Furong Cave
Furong Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of China’s largest and most spectacular karst caves, renowned for its otherworldly limestone formations, subterranean rivers, and ancient geological history. Spanning 3.7 kilometers with a vertical depth of 242 meters, the cave features over 300,000 calcite deposits shaped into delicate curtains, towering pagodas, and shimmering “coral forests.” Discovered in 1993, it has since become a flagship attraction of the Wulong Karst landscape, offering a mesmerizing journey through Earth’s underground wonders.
Historical Overview
The cave formed over 1.2 million years ago through the dissolution of ancient limestone by underground rivers. Local Tujia people revered it as the “Palace of the Underworld,” but systematic exploration began only in 1994. Key milestones include the 2001 discovery of a 200,000-year-old animal fossil bed, the 2007 UNESCO inscription alongside the Wulong Three Natural Bridges, and the 2019 installation of China’s first cave-based laser light show.
Structural Layout
The cave is divided into three sections:Golden Hall: A 12,000-square-meter chamber featuring the “Coral Kingdom” and the 30-meter-tall “Stone Flower Pillar.”
Dragon Palace: Home to the “Jade Emperor’s Throne” and the “Dragon’s Blood River” with its crimson-hued water.
Heavenly Palace: The deepest section, housing the “Snowy Mountain” and the “Mirror Pool” reflecting 10,000 stalactites.
Key formations include the “Life Genesis” fossil wall and the “Kings’ Assembly” cluster of 54 stone pillars.
Major Attractions
Stone Flower Pillar: A 30-meter-tall column of intertwined calcite crystals, dubbed the “Cave Pearl.”
Coral Kingdom: A 2,000-square-meter field of aragonite clusters resembling underwater coral.
Jade Emperor’s Throne: A 15-meter-wide selenite formation emitting a silvery glow.
Dragon’s Blood River: A 500-meter-long underground stream colored red by iron oxide.
Life Genesis Wall: A fossil-rich layer documenting 200,000 years of prehistoric life.
Mirror Pool: A still underground lake reflecting 10,000 stalactites like a celestial map.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1.5 hrs): Entrance → Golden Hall → Dragon Palace → Mirror Pool.
Extended Route (3 hrs): Life Genesis Wall → Coral Kingdom → Jade Emperor’s Throne → Heavenly Palace.
Adventure Tour (4.5 hrs): Combine routes 1–2 with a 3 PM guided kayak trip on Dragon’s Blood River.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via official site (furongcave.com) or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Purchase at the Visitor Center (queues peak 10–11:30 AM).
- Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥150 (adults), ¥75 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥90 (adults), ¥45 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.
Transportation
Bus: Chongqing Longtousi Station → Wulong Bus Terminal (2.5 hrs, ¥60) → Shuttle Bus to cave (¥20).
Taxi: Direct from Chongqing to Visitor Center (3 hrs, ¥500–¥700; negotiate fare upfront).
Self-Drive: G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway → Wulong Exit (3 hrs; parking ¥20/day).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Monday–Thursday (weekends host 60% more tourists).
Weather: Summer (June–August) for cool cave temperatures; winter (December–February) for fewer crowds.
- Essentials:
Wear non-slip shoes (wet floors in some areas).
Bring a light jacket (15°C year-round inside).
Photography allowed (flash prohibited to protect formations).
Prohibited: Touching formations, smoking, and unauthorized cave exploration.
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