Longgong Cave Scenic Area is a comprehensive and concentrated attraction highlighting karst geological landscape such as caves, canyons, waterfalls, cliffs, streams, stone forests and underground rivers. Want to know what The Top 5 sights of Longgong are? Follow me!
- Name: Longgong Cave Scenic Area (Longgongdong, Dragon Palace Cave) 龙宫洞
- Location: Anshun, Guizhou
- Popular activity: Cruising in the cave
- Must-sees: Longmen Waterfall, Longgong Cave, Dragon Field
- Suitable for: Nature lovers, photographers
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
Highlights: The Top 5
1. Tianchi, A Lake with the Lowest Natural Radiation Rate in the World
Tianchi (天池, the Heavenly Lake) is 1,170 meters above sea level. According to the Chinese Atomic Energy Authority, Tianchi has the lowest natural rate of radiation in the world. Tourists can enter Longgong Cave by rowing boat from Tianchi and drift through the caverns.
Tip: There is an elevator from the ground up to Tianchi, but there is an extra charge for this. If you are fit enough, it is a good idea to hike up to Tianchi.
2. Longmen Waterfall, Largest Karst Cave Waterfall in China
Approaching the entry of Longgong Cave, tourists will hear the huge roar of cascading water.
There is a waterfall 38 meters high and 25 meters wide, plunging into a pool in the cave through a crescent-shaped 'dormer window'. It looks like a dragon flying home through the gate of the palace and has the nickname "Dragon Gate (Longmen) Waterfall". It is the largest in-cave waterfall in China.
Learn more about Chinese karst landscape.
3. Longgong Cave, with the Longest Underground River in China
The dragon palaceLonggong Cave is a series of underground caverns forming a huge network through 20 hills, and exhibiting in-cave waterfalls, stalactites, stalagmites, a stone forest and other karst features.
It is one of China's karst wonderworlds. It has 90 caverns linked like a chain of beads by a river which is the longest underground river in China (about 5,000 meters).
The cave often reminds people of the Dragon Palace (where in Chinese folktales the Dragon King and his people live), hence its name. At present only one kilometer of the cave system is open to tourists. The scenery varies as the boat goes deeper in.
Tip: the cave is quite narrow in places! So, watch your head and hands on the rocks.
4. Guanyin Cave, Largest In-Cave Buddhist Monastery in China
Guanyin Cave (Avalokitesvara Cave观音洞) is named after a 50-meter-high stalactite in the cave, which looks like a statue of Avalokitesvara.
With a total area of over 20,000 square meters, the cave is the largest cavern monastery in China: all the "Buddhist Halls" are natural karst caves.
The white-clothed Avalokitesvara statue consecrated in the cave is 12.6 meters high, the tallest such cave statue in China.
5. Dragon Field, Largest Chinese Character in the World
Largest Chinese character in the worldIn a field not far from the exit, you will find a large Chinese calligraphy character '龍' (meaning 'dragon'). The character is 'written' with two different-colored crops. Covering an area of 80,000 square meters, this is the largest Chinese character in the world. It's a wonderful place for photos.
Find out more about Chinese calligraphy.
More Things to Do
Admire Rape Flower
Longgong Cave's surroundings are also very attractive, featuring mountains, rivers and flowers, especially in spring when acres of golden rape flowers are in full bloom.
Due to the special karst topography, rape blossoms in the area appear in layers and waves, different from blossoms on the plains. Local people convene a Rape Blossom Festival every spring, during which there are various ethnic minority performances.
Attend the Liuyueliu Festival
Liuyueliu, or the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, is the liveliest festival of the local Bouyei minority people. Every year, they convene sacrificial ceremonies in Longgong, and organize dragon dances.
Local people like to celebrate their festivals with guests who come from afar, and for guests this is a good chance to experience local minority customs.
Read more about ethnic festivals in Guizhou.
Taste Tea in Fengxiang Tea House
The Fengxiang Tea House (枫香茶舍) was a barn from the 1960s onwards, until it was reconstructed as a tea house in 2017. The stone structure makes the house relatively cool, even in summer.
This is a good place for a rest and for sipping tea. It's also a great place for photos.
- Contact us for an exceptional Guizhou tour.
Travel Tips
The rape flowers bloom around March and April, making the scenic area perfect for a spring outing.
The rainy season is from May to October, when there will be more water and better scenery.
The second section of the cave cruise, however, may be closed, along with some other attractions, due to heavy rain. In case some attractions have to be closed, the ticket price will be 50% cheaper, so you may ask your guide or travel consultant for a refund.
During Chinese national holidays, the scenic area may be over-crowded. Your tour guide will then lead you to the scenic area via the rear gate. This can be a good way to avoid the waves of tourists and you can still visit all the attractions (in another order).
You are not recommended to have a meal or book accommodation in the scenic area, though either would be possible. The standards and service are of relatively low quality. Our travel consultant and guide will help you arrange board and lodging.
Attractions Nearby
Huangguoshu Waterfall - The largest waterfall in Asia, with nearby Stone Village, a Buyi minority village built with stone
Explore Longgong Cave with China Highlights
Why not arrange a private tour to Anshun, Guizhou, to visit the Longgong Cave Scenic Area. Follow our experienced tour guide to witness this miracle of nature, and to avoid the tourist crush.