100 Meters Beneath Beijing: A Hidden Wonderland

Hidden near Beijing, the Silver Fox Cave ⛰️ is an amazing hiking spot that will blow your mind and redefine your perception of Beijing! I. Reasons to Visit—Each One Compelling ✔️Convenient and Close: Located in Fangshan, it's an easy 1-hour drive from downtown. The mountain path is incredibly smooth, so no worries about a bumpy ride. Even with just half a day free, a round trip is totally doable. It's a perfect choice for a weekend family outing or a get-together with friends! ✔️Exceptional Cave: The Silver Fox Cave triumphantly returned on March 1, 2025, and is once again open to the public! It's the only accessible natural scenic cave in North China that combines both dry and water-filled sections. Missing this rare gem would be a huge loss. ✔️Top Choice for Family Adventures: Calling all families with kids! The underground river here is like a portal to a magical world. Bring your kids on a cave exploring adventure to experience the mysterious power of nature. Instantly elevate your weekend family time and add a touch of wonder to your children's childhood. ✔️Awe-Inspiring Wonders: The cave's scenery is beyond imagination! Stone pagodas, pillars, flowers, and stalagmites in countless forms create a fairyland atmosphere. And here's the highlight: hanging from the cave ceiling is a nearly 2-meter-long "Silver Fox," naturally sculpted from snow-white calcite crystals. With a face like a snow leopard, exuding power, and a body like a silver fox, flowing and agile, its beauty and craftsmanship are unparalleled. It's a national treasure of China, and seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring. ✔️Underground River Fun: The cave features a 1,000-meter-long underground river with crystal-clear water that feels cool to the touch. Imagine drifting along in a boat, surrounded by the mysterious cave landscape, as if you've entered an underground world from a fantasy novel. It's thrilling and novel, no wonder it's called the "Underground Labyrinth of North China." II. Your Guide to a Smooth Trip 1. Navigation Made Easy: Drivers can simply navigate to "Silver Fox Cave." Parking is super convenient and costs only 15 yuan per day—what a bargain! 2. Ticket Tips: Regular tickets are 65 yuan, but if you have a Beijing Scenic Spot Annual Pass, entry is free! What a steal! 3. Opening Hours: The cave opens at 9am and ticket sales stop at 4pm. Plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. III. A Step-by-Step Guide to the Wonders From the ticket gate, the journey is like opening a treasure chest. First, you'll encounter stone grapes that resemble bunches of purple grapes—utterly charming. Next, the "Treasure Elephant Carrying a Mountain" comes into view, as if a myth has come to life. Further on, the "Jade Treasure Lamp" emits a mysterious glow. And here's the highlight: you'll reach the dock and embark on an underground river cruise. Crystal jade bamboos sway gracefully alongside, creating a dreamlike scene. Look up to marvel at the hanging Silver Fox and the Jade Rabbit resting beside it, its body crystal clear. Every detail is a stroke of genius from nature. Finally, you'll pass through a long mine shaft, experiencing the intersection of history and geology, and arrive at the exit. The entire round trip is only 1.5 km. A leisurely visit combined with a relaxing boat ride takes about 2 hours, providing ample content for your social media feeds for a whole year. IV. Must-See Highlights 1. Cave Boating: As your boat glides into the narrow cave, clear river water flows beneath, and bizarre stalactites hang overhead, the mysterious atmosphere is palpable. You'll feel like you're on the verge of discovering hidden treasures. 2. The Silver Fox and Jade Rabbit: The moment you see them, you can only marvel at the wonders of nature. How could such exquisite works of art be sculpted, glittering with gold and silver, with shimmering, fur-like silver spines? You won't be able to stop taking photos. 3. Mine Shaft Exploration: Entering the half-kilometer-long underground mine shaft, the darkness and depth seem endless, and a sense of pressure descends. Those who are easily scared might want to hold onto a companion, but the thrill of venturing into the unknown is exhilarating. V. Helpful Tips for a Better Experience 1. A guide will lead groups from the ticket gate. Following the professional commentary adds depth and knowledge to your journey. 2. Use the restroom near the ticket gate before entering the cave, as there are no facilities inside. 3. The availability of the underground river cruise depends on the water level. During the rainy season, high water levels may prevent boat rides. Be prepared for this possibility. 4. Wear a hat! Otherwise, you might bump your head on the low-hanging rocks in the cave, especially during the boat ride. Trust me on this one. Let's explore these hidden gems forgotten by time. See you at our next destination!