Limestone is a sedimentary rock formation that is used for various construction purposes. The shape, size and form in which it is found is largely dependent on environmental factors like heat, salinity, water etc. Unique combinations of these factors have created limestone formations that are beautiful as well as awe inspiring.
In China, there are four famous caves known for their limestone formations. These are the Yuhua Cave situated in Fujian, Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave, Hangzhou’s Yailin Cave and the Shihua Cave in the village of Nancheying.
Lying around 50 kilometers away from central Beijing, Shihua Cave is also known as Shifo Cave and Qianzhen Cave. All these names basically denote ‘stone flower’. This is because the stalagmites and stalactites found in this cave have formed in a pattern so as to create large lotus shaped flowers. First found in 1446 the caves are representative of the karst caves found in Northern China.
The cave is an unusual seven layer one with each layer containing amazing varieties of naturally formed stone flowers, stone curtains, stone shields and stone flags. The last layer of the cave is a river flowing underground. However due to safety and conservation reasons, only the first four layers are open for viewing to the general public. The caves span over an area of 2500 metres and consist of 16 halls in total.
An 18 metre high, 3 metre thick stalactite in the first hall is the largest of its kind in China. Apart from this, the first two halls boast of moonmilk. This moonmilk is a national treasure and date back almost 50,000 years. They form in the shape of lotus flowers. Another wonder of the caves is the stone shields varying in size and thickness. Whilst the largest is 1.2 metres tall and 2.6 metres thick, the thinnest has a diameter of 7 millimetres! The stone curtain contains close to 540 layers and is also an unusual occurrence. A transparent stone flag is also a unique feature of the Shihua Cave.
When visiting Beijing next, be sure to include this natural phenomenon in your itinerary. Whilst in the city a visitor will need a hotel in Beijing; be sure to book yourself early into a luxury hotel Beijing to fully appreciate the Beijing experience. In this regard the exclusive Raffles Beijing hotel provides accommodation and facilities of a premier standard.