Silver Cave (银子岩), located in a picturesque landscape, resembles a giant natural bonsai, surrounded by mountains and dotted with peach orchards that bloom throughout the year. This tranquil and poetic green sanctuary offers a peaceful escape where the scent of flowers and fruits lingers in the air.
Silver Cave is a prime example of karst topography, extending through 12 peaks. Inside, the cave features stalactites that have developed over different geological periods. These stalactites, resembling silver and diamonds, are crystal clear and flawless. Rich in calcite and quartz particles, they sparkle like silver when illuminated, which is why the cave is called “Silver Cave.”
Travel Information about Silver Cave
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥45
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
How to Get There
Location: East side of Ligu Road, Maling Town, Lipu City, Guilin
Transportation:
- You can take a direct shuttle bus to Silver Cave from Yangshuo.
- Alternatively, take a regular medium or large bus from Guilin Bus Station.
Scenic Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Relaxation: ★★★
- Cultural Significance: ★★
- Uniqueness: ★★
- Romance: ★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Silver Cave
Lipu Taro
Lipu’s most famous local specialty is Lipu Taro. Interestingly, there is also a “Lipu Taro” inside the Silver Cave. This impressive stalagmite is two meters tall and one meter thick, resembling the real taro in shape and earning the title of “King of Lipu Taro.” Unfortunately, while visitors can admire its appearance, they cannot taste its flavor.
Southern Ice City
The true beauty of Silver Cave begins with the area known as Southern Ice City. The rocks here are capped with a milky-white color, and among the various stalagmites of different heights, it feels as though snowflakes are swirling in the air. This scene resembles a snowy northern winter, immersing visitors in a magical world of ice, snow, and frost.
Huaqing Pool
In the lower level of the Silver Cave, there is a clear and tranquil pool that evokes the elegance of the famous Huaqing Pool, where one of China’s Four Great Beauties, Yang Guifei, is said to have bathed. Geologically, this feature is known as a “travertine dam,” formed by dissolved calcium bicarbonate in the water crystallizing on the surface. The formation of a travertine dam is a slow process, growing only 1-2 centimeters every 100 years.
The Three Treasures of Silver Cave
The first treasure of Silver Cave, “Buddha Preaching Scriptures,” is a naturally formed scene where Buddha Shakyamuni is depicted sitting cross-legged on a platform, preaching to his followers gathered below. The second treasure, “Heaven-Supporting Pillar,” is a grand stone pillar that rises 26 meters high, creating a breathtaking sight. The third treasure, “Primordial Pearl Umbrella,” has a unique shape. Unlike most stalagmites, which are larger at the base and smaller at the top, this one is larger in the middle and smaller at both ends, defying convention with its extraordinary form.
There is a touching legend associated with the “Primordial Pearl Umbrella.” It is said that this ancient and elegant umbrella once belonged to the North Heavenly King, one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism. The umbrella possessed magical powers to summon wind and rain, as well as to subdue demons and evil spirits.
The top of the umbrella has a small hole, which, according to legend, was caused by the Monkey King, Sun Wukong. Long ago, he was trapped inside the umbrella by the North Heavenly King, but he used his golden staff to pierce a hole and escape. To protect the umbrella from further damage, the Jade Emperor sent two invisible lions to guard it day and night.
The Three Wonders of Silver Cave
Silver Cave is renowned for its “Three Wonders,” with the first being the “Musical Stone Screen.” This feature is made up of numerous stone drapes, with each stone varying in depth and thickness. When lightly tapped, the stones produce different musical notes, creating a natural melody.
The second wonder is “Snow Mountain Waterfall.” The stalactites here are covered with calcite particles that sparkle like silver or diamonds, resembling a 20-meter-tall snow waterfall cascading from above. The scene is breathtaking and majestic.
The third wonder is “Fairyland of the Jade Pool,” a stunning spectacle formed by a row of 15-meter-high stone drapes. These delicate stone curtains hang between the cave’s ceiling and the shallow pool below, appearing as if made of silk. They reflect vibrant colors in the clear water, creating a magnificent and ethereal display.