(CRI online Photo) 

1. Shihua Cave

Cave explorers shouldn't miss Shihua Cave. Reputed as one of the four most famous caves in China, one has every reason to venture down into this typical limestone cave and find various types of geological attractions. Shihua Cave is famous as a natural, well-preserved and rare cave. The abundant geological resources make Shihua Cave valuable for geological research, scientific education and tourism.

Location: Nacheying Village, Hebei Township, Fangshan District

By Bus: 917 (From Tianqiao to Shihua Cave)

By Car: Beijing-Shijiazhuang Highway---Fangshan Exit---Yan Village---Yandong Road---Tuoli---Shihua Cave

(CRI online Photo) Temperature inside cave: 13℃

Tips: Since the cave is deep and dark, photography is not recommended due to safety concerns. There are no accommodations nearby except for Yinian Villa not far from Shihua Cave. November is the best time to visit Shihua Cave.

(CRI online Photo)

2. Yinhu Cave

Characterized by its karst landscapes and clear underground rivers, Yinhu, or the Silver Fox Cave, is a large cave group in North China and a natural wonder.

The astonishing stalactite, which resembles a silver fox with a cat's head, is one of the most valued treasures in the cave and a national treasure in China.

Compared to Shihua Cave, the sights at Yinhu Cave are more delicate and refined.

Dozens of rare underground sights include the bashful jade rabbit, crystal jade bamboo, Great Wall balefire, sitting image of a giant and more.

The meandering underground rivers are the distinctive feature of Yinhu Cave. The rivers are divided into two sections. The sound of a waterfall can be heard at the second section. Tourists can boat on the clear, winding waters.

The cave is believed to be about 6,000 meters long and is the largest of its kind in North China. Only half has been explored and opened to tourists.

Location: Xia Yingshui Village, Fuzi Township, Fangshan District

Temperature inside cave: 13 ℃

Admission: 43 yuan, or about 6.3 US dollars

Accommodations: walk out of the scenic spot and turn left to Shangyingshui Zhenwu Temple Scenic Area.

By Car: Beijing-Shijiazhuang Highway---Fangshan Exit---Dongzhuangzi—Fozi Town---Turn left

(CRI online Photo)

3. Jingdong Great Limestone Cave

Formed more than 15 billion years ago, the Jingdong Great Limestone Cave is dubbed as "the First Cave under the Sun." Walking around the ancient cave, one can appreciate endless wonders of stalagmites, stalactites, stone pipes and stone flowers. The attractions are spread all over the winding, irregularly shaped caves, making exploring the caves very exciting.

Location: east of Heidouyu Village, Pinggu District

Temperature inside cave: 18℃

Admission: 50 yuan, or about 7.3 US dollars

Tips: Be careful as the inside of the cave is damp and slippery. No photography is allowed in the cave.

Accommodations: Many restaurants surround the area, and one can also find accomodations at local farmhouses.

By Car: Beijing-Changpping Highway ---Pinggu Exit---Drive East---South Dule Town---Turn north to Heidouyu Village.

(CRI online Photo)

4. Yunshui Cave

Consisting of a long, narrow porch and seven parallel caves, Yunshui Cave is endowed with 108 natural scenic sites, the most famous being the 37-meter stone shoot, which is the biggest stone shoot in China.

Admission: 40 yuan, or about 5.85 US dollars

By Car: Beijing-Shijiazhuang Hihgway---Fangshan exit---West to Zhoukoudian

(CRI online Photo)

5. Xianqi Cave

Located in the southwestern district of Fangshan, the mysterious Xianqi Cave is about 100 kilometers from urban Beijing. The cave is a typical karst cave with large areas of karst formations. The karsts have infinite variety with amazing and vivid shapes. With a 450-meter-long waterway, the cave is only accessible by boat.

Admission: 45 yuan, or about 6.6 US dollars

By Car: Beijing-Shijiazhuang Highway---Fangshan exit---Turn West to Zhoukoudian--pass the Yunju Temple Road and Zhangbao Road.