Huashan Mysterious Grottoes
Huashan Grottos in Shexian County stands as one of China’s most captivating archaeological puzzles.
Located at the junction of Tunxi and Shexian County in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, Huashan Grottos is 12.8 kilometers away from the central urban area of Huangshan City, with a planned area of 61.2 square kilometers and a core scenic area of 12 square kilometers.
With rich tourism resources, it is known as “The Ninth Wonder of the World,” covers green mountains and rivers, pastoral sceneries, millennium mysterious grottoes, lakes and mountains, strange peaks and rocks, cliff stones, temples, ancient buildings and other natural and cultural landscapes in one spot. This complex of massive, hand-carved chambers, is also known as the Huashan Mysterious Grottos, has baffled historians and archaeologists since its modern discovery.
With no historical records to explain their origin or purpose, a visit to this Huashan archaeological site offers more than sightseeing—it’s an invitation to become a detective in an ancient mystery, set against the stunning cultural backdrop of the Huangshan region.
Huashan Grottos Facts
What to See at the Huashan Grottos
The core scenic area of Huashan Mysterious Grottos currently features 36 identified grottoes, with primary development focused on Caves No. 2, No. 24, and No. 35. Each cave exhibits unique formations: some layer stone upon stone, with chambers within chambers; others wind through hidden passages, shrouded in mystery; while others feature towering stone pillars that rise majestically toward the heavens. The Huashan lake also reflects the beautiful image of the grottos.
The Huashan Mysterious Grottos offers both daytime and nighttime tours. We recommend entering the park in the afternoon to experience both the daytime exploration and the shifting light and shadow within the caves at night. Each is well worth your time to pause and appreciate during your Huangshan tour.
Cave No.2
The underground Corridor (Cave No.2) lies halfway up the Huashan Grottos, its entrance looks like a tiger’s gaping jaws. Descending the slope inside the cave, you will feel a chill permeates the air.
Looking back at the entrance, it’s already shrouded in mist. Dozens of stone pillars stand tall within the cave, forming an underground corridor 80 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 4 meters high. On the right side, a square opening reveals another corridor within the corridor. It follows the same path but extends deeper, reaching a hundred meters, with water glowing emerald green.
Cave No.24
The entrance to Cave No.24 faces the mountain road, forming a flat rectangle approximately 50 meters wide and 30 meters high. Its depth looks like unfathomable. There are six massive square stone pillars—each requiring three men to encircle—stand in two rows supporting the cave ceiling. These pillars extend four layers deep into the earth, hence the name “Twenty-Four Pillars.”
Within the cave, water flows deep and unfathomable. Within its depths swim fish of different colors, they all displaying bizarre and strange forms.
What’s more, in the Cave No.24, you can enjoy a breathtaking 3D holographic show in the night—it’s definitely worth the trip.
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Cave No.35
The Cave No.35 is a huge cave with a depth of 170 meters and a total area of 12,000 square meters, is the largest known cave among those currently explored, boasting a magnificent grandeur.
Cave 35 features 26 irregular stone pillars standing tall and firm, each with a circumference of about 10 meters and a girth exceeding ten meters, exuding a majestic grandeur. Encircling the main hall are 36 stone chambers, the smallest measuring just 2 square meters. The walls of these chambers vary in thickness, with the thinnest sections barely 10 centimeters deep. Each chamber is enclosed on three sides, featuring only a single doorway on the side facing the main hall—a narrow passage barely wide enough for one person to pass through.
Another sensation awaits. Near the hall lie several deep pools of green water, shrouded in mystery yet crystal clear and never drying up. When the cave was first discovered, it housed millions of bats. Entering the cave would startle the bats into flight, creating a whirlwind of black fur that made the world spin, earning it the name “Bat Hall.”
How to Get to Huashan Grottos
The most convenient base is Huangshan City (Tunxi District). From there, you can take a taxi from Tunxi Old Street, spend 20-23 yuan for a short 20-minute drive to the site.
Best Time to Visit Huashan Mysterious Grottos
The ideal times to visit the Huashan Grottos align with the best weather in the Huangshan region: spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). During these two seasons, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and clear skies, making your exploration comfortable. The surrounding greenery in spring or golden leaves in autumn also enhances the scenic approach to this mysterious site.
>>Learn more about Huangshan Weather
Immerse in the History of Huangshan City with Easy Tour China
The Huashan Grottos are a unique and thought-provoking detour on any Huangshan travel itinerary. To delve deep into this region’s wonders—from the mystical grottos to the breathtaking peaks of Huangshan Mountain—let Easy Tour China crafts your itineraries and unravel other stunning She County attractions for you. Here are some suggested itineraries in Huangshan City.
