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Taiji Cave

太极洞

Plan Taiji Cave with dry and water cave routes, underground river boat rides, opening hours, parking and walking options.

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Plan at a glance

The dry and water caves share one entrance

Taiji Cave is in Xinhang Town, Guangde, Xuancheng, with the visitor centre serving as the usual entrance. The scenic area has a dry cave and a water cave. Visitors normally explore the dry cave first, then return near the entrance to enter the water cave; the water-cave boat, exit lift and downhill cableway are charged separately.

Under the current arrangement, admission to the scenic area is free through the end of 2026. The water-cave boat costs about CNY 30 per person, and visitors entering the water-cave route generally need to buy a boat ticket. The Hongyun Lift and downhill cableway each cost about CNY 30; both can be skipped in favour of walking. Reservations are usually not required. The scenic area is generally open from about 08:00 to 16:30, and entry before 15:30 is recommended.

A 1–1.5-hour short visit or a 2–3-hour full route

If you are short on time or want a lighter visit, you can explore only the dry cave, which takes about 1–1.5 hours. The full route covers the dry cave, water cave, back cave, exit and descent, and takes about 2–3 hours. Expect wet floors, narrow sections and repeated steps inside the cave; strollers are not suitable.

Tickets and visit details

View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.

View Visit Optionsvia Trip.com

Choose your visit

Dry cave: stalactites and cave chambers

The dry cave's main sights include the Changle Palace and Eight-Scenery Palace chambers, as well as stalactite formations such as “Taishang Laojun”. The cave chambers, stalagmites and stone columns are interesting to observe and photograph. Follow the cave's rules when using cameras and other equipment.

This option suits visitors with limited time, an interest in cave formations or a preference not to take a boat. The dry cave still has steps and wet floors, so shoes with good grip are more suitable than ordinary casual shoes.

Water cave and back cave: an underground river and continued walking

The water cave requires a boat ticket. The boat travels through about 750 m of underground river, after which you continue on foot to the Jade Emperor Palace, Wanxiang Palace and “Huangshan in the Cave”. The water-cave boat, the walk through the back cave and the steps to the exit are the main parts of the full route.

This option suits visitors who want to see more of Taiji Cave and are comfortable walking inside the cave for 2–3 hours. Some sections are narrow and stuffy, and there are no toilets anywhere inside, so use the toilet and have some water before entering.

Build your day

Short route: dry cave and return

Enter through the visitor centre and visit Changle Palace, Eight-Scenery Palace and the main stalactite formations before retracing your steps. The route takes about 1–1.5 hours and does not include the water cave or back cave.

This short route still includes steps and wet floors. Wear shoes with good grip and slow down on slippery sections. Follow the cave's photography rules and do not stop in narrow passages.

Full route: dry cave, water cave, back cave, exit and descent

Start with the dry cave, then return near the entrance to buy a water-cave boat ticket. The boat travels through about 750 m of underground river; after landing, walk through the Jade Emperor Palace, Wanxiang Palace and “Huangshan in the Cave”, then exit from the top of the hill.

After exiting, you can walk downhill for about 30–40 minutes or buy a downhill cableway ticket for about CNY 30. The exit lift costs about CNY 30; whether it is available depends on the day's arrangements, and you can choose to walk based on your own stamina. If you enter the water cave, the boat ticket is generally required.

Get there

Drive to the Taiji Cave visitor centre

Navigate to the Taiji Cave visitor-centre car park. Parking costs about CNY 10 per visit. Spaces may be limited during holidays, so follow the on-site directions at the car park and visitor centre.

From Guangde South Railway Station

From Guangde South Railway Station, take Bus 10 or a taxi to Taiji Cave; the journey takes about 25 minutes. If you are not driving, confirm the outward trip, return trip and last available service, and include the transfer time in your day's plan.

Know before you go

The boat, lift and cableway may cost extra

Admission, the water-cave boat, the exit lift and the downhill cableway cover different parts of the visit. The water-cave boat costs about CNY 30 per person, while the lift and cableway cost about CNY 30 each. Check what is included and what is operating that day before buying.

Wet floors, steps and heat

The cave floor can be slippery, and some sections are narrow with steps up and down. Strollers are not suitable. There are no toilets inside, and air circulation is limited in places, so have water and use the toilet before entering.

Queues and photography

The water-cave boat may involve a long wait during holidays, which can affect the full route. Follow the cave's photography rules, avoid lighting equipment that disturbs other visitors, and do not stop in boat passages, on steps or in narrow sections.

More Xuancheng Attractions
01Cultural Stop

Peach Blossom Pool

桃花潭

All Ages

Admission

West bank usually has no admission charge; east-bank tickets are about CNY 60–80 and some may include a return boat. Check the travel-date inclusions.

Typical Visit

About 1–1.5 hours for the short west-bank route; 2–3 hours for the full west-bank walk.

02Built Heritage

Chaji Ancient Village

查济古村

All Ages

Admission

Peak-season tickets are about CNY 65 from March 1 to November 30; low-season tickets are about CNY 55 from December 1 to the end of February.

Typical Visit

About 1.5–2 hours for the short route; 3–4 hours for the full village walk.

03Cultural Stop

Jingting Mountain

敬亭山

All Ages

Admission

Peak-season tickets are about CNY 50; low-season tickets are about CNY 30. A one-way sightseeing bus ride is about CNY 10.

Typical Visit

About 1.5–2 hours for the easy route; 3–4 hours for the cultural and mountain route.

04Built Heritage

China Xuan Paper Culture Park

中国宣纸文化园

All Ages

Admission

The adult ticket is about CNY 60. Students and visitors aged 60 or above may receive discounts; temporary free-entry periods can change.

Typical Visit

About 1.5–2 hours for the A–D route; 3–4 hours with a hands-on activity and more time at the drying yard.

05Historic Walk

Longchuan Scenic Area

龙川景区

All Ages

Admission

Standard tickets are about CNY 75; online prices may be lower. Check travel-date arrangements for indoor sites and temporary changes.

Typical Visit

About 1–1.5 hours for the short route; 2–3 hours for the full route.

06City Guide

Huihang Ancient Trail

徽杭古道

Adults Focused

Admission

About CNY 62 at the Anhui entrance and CNY 58 at the Zhejiang entrance; check travel-date arrangements.

Typical Visit

About 3–4 hours for Jiangnan First Pass out-and-back; 5–8 hours for the full trail.