in height.
**Elderly:**
– Free for individuals over 65 years old (including 65) with valid certificates.
– Preferential rates for those between 60 years old (including) and 65 years old (excluding) with valid certificates.
**Students:**
– Preferential rates for full-time undergraduates and below with student ID cards.
**Disabled People:**
– Free for individuals with valid certificates.
**Active Servicemen:**
– Free for those with valid certificates.
**Tour Guides:**
– Free for those holding the tour leader certificate, Wuyuan County tour guide certificate (interpretation certificate), and national tour guide valid IC card certificate (national tour guide certificate) for official business.
**Travel Agency General Manager Qualification Certificate:**
– Issued by the state, required for travel agencies.
**Journalists:**
– Free for those holding press cards issued by provincial-level or above press and publication administrations or radio and television administrations.
**Drivers:**
– Free for those holding Class A1 driver’s licenses for transporting passengers (official business).
**Artists:**
– Free for those with painter or photographer certificates at or above the provincial level.
**Service Facilities:**
**Parking Lot:**
– Name: Lingyan Cave Scenic Area Parking Lot
– Reference Price: Charged
– Address: In front of the ticket office of Lingyan Cave Scenic Area
– Parking Spaces: 75
