Fengyu Cave (丰鱼岩), named after the abundance of oil-rich Feng fish found in its underground river, is renowned for the saying: “A ten-mile drift through an underground river, a cave passing through nine mountains, with wonders unmatched in the world.” The cave stretches through nine large mountains, with a total length of approximately 5.3 kilometers. Inside, small chambers lead to massive halls, with the largest spanning over 25,500 square meters, making it one of the most unique and extraordinary karst caves both in China and internationally. The cave’s grand chambers, deep underground river, and dense stalagmites combine to create the awe-inspiring spectacle of Fengyu Cave.
Travel Information about Fengyu Cave
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥45 (includes the Thousand Buddha Cave Gallery)
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
Fengyu Cave can be visited year-round, but summer is the best season. During summer, the abundant rainfall makes the underground river drifting experience more enjoyable, and the cool interior of the cave provides a refreshing escape from the heat.
How to Get There
Location: Longhuai Township, Lipu City, Guilin
Transportation: Take a bus from Guilin South Bus Station to Lipu, then transfer to a tourist shuttle to Fengyu Cave.
Scenic Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Relaxation: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★
- Uniqueness: ★★
Highlights of Fengyu Cave
Indoor Land Viewing Area
The indoor land viewing area of Fengyu Cave spans approximately 2.2 kilometers. Within this section, numerous stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone drapes create a stunning underground landscape. Notable attractions include the “Dinghai God Needle,” “Eternal Night City,” “Pagoda Kingdom,” and “Eight Directions of Splendor.” Each of these sights is magnificent and vibrant, offering a breathtaking display that captivates visitors at every turn.
In the cave hall, there is a remarkable stalagmite known as the “Dinghai Needle,” which stands 9.8 meters tall and has a diameter of only 14 centimeters. Its almost uniform size from top to bottom makes it exceptionally rare among stalagmites worldwide. This unique formation is considered a true wonder of nature and is one of the standout features of Fengyu Cave.
Underground River Drifting Viewing Area
The underground river drifting area of Fengyu Cave extends approximately 3.3 kilometers and is recognized as one of the most well-developed and fully utilized underground rivers in the world. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery, with the water temperature being just right. The river winds through a deep and secluded valley, featuring varying depths and towering banks. As you gaze upwards, the light plays with shadows, creating a mystical atmosphere that transports you back to ancient times.
Along the riverbanks, stunning stalactite formations resemble various animals and birds, coming to life in their intricate details. The mysterious journey of drifting through the underground river offers an exciting and captivating experience, filled with novelty and intrigue.
Countryside Scenery Outside the Cave
Fengyu Cave not only features unique karst landscapes inside but is also surrounded by stunning mountainous terrain and picturesque countryside outside. The scenic area is dotted with charming valleys and villages, with paths winding through lush fields where the sounds of chickens and dogs can be heard.
Visitors can enjoy local specialties such as the royal tribute, Lipu taro, as well as other renowned products like water chestnuts and citrus fruits, all set against a backdrop of beautiful pastoral scenery. This enchanting rural landscape has earned Fengyu Cave the title of “Poetic Home,” highlighting its serene and idyllic atmosphere.
Fengyu Cave VIP Building
The Fengyu Cave VIP Building serves as the on-site hotel within the scenic area, comprising three buildings: A, B, and C. The hotel offers over 200 various types of guest rooms. Notably, the C Building features a comprehensive set of facilities for leisure, entertainment, and wellness.
This building is home to the only cave hot spring spa in Asia, uniquely constructed within the natural terrain of the cave. It primarily focuses on sulfur hot spring baths, seamlessly integrating Fengyu Cave’s distinctive karst resources with the natural hot springs. With its beautiful surroundings and elegant ambiance, the spa is truly a standout feature of the area.
Hot Spring Experience: Outside the cave, there are separate hot spring pools for men and women, featuring various sizes. Guests can indulge in a range of therapeutic baths, including salty sea mineral mud baths, flower baths, vegetable and fruit baths, milk baths, wine baths, coffee baths, aromatherapy baths, and traditional Chinese medicine baths. Additionally, there are options for foot baths inspired by Yao culture, sauna massages, and beauty treatments.
Dining: The restaurant in the Fengyu Cave VIP Building can accommodate up to 600 diners at once. It specializes in local minority cuisine, featuring dishes such as Lipu Taro Banquet, Yao Family Farm Feast, and Yao-style Flavored Dishes. The meals are known for their vibrant colors, enticing aromas, delicious flavors, and exquisite presentation, reaching a high standard of culinary excellence.
What to Do at Fengyu Cave
Ethnic Cultural Performances
As night falls, a captivating Yao ethnic cultural performance takes place on Peach Blossom Island within the scenic area. Visitors can enjoy various traditional dances, including the Torch Welcoming Dance and the Long Drum Dance, along with exciting activities such as the tossing of embroidery balls, earth worship, and bride-carrying performances. Male guests may even have the chance to experience Yao customs firsthand by becoming a “son-in-law” for a night and participating in ancient marriage rituals. The most thrilling highlight is the “Dujie” ceremony, where young men demonstrate remarkable feats such as walking on knives, crossing fire pits, and stepping on red-hot ploughshares.
Ice Spring Swimming
The water temperature of the underground river consistently hovers around 24°C (75°F) throughout the year. Filtered and purified by nature, this water offers a refreshing and hygienic swimming experience. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the Fengyu Cave Ice Spring pool, providing a rare escape from the summer heat.
Massage Services
The scenic area also features various massage services, including oil massages and foot baths. These treatments promote blood circulation and metabolism, alleviate fatigue, improve sleep, and enhance overall wellness and beauty.