Penglai Falling to the Human World

Chizhou Penglai Fairy Cave Travel Guide: A Magical Journey Exploring the Underground Wonderland 1. Introduction to Penglai Fairy Cave Penglai Fairy Cave is located in Renli Town, Shitai County, Chizhou City, Anhui Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, known as the "Number One Cave in East China." This karst cave, formed about 500 million years ago, stretches over 3,000 meters and consists of four layers: the Sky Cave, Middle Cave, Earth Cave, and Underground River. The stalactites inside take on countless shapes, illuminated by lights to resemble a fairyland. The famous poet Li Bai once left the verse "Wonderful existence divides into two energies, the spiritual mountain opens Jiuhua" here. 2. Best Time to Visit Suitable all year round: The cave maintains a constant temperature of about 18°C, warm in winter and cool in summer. Highly recommended: Rainy season (May to September) when the underground river is full, making the scenery more spectacular. Avoid peak times: Holidays tend to be crowded; visiting on weekdays is advised. 3. Transportation Guide Arriving at Shitai County By car: From Hefei: G3 Jing-Tai Expressway → Lingyang Exit → S221 Provincial Road → Shitai County (about 3 hours) From Chizhou: G50 Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway → Yinhui Exit → S221 Provincial Road → Shitai County (about 1.5 hours) By public transport: Take a bus from Chizhou Bus Station to Shitai County (about 2 hours) Direct buses from Hefei Tourist Bus Station to Shitai (about 4 hours) To the scenic area: Scenic area shuttle: Direct tourist shuttle from Shitai County Bus Station to Penglai Fairy Cave (about 20 minutes) Taxi: About 15 minutes from the county town to the scenic area, costing around 30 yuan. 4. Must-See Attractions Inside the Cave 1. "Penglai Four Wonders" - Landscape Wall Paintings: Naturally formed giant stone curtains resembling ink wash landscapes - Thousand Buddha Mountain: Dense clusters of stalagmites resembling thousands of Buddha statues - Heavenly Silk: Rare silk-like stalactites, crystal clear - Gauze Curtain: Semi-transparent stone curtains as thin as cicada wings 2. Featured Scenic Areas - Yaochi Wonderland: Stalactites reflected in the water look like heavenly palaces - East Sea Dragon Palace: Giant stone pillars resembling the stabilizing sea needle - Milky Way Corridor: Ceiling covered with sparkling calcite crystals - South Sea Tide Sound: The sound of the underground river flows like tidal waves 3. Underground River Adventure A 500-meter-long underground dark river (optional boat ride available for an additional fee) 5. Suggested Tour Routes Regular Route (about 2 hours): Entrance → Reception Hall → Yaochi → East Sea Dragon Palace → Milky Way Corridor → South Sea Tide Sound → Exit Deep Tour (about 3.5 hours): Includes underground river boat ride → Sky Cave exploration → Geological wonders area Photography Route: Focus stops at Landscape Wall Paintings, Thousand Buddha Mountain, Gauze Curtain, and other photo spots 6. Special Experiences - Geological Study: Observe the formation of stalactites and learn about karst landforms - Dark River Boating: Explore the underground river by small boat (subject to water level) - Cave Photography: Magical stalactite scenes under professional lighting - VR Experience: 4D simulation of cave formation at the scenic area entrance - Night Tour of the Fairy Cave: Summer special light show night tours on selected dates 7. Nearby Food Recommendations Farmhouse Dining Outside the Cave - Fairy Cave Free-Range Chicken Pot: Free-range chicken stewed with mountain delicacies - Qiupu River Fish: Wild river fish fried or braised - Shitai Selenium-rich Tofu: Soft tofu made with selenium-rich spring water - Mountain Bamboo Shoot and Cured Meat: Seasonal spring delicacy Recommended Restaurants - Fairy Cave Family: At the scenic area entrance with a great view from the platform - Renli Ancient Town Restaurant: 10 minutes by car, authentic Huizhou cuisine - Shitai Food Street: A collection of local snacks in the county town 8. Accommodation Suggestions High-end Options - Shitai International Hotel (county town, four-star) - Penglai Resort (near the scenic area, standalone villas) Unique Homestays - Fairy Cave Mountain Residence: Cave-style design, 5-minute walk to the scenic area - Qiupu Fishing Village: Riverside wooden houses with fishing experience Budget-friendly - Renli Inn: Ancient town style, great value - Shitai Youth Hostel: Backpacker favorite 9. Practical Tips - Dress: The cave is slippery; wear non-slip shoes; bring a light jacket in summer - Photography: Tripods allowed; flash photography prohibited - Special groups: Some sections are steep; elderly and children should be accompanied - Ticket Information: Adult ticket: 80 yuan (includes audio guide) Discount ticket: 40 yuan (students/seniors) Underground river boat ticket: 30 yuan per person (optional) Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) Guide Service: Renting an electronic guide (included in ticket) or hiring a guide (100 yuan per group) is recommended 10. Nearby Joint Tour Recommendations - Zuishan (15 km away): Mist-covered "Little Huangshan of Southern Anhui" - Guniujiang (30 km away): Pristine ecological nature reserve - Qiupu River (8 km away): The poetic river described by Li Bai - Xianyu Mountain (40 km away): Ancient Huizhou road and selenium-rich tea gardens Penglai Fairy Cave, this underground palace of art, showcases the wonders of nature’s craftsmanship vividly. Whether for family trips, romantic dates, or study tours, unforgettable experiences await here. Explore a 500-million-year geological marvel and feel the magic of "a day in the cave equals a thousand years in the world"—come and start your adventure!