1. Overview & Geology
Located 18 km from Lipu City, Silver Cave spans 1,500 acres and 2 km of explored pathways across 12 limestone peaks. Formed over 360 million years, its quartz-embedded stalactites reflect light like scattered silver, giving the cave its name. The three-tiered structure includes:
- Upper Cave: Near mountain peaks (350m altitude), smaller chambers.
- Middle Cave: Main tourist zone (262m altitude), housing iconic formations.
- Lower Cave: Underground river (145m altitude) with 6 km of navigable waterways.
2. Key Formations & Legends
- Three Treasures:
- Buddha Preaching: A natural stalagmite throne resembling Buddha surrounded by "disciples".
- Sky-Piercing Pillar: A 26m-tall stalactite-stalagmite fusion, colored by mineral layers (black = 1M years, white = 20K years).
- Mystic Pearl Umbrella: A reverse-tapered "umbrella" said to ward off evil.
- Three Wonders:
- Musical Stone Screen: 3.5m-tall calcified "piano" producing melodies when tapped.
- Snowy Waterfall: A 30m "frozen" cascade of glittering calcite.
- Fairyland Pool: Mirror-like waters doubling 15m stalactites into celestial scenes.
3. Cultural & Historical Significance
- Myths: Local tales speak of a hidden treasure by a Qing-era general, inspiring the saying: "Open Silver Cave, feed Guangxi and Hunan".
- Modern Revival: Opened in 1999, it became a 4A site (2005) and Guilin’s first smart-guide cave (multilingual audio tours).
4. Visitor Experience
- Guided Tours: 1.5-hour walks through climate-controlled 20°C chambers.
- Photography: Free LED-lit shots (paid prints exit).
- Nearby Attractions: Lijiang River cruises and Yangshuo countryside.
5. Practical Tips
- Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
- Fees: ¥65/adult, ¥33/student, free for seniors >65.
- Transport: Direct buses from Yangshuo (30 mins) or Guilin (2 hrs).
6. Conservation & Honors
- UNESCO Global Geopark (South China Karst).
- "World’s Most Beautiful Karst Cave" by CCTV (2024).
Silver Cave is nature’s art gallery—where geology, legend, and innovation collide under Guilin’s peaks.
