Caves near Shanghai: underground wonders of Eastern China

From karst labyrinths of Yixing to ancient quarries of Shaoxing — 7 best caves 1–3 hours from the metropolis. Nature, history and underground adventure.

Did you know? Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces are home to hundreds of karst and artificial caves. Yixing (宜兴) is called the "cave capital of China" — here lie three great caves: Shanjuan, Zhanggong and Linggu. In Shaoxing, ancient quarries have been turned into scenic parks. Most caves are accessible for independent trips: high‑speed trains from Shanghai get you there in 1–2 hours, and inside there are paths and lighting.

Best caves for a trip from Shanghai

Yixing (宜兴) — three great caves

Karst caves 2–2.5 h Easy

Yixing is the famous "ceramics capital" and cave capital. The main gems: Shanjuan Cave (善卷洞) — one of China's three greatest karst caves, where you can take a boat along an underground river; Zhanggong Cave (张公洞) — a labyrinth of 72 halls with unique stalactites; Linggu Cave (灵谷洞) — the largest in area, known for fantastic lighting.

Shanjuan CaveUnderground river, boat ride, huge halls, age 3 million years.
Zhanggong CaveLabyrinth of 72 halls, cool temperature, stairs, picturesque stalactites.
Linggu CaveLargest, ceilings up to 40 m, fairy‑tale lighting.
Bamboo seaNearby scenic bamboo forest for walks.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: High‑speed train from Shanghai to Yixing (2–2.5 h, 120–150 yuan), then taxi to the caves (30 min, ~80 yuan).
  • Entrance: Shanjuan — 130 yuan, Zhanggong — 110 yuan, combined ticket ~200–220 yuan.
  • Tip: It is cool inside (12–18°C), bring a light jacket. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Xianqiaodong (仙桥洞) — cave park with extreme activities

Karst + attractions 2 h Moderate

Xianqiaodong is a unique park near Hangzhou. The main attraction is a karst cave with the Tyndall effect (sun rays penetrating through natural openings). It also features extreme activities: zip‑line, rock climbing, high‑altitude swings. A combination of natural beauty and active recreation.

Tyndall effectFantastic light pillars inside the cave.
Zip‑line300 m flight over the gorge.
High‑altitude swingsAt a height of 100 m above the abyss.
Rock climbingFor active climbers.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: High‑speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou (1 h, 150 yuan), then taxi to the park (40 min, ~100 yuan).
  • Entrance: Park entry 80 yuan, attractions paid separately (zip‑line 120 yuan, swings 80 yuan).
  • Tip: Better to go on a weekday to avoid queues for the attractions.

Shaoxing: Keyan quarry and Donghu Lake

Ancient quarries 1.5 h Easy

Keyan (柯岩) — an ancient stone quarry where stone was mined for over 1500 years. Today you can see the giant "Cloud Peak" rock and Buddha statues carved directly into the walls. Donghu Lake (东湖) — a narrow man‑made gorge with sheer cliffs, caves and crystal‑clear water. By boat you can enter the grottoes where ancient stonemasons worked.

"Cloud Peak" rockGiant 30 m high stone cliff.
Buddha statuesCarved into the quarry walls.
Donghu LakeNarrow gorge with sheer cliffs, boat trip.
Rice wineTasting of famous Shaoxing wine.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: High‑speed train from Shanghai to Shaoxing (1.5 h, 120 yuan), then taxi to Keyan (20 min, ~40 yuan).
  • Entrance: Keyan complex — 80 yuan, Donghu Lake — 50 yuan (boat — 20 yuan).
  • Tip: Combine Keyan and Donghu in one day — they are 15 minutes apart by car.

Shepan Island (蛇蟠岛) — Island of a Thousand Caves

Artificial caves 3–4 h Moderate

Shepan Island in Zhejiang province boasts over 1,300 artificial stone caves carved over centuries. Some caves have been turned into museums, exhibition halls and even Buddhist temples. Labyrinths of passages, underground lakes, viewing platforms overlooking the sea.

"Treasure" grottoMuseum of stonemasonry with tools and models.
Cave templeAncient sanctuary carved into the rock.
Underground lakeBoat ride on an underground lake.
ViewpointPanorama of the island and East China Sea.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: High‑speed train from Shanghai to Ningbo (1.5 h, 150 yuan), then bus to Sanmen (2 h, 50 yuan) and ferry to the island (15 min, 20 yuan). Better to take a 2‑day tour.
  • Entrance: Island entry 100 yuan, additional museums from 30 yuan.
  • Tip: Stay overnight at a local hotel — there are several sea‑view hotels on the island.

Dafosi (大佛寺) — Great Buddha Temple in a cave

Buddhist complex 2.5 h Moderate

Dafosi — an ancient Buddhist complex in Xinchang County (Zhejiang), founded in the 6th century. The main treasure is Qianfoyan Grotto (千佛岩), where more than 1,000 Buddha images are carved into the rock. Also here is a 30‑meter Buddha statue, temples and the scenic Banyegu Canyon.

Qianfoyan GrottoA thousand Buddha images carved in the rock.
Main Buddha statue30 m high, over 1500 years old.
Prajna Valley (Banyegu)Mountain canyon with waterfalls.
Maosuo PeakViewing platform with panoramic view.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: High‑speed train from Shanghai to Shaoxing (1.5 h), then bus to Xinchang (1.5 h, 40 yuan) and taxi to the temple (20 min).
  • Entrance: Complex entry — 100 yuan.
  • Tip: Bring water and a light snack — the climb to Maosuo Peak takes about an hour.

Jiuji Shimentai — nine waterfalls and Taogong Cave

Waterfalls + cave 3 h Moderate

Jiuji Shimentai (九漈石门台) is a scenic area near Wenzhou where one river forms nine waterfalls, and the entrance to the canyon resembles giant stone gates. Nearby is Taogong Cave (陶公洞) — one of the largest Taoist caves in China, where, according to legend, the hermit Tao Hongjing lived. Perfect for hiking and contemplative leisure.

Nine waterfallsCascades of various heights, surrounded by greenery.
Stone gateNatural arch opening into the canyon.
Taogong CaveTaoist sanctuary carved into the rock.
Eco‑trailsRoutes of varying difficulty, suspension bridges.

Practical information:

  • How to get there: High‑speed train from Shanghai to Wenzhou (3 h, 200 yuan), then bus to Yongjia County (1 h, 30 yuan) and taxi to the entrance.
  • Entrance: Waterfall zone ticket — 80 yuan, Taogong Cave — 50 yuan.
  • Tip: Best to come in the rainy season (June–September), when the waterfalls are most powerful.

Frequently asked questions about caves near Shanghai

Which cave is the most impressive near Shanghai?

The most impressive are the Yixing caves, especially Shanjuan (善卷洞) with its underground river and boat ride. Also unique are the ancient quarries of Shaoxing (Keyan, Donghu), where stone was mined for 1500 years, now scenic parks with steep cliffs and lakes.

Is it difficult to move inside the caves?

Most caves are equipped with paths and lighting, but there are stairs and narrow passages. Comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. It is cool inside caves (12–18°C), so even in summer bring a light jacket.

How much are tickets to the Yixing caves?

Entrance to Shanjuan Cave is 130 yuan, Zhanggong Cave is 110 yuan. A combined ticket is 200–220 yuan. From Shanghai you can take a high‑speed train to Yixing (about 2 hours, 120–150 yuan), then a taxi (30–40 minutes, ~80 yuan).

Which caves can be visited in one day from Shanghai?

In one day you can easily visit the Yixing caves (morning departure, evening return), Xianqiaodong cave park near Hangzhou, or the ancient quarries of Shaoxing. Shepan Island and the Dafosi complex (Xinchang) are better left for 1.5–2 days due to greater distance and a fuller program.

Do I need warm clothing inside the caves?

Yes, even on a hot summer day the temperature inside caves stays at 12–18°C. A light jacket or long‑sleeved shirt is mandatory. Some caves (e.g., Shanjuan) have an underground river where humidity can be high.

🪨 Practical tips for cave trips from Shanghai in 2026

TransportHigh‑speed trains are the fastest way. Buy tickets in advance via Trip.com or WeChat. From the station to most caves you need a taxi (20–40 minutes).
SeasonalityCaves can be visited all year round, but best in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) when the surface weather is pleasant for walks. In summer the caves are cool – a great escape from the heat.
GearComfortable non‑slip shoes, light jacket, hat (on the surface), raincoat (weather is changeable). In some caves floors can be slippery.
FoodThere are cafes and restaurants on the cave grounds. In Yixing, try bamboo dishes; in Shaoxing, rice wine; on Shepan Island, fresh seafood.

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