Longxian Palace

Longxian Palace is situated in Longquan Temple Valley, Dongguan Village, Zhangfang Township, Fangshan District, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Beijing proper. It is a magnificent cave with the mouth of the cave is around 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the sea level. The palace has an imposing manner, 170 meters (557 feet) long, 140 meters (459 feet) wide, and 150 meters (492 feet) high. With an area of 10 km (2.5 acres), it is reputed as the First Hall in North China.

The palace was formed seventy million years ago. After a long chemical deposit, all kinds of chemical precipitates there have taken on a variety of shapes, including stone curtains, stalagmites, flowers, grapes, lotuses, and edible fungus. In addition, there is a vivid 'Dragon Egg', wonderful waterfalls, golden jellyfish, and clear crystals. The natural 'Dragon Egg' is an olivary crystal, 63 centimeters (2 feet) long, 43 centimeters (1.4 feet) wide, and 33 centimeter (1.1 feet) high. It is very similar to an egg in color and shape. The most stunning landscapes are one of the six stalagmites in a palm shape and of a fossil in a squirrel shape, which are rarely seen in Northern China.

The scenery around the cave is also beautiful with range upon range of green hills. It changes its coat along with the alternation of the four seasons. In the spring, the birds sing sweetly and brilliant flowers emit fragrance. In the summer, it puts on a green coat. In the autumn, it is rich in fruits and the red leaves can be found everywhere in the mountains. In the winter, the palace decorated with white snow appears more enchanting.

Admission: 40 yuan

Open Hours: 08:00 a.m. - 18:00 p.m.

Bus Routes: Bus 917 (Tianqiao Long Distance Bus Station-Donghugang) ( - ),and get off at Yidu ( ), then you could take a small bus to the Longxian Palace ( ) .

Location: 62 km to Southwest Beijing.

Ideal Visiting Time: Summer