Xiangxi Cave

Updated June 4, 2026

Xiangxi Cave is a 2 located in Ankang.

Location

You can find Xiangxi Cave at 869153287906.

Visiting Xiangxi Cave

Located in Ankang, Xiangxi Cave is a 2 that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The 2 is located at 869153287906. GPS coordinates: 32.664688, 109.036669. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

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Xiangxi Cave is a Taoist temple complex and natural scenic area tucked into the hills of Ankang, Shaanxi Province. It’s mostly known for its eight cliff-side caves with ancient stone carvings and its legendary connection to Lü Dongbin, the immortal.

The site’s just 3 kilometers from downtown Ankang and admission is free year-round. If you’re into Taoist culture, hiking, or crave some quiet mountain scenery, this place is a solid pick—especially if you want a half-day out that isn’t mobbed by tourists.

The complex’s roots go back to the Tang Dynasty, but it really grew during the Ming’s Chenghua era, eventually becoming southern Shaanxi’s biggest Taoist center. “Xiangxi” means “Fragrant Stream,” which is a nod to the Seven-mile Fragrance plants that bloom along the creek each spring.

Every year, over 300,000 people wander the 10-square-kilometer park, following trails through three “Heavenly Gates” that lead to temples, pavilions, and the eight caves carved into the cliff.

You’ll hike through thick forests (over 90% tree coverage) and spot rare metasequoia and ginkgo trees as you climb. Inside the caves, the stone and clay deities are detailed enough to earn the spot its nickname: “Ancient Cave and Immortal Traces.”

Getting here’s pretty easy. Public buses come straight from Ankang’s center, and the park has walking trails plus parking.

Key Takeaways

• Xiangxi Cave is a free, historic Taoist temple complex with eight cliff caves, only 3 km from Ankang’s city center.
• There are over 50 things to see—ancient carvings, tea gardens, and forested hiking trails.
• Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in summer, and until 5:00 PM in winter.

Key Details and Quick Facts

Xiangxi Cave is a National AAAA-level tourist attraction, just 3 kilometers from downtown Ankang in Hanbin District, Shaanxi. Free admission all year, open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM in summer, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM in winter.

The scenic area covers 10 square kilometers and splits into five zones: Xiangxi Cave, Three Heavenly Gates, Wenwu Mountain, Wugong Mountain, and Niuti Ridge.

Location & Access

• Address: Xincheng Subdistrict, Hanbin District, Ankang City
• Distance from city center: 3 km
• Travel time: About 30 minutes by car
• Public transport: Direct bus available

Operating Info

• Admission: Free (since May 19th as Xiangxi Cave Park)
• Annual visitors: 300,000+
• Forest coverage: Over 90%
• AAAA since: 2014

First built during the Tang Dynasty, expanded in the Ming’s Chenghua Period. There are 50+ scenic spots: the Eight Caves of Xiangxi, Chunyang Tower, Yuhuang Pavilion, and more.

You’ll find 12 species of rare ancient trees (think metasequoias, ginkgoes) and over 20 wild animal species.

“Xiangxi” comes from the “Seven-mile Fragrance” plants that drop petals into the stream every spring. Walking trails and parking are available throughout.

What to Expect at Xiangxi Cave

Expect a mix of natural cave formations, historic Taoist temples, and forested trails at Xiangxi Cave. It’s just 3 km from Ankang’s center, in Hanbin District, and covers a whopping 10 square kilometers.

The eight caves—Xiangxi, Yaowang, Sanmao, Dragon King, Wenchang, Eight Immortals, Cihang, Zushi—are the main draw. Since the Ming Dynasty, these have been a big deal for Taoist religious activities.

Inside the caves, you’ll find deity sculptures, natural limestone, and underground water features. The forest around here is dense: 90% coverage, 198 species of trees and shrubs, and some willows and sandalwoods that are centuries old.

The “seven-mile incense” plant blooms pink and yellow in March and April, filling the valley with fragrance. That’s how the place got its name.

Key features:

• Over 50 scenic spots: Jing’er Lake, Ladder to Heaven, Jiayun Bridge, and more.
• Mandarin-guided tours on geology and history.
• Terrain’s uneven—expect stairs and climbing.
• Public restrooms and water stations, but no restaurants inside.
• Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay accepted.

There’s a 40 RMB entrance fee for some areas, with hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Set aside 2–3 hours for a decent visit.

Plan Your Visit

It’s free to enter, open year-round, and only 3 km from downtown Ankang (Xincheng Subdistrict, Hanbin District). Park hours: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM in summer, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM in winter.

Public bus from the city center gets you there in about 30 minutes.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March–May) is when the “Seven-mile Fragrance” thorn flowers bloom, petals drifting down the streams. The forest is thick, so even in summer, it’s shady and green.

Winter (December–February) means shorter hours (7:00 AM–5:00 PM) and far fewer crowds. Tea gardens and pines stay green, but you won’t see the flowers, and waterfalls slow down outside the rainy season.

If you want photos without crowds, try weekday mornings.

How to Get There

Direct public buses from Ankang’s center take about 30 minutes. The park sits up against Bashan Mountain, with the Hanshui River to the north.

Driving? There’s parking on-site, and it’s about a 30-minute trip from downtown. It’s one of the easiest natural attractions to reach in the region.

Trails wind through the whole 10-square-kilometer area, which includes five sub-areas: Xiangxi Cave, Three Heavenly Gates, Wenwu Mountain, Wugong Mountain, and Niuti Ridge.

Insider Tips for Visitors

Start at the base cave and follow the winding path up through all three Heavenly Gates. That way, you’ll see the full range of temples and grottoes. The climb to Chunyang Cave and all eight main caves (Yaowang, Dragon King, Eight Immortals, etc.) takes a few hours—wear comfy shoes.

Inside the caves, look for stone and clay carvings from the Ming Dynasty. Chunyang Cave has poems on the walls about Lü Dongbin, the immortal who’s said to have practiced here back in the Tang Dynasty.

Keep your eyes peeled for rare ancient trees (metasequoias, ginkgoes) and some wild animal species—muntjacs, hwameis, and others. Mirror Lake, Jiayun Bridge, and Wangjiang Tower are great for photos, especially if you want city views from the upper pavilions.

Bring water—there’s a lot of uphill. Facilities are basic, and food options inside the park are pretty much nonexistent.

Nearby Attractions and Explore More in Ankang

Nangong Mountain National Forest Park is a favorite natural attraction, about 33 km from the city. Expect dramatic peaks, waterfalls, and temples. By car, it’s roughly a 50-minute drive from downtown.

Yinghu Lake Scenic Area is different—think huge reservoir and islands. The artificial lake, made by the Ankang Dam, offers boat tours, fishing, and lakeside hikes. Ferries take you to islands like Jinluo and Cuiping.

The Han River Greenway runs through central Ankang—nice for walking, cycling, or a morning jog. Jinzhou Park is nearby, with lots of open space for families.

If you’re really into caves, Shuanglong Karst Cave Group is another underground spot, with different limestone formations and rivers to check out.

Bashan Qiuchi (Three Gates) and Tianzhu Mountain are for more hardcore hikers. They’re rugged and remote, with fewer tourists, but take longer to reach from the city.

For something cultural, Ankang’s museums and Dian’an Pagoda are decent options. Most of these attractions are within an hour’s drive, so day trips are totally doable.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re planning a trip to Xiangxi Cave, you’ll want to know about transport, when to go, and what to pack for the caves and the mountain trails.

How do I get to the cave from Ankang city, and which local transport option is the most time-efficient?

A taxi from Ankang’s city center or high-speed rail station takes about 30 minutes and costs around 30 RMB if you use Didi or another ride-hailing app. The cave’s in Xincheng Subdistrict, Hanbin District, just south of the center.

Watch out for unlicensed taxis at the station—they can overcharge. Sometimes there are tourist buses waiting on the main road to the scenic area, but taxis are usually quicker and less hassle.

What should I expect the ticketing process to be like, and are there any common add-on fees visitors overlook?

The main ticket gets you into Xiangxi Cave and the whole scenic area, which covers five zones: Xiangxi Cave, Three Heavenly Gates, Wenwu Mountain, Wugong Mountain, and Niuti Ridge. Hours are generally 9:00 to 16:30 in peak season.

You’ll need to show your ID for tickets—most Shaanxi attractions require this now. Some people don’t realize that the ticket covers all the sub-areas, not just the caves, so you’re paying for the full 10 square kilometers.

When is the best time of year to visit for comfortable cave conditions and clearer views outside the entrance area?

Spring and autumn are definitely the sweet spots for visiting Xiangxi Cave. The temperatures are mild, so that 20-minute climb to the mountain viewpoints feels a lot more doable.

Inside the cave, it’s always cool. But let’s be honest, that difference between the outside heat and the cave’s chill is way more noticeable in the summer.

If you’re hoping for crisp photos of the Han River views, try to avoid overcast or rainy days. The cave stays dry enough year-round, but those mountain paths? They can get pretty slippery after rain.

How long does a typical visit take, and what route inside is best if I want the highlights without rushing?

Most folks spend about two hours if they’re just here for Xiangxi Cave, including the climb and checking out the karst formations. If you’re the type who likes to wander and hit all the viewpoints overlooking Ankang city and the Han River, give yourself three to four hours.

The main route starts with stone steps winding through tea trees up to the cave entrance. Inside, you’ll weave among limestone formations—some of them are wild.

After you exit, keep going to the higher viewpoint. That’s where the Han River wraps around Ankang like a green ribbon. This way, you catch both the cave’s geology and the big city views without having to double back.

What are the best photo spots and lighting tips for capturing cave formations without a tripod?

The cave’s got some dramatic lighting on the limestone—honestly, it does most of the work for you. Still, tripods aren’t really an option since the walkways are narrow.

Bump your camera’s ISO to 1600 or higher, and try burst mode. It helps you snag a sharp shot even in the low light.

Outside, the upper viewpoint after the cave climb is the spot. You can frame the Han River winding through Ankang, with the mountains in the distance—it’s a view that kind of makes you stop for a second.

If you’re planning your outfit, lighter colors look better against the cave’s dark rock. And for outdoor shots, shooting around 4 PM gets you that late-day golden light over the valley.

What should I wear and bring for safety and comfort, given the cave’s temperature, dampness, and walking surfaces?

Wear non-slip athletic shoes with solid tread—they’re a must for the stone steps outside and the slick spots you’ll find inside the cave.

Bring a light jacket. The temperature inside drops a surprising amount, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when it’s toasty outside and suddenly chilly underground.

The steps aren’t exactly a stroll in the park, so you’ll want to have some water handy for the climb. Walking surfaces are paved, but a few damp patches sneak in where water seeps through the limestone.

Don’t even think about open-toed shoes. The uneven stone paths and steps call for closed-toe footwear, and honestly, your ankles will thank you for the extra support.