This month, Zhejiang’s famed Yaolin Cave marked its 45th anniversary with a themed celebration, unveiling the latest upgrades to its services and facilities—enhancements that keep this ancient karst attraction feeling fresh and exciting.

Renowned as one of China’s four great caves, Yaolin is celebrated for its kaleidoscopic stalactites and striking karst formations. Whether you visit during spring’s bloom, summer’s cool, autumn’s golden light, or winter’s hush, the cave’s underground galleries promise new surprises at every turn—proof of nature’s stunning craftsmanship.

Spanning over 20,000 square meters, the cave unfolds across seven distinct halls. In one, a “Jade Pillar” appears to support the cavern ceiling; in another, stalactite clusters form fantastical shapes. Everywhere you look, translucent stalagmites gleam. Color-shifting lighting effects heighten the drama, turning each chamber into a living fairy tale.

Anniversary festivities added a cultural twist: music shorts and scene dramas brought the landscape outside the cave to life, while Sichuan’s Zigong lantern art—a living form of intangible heritage—was woven into the underground spectacle. Today, Yaolin isn’t just a place to admire ancient rock formations; it’s a fully immersive playground, where daytime exploration and after-dark experiences come together to delight every visitor.