Fengshan Sanmenhai

Historical Overview

• Formation (Permian Period): Karst topography shaped by ancient seas, later carved by Guichun River currents.
• Human Discovery (1989): International cave explorers identified the site as the world’s longest underground river system.
• UNESCO Recognition (2011): Included in China’s Southwest Karst UNESCO Global Geopark.
• Tourism Development (2010s): Infrastructure upgrades enabled boat tours and hiking trails.

Structural Layout

The site comprises three zones:

1. Skylight Zone:
   • Three Gates: Three collapse sinkholes (10–30m diameter) connected to the underground river.
   • Observation Decks: Wooden platforms offering views of the "sea-like" water surface.
2. Underground River Zone:
   • Boat Tour Route: 1.5km journey through karst tunnels (¥120/person, 40 minutes).
   • Stalactite Formations: "Crystal Flowers" and helictites in Nongcan Cave.
3. Ecological Buffer Zone:
   • Tropical Forest Trails: Hiking paths through limestone forests.
   • Geological Exhibits: Interpretive boards explaining karst formation.

Key structures:

• National Geopark Square: Entrance hub with parking and restaurants.
• Feilong Cave: 1,600m-long cave system with U-shaped exploration loops.
• Wanshou Valley Cave: Semi-closed cave featuring rare helictites.

Major Attractions

1. Three Gate Boat Tour: Drift through skylights with emerald-blue waters (40-minute trip).
2. Nongcan Cave Exploration: Hike through stalactite-filled chambers (¥80 entry fee).
3. Feilong Cave Adventure: 1.5-hour guided tour of the world’s highest cave passage.
4. Ma Wangdong Cave: Visit the "King of Caves" with 50m-tall chambers.
5. Karst Viewpoints: Photograph panoramas of the "sea of mountains."

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Three Gate Boat Tour → Skylight Observation → Exit
   Highlights: Iconic boat journey and skylight views.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   Entrance → Nongcan Cave Hike → Feilong Cave Tour → Exit
   Highlights: Deep cave exploration and geological learning.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → Three Gate Boat Tour → Ma Wangdong Cave → Wanshou Valley Hike → Exit
   Highlights: Full immersion in karst landscapes and caves.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Boat Tour: ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).
  • Cave Entry: ¥80–¥150 (varies by cave).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m.
• Online Booking: Available via Ctrip or WeChat mini-program “Fengshan Sanmenhai” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site Tickets: Limited availability; queues average 20 minutes during weekends.

Transportation

From Nanning:

• By Bus: Nanning Langdong Station → Fengshan County (3 hours, ¥90), then taxi to site (20 minutes, ¥25).
• By Car: G72 Expressway → Fengshan Exit → County Road S318 (4 hours total).

Local Shuttle:

• “Fengshan–Sanmenhai” minibus from Fengshan Bus Station (¥10, 30 minutes) to entrance.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: April–June (lush vegetation), September–October (clear waters).
• Avoid: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (tour group crowds).
• Essentials:
  • Waterproof shoes for cave trails.
  • Headlamp/flashlight for Nongcan Cave.
  • Binoculars for birdwatching (over 80 species recorded).
• Prohibited Items: Drones (restricted airspace), loudspeakers.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture skylight reflections 1 hour before sunset.
  • Long Exposure: Use tripod for silk-like water flows in caves.