xianqi cave [Beijing]

Xianqi cave is located in Shidu Scenic Spot , in the southwest of Fangshan. Visitors can enjoy stalactites, cobbles, stone curtains, pillars and flowers inside the cave.

Admission: 20 yuan (US$2.4)

Tel: 6134-9240.

Shihua (Stone-flower) Cave

The cave has six closely linked floors. But only two floors, measuring a total of 1,222 metres in length, are open to the public.

The cave is full of stalactites that look like plants and animals, such as monkeys, lions and peacocks. There is also a cauliflower-shaped crystal-clear stalactite, the first of its kind ever found in a Chinese limestone cave.

Admission: 35 yuan (US$4.2) for the first two storeys; 70 yuan (US$8.40) for all four.

To get there, take bus 917 from Tianqiao to Fangshan Station, in Fangshan District or take tourist bus 7 (Youqi) at Qianmen, near the station of bus 22 or at Fuchengmen, near the station of bus 335, between 6 and 8 am each weekend.

take bus 917 from Tianqiao to Fangshan Station, in Fangshan District or take tourist bus 7 (Youqi) at Qianmen, near the station of bus 22 or at Fuchengmen, near the station of bus 335, between 6 and 8 am each weekend.