Fengdu, Chongqing

Fengdu Xueyu Cave: The "Underground Palace of Ice and Snow" and the Whitest Cave in China

📸Photography 🧗Adventure

Altitude

230m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

Xueyu Cave (Snow Jade Cave), located in Fengdu County, Chongqing, is widely recognized as one of the most exquisite and unique karst caves in China. Situated on the steep banks of the Dragon River (Longhe), approximately 12 kilometers from the Fengdu New County seat, this cave stands out not merely for its size, but for the extraordinary purity and whiteness of its formations. Unlike many ancient caves where stalactites have oxidized and darkened over time, the formations in Xueyu Cave are geologically young and actively growing. They retain a pristine, translucent quality that resembles white jade or frozen ice, earning the cave its poetic name "Snow Jade."

The cave serves as a "living laboratory" for speleology, boasting a rare concentration of pure white stalactites that constitute over 80% of the cave's total formations. It is often cited by experts as the "whitest cave in China." The internal environment is strictly protected to maintain the growth of these delicate structures. Visitors can marvel at the "Four Wonders" of the cave: the Coral Flower Group, which is the largest of its kind discovered so far; the Penguin Stone Shield, a rare formation resembling a penguin carved from ice; the Goose Pipe Group, a dense forest of hollow, straw-like stalactites that defy gravity; and the King of Sand Dunes, a massive stone shield structure.

Walking through the cave is akin to stepping into a frozen fairyland. The tour route winds for nearly 1.2 kilometers through majestic halls and narrow passages, showcasing millions of years of water sculpting rock. The absolute highlight for many is the "Snow Jade King," a towering stalagmite that is breathtaking in its scale and intricate texture, looking like a pillar of carved ivory. The cave's interior remains cool throughout the year, offering a stark and refreshing contrast to the outside world. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Longhe Canyon, a visit to Xueyu Cave offers a perfect blend of subterranean wonder and scenic river beauty, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers exploring the Three Gorges region.

✨ Why Visit Xueyu Cave

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The World's Whitest Cave

Admire the rare, snow-white stalactites that cover nearly 80% of the cave, creating a glittering "palace of ice and snow" effect found in few other places on Earth.

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Rapidly Growing "Living Cave"

Witness geological history in the making with fast-growing formations like the delicate "Goose Pipes" and the massive "Snow Jade King," which are still active and evolving.

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Rare Karst Wonders

Explore the "Four Wonders" of the cave, including the massive Coral Flower Group and the unique Penguin Stone Shield, which are distinct features of this site.

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The Snow Jade King

Stand before the cave's crown jewel, a spectacular, towering stalagmite that embodies the "Snow Jade" name with its flawless, jade-like appearance.

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Dragon River Scenery

Enjoy the scenic journey along the Dragon River (Longhe) Canyon to reach the cave, combining dramatic river views with underground exploration.

Location & Nearby

📍 Fengdu, Chongqing • 🏔️ 230m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Xueyu Cave Travel Guide

Where is Xueyu Cave located?

It is located in Huilong Village, Sanjian Township, Fengdu County, Chongqing Municipality, about 12-15 km from the Fengdu county seat.

How do I get there? From Chongqing, you can take a train to Fengdu Railway Station or a bus to Fengdu. From the county town, there are local buses or taxis to the cave. It is also a popular shore excursion for Yangtze River cruises.

Is there a lot of walking involved? Yes, the cave tour involves walking on concrete paths and climbing stairs. The total length is about 1.2 km, and the terrain varies, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

What is the best time to visit? The cave maintains a constant cool temperature year-round (around 16-18°C), making it suitable for visiting in any season. It is particularly popular in summer as a cool retreat.

Are there entrance fees? Yes, an admission fee is required to enter the scenic area and the cave.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Xueyu Cave?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.