Longgong Cavern

龙宫

An extensive underground karst cave system with underground rivers, crystal-clear pools, and illuminated limestone formations spanning multiple chambers. The cavern is one of China's most impressive subterranean landscapes with boat rides through underground waterways.

Things to do

• Underground Boat Ride — Navigate through illuminated underground rivers on electric boats passing through multiple cavern chambers with towering limestone formations.
• Crystal Pool Viewing — Observe the transparent underground pools reflecting the cavern ceiling and stalactite formations in the Dragon Palace chamber.
• Limestone Formation Photography — Photograph dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone cascades illuminated by the cave's colored lighting systems throughout the main passages.
• Waterfall Chamber Exploration — Walk through designated pathways to witness underground waterfalls and rapids within the lower levels of the cavern system.
• Dragon Palace Main Hall — Visit the largest chamber featuring soaring ceilings, colossal stone pillars, and intricate limestone carvings named after the mythical dragon king.
• Suspended Bridge Walkway — Cross narrow bridges spanning underground rivers and chasms for closer views of the cavern's deepest sections and geological features.

Food to try

• Guizhou Sour Fish Soup (酸汤鱼) — A signature regional dish using local river fish in a sour broth made from sour plums and chilies, commonly served in restaurants near the cavern entrance.
• Sticky Rice Dumplings (糯米粑) — Traditional glutinous rice cakes filled with sweet or savory fillings, a popular local snack sold at cavern gift shops and nearby food stalls.
• Oil Tea Noodles (油茶) — A creamy, aromatic noodle soup made with fried rice flour, sesame, and local herbs, warming and traditional to the Guizhou mountain region.
• Bamboo-Wrapped Glutinous Rice (竹筒饭) — Rice cooked inside bamboo segments with local mushrooms and mountain herbs, authentic to minority communities in the Anshun area surrounding Longgong.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear Non-slip Shoes — The cavern pathways are frequently wet and slippery due to moisture and mist; sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential for safety on walkways and bridges.
• Respect the Dragon Legend — Longgong is named after the Chinese dragon king mythology; visitors should be respectful when photographing the Dragon Palace main hall as it holds spiritual significance for local communities.
• Bring Layers and Jacket — Underground temperatures remain cool year-round (approximately 10-15°C); a light jacket or sweater is necessary despite warm outdoor weather in Guizhou.
• Book Tours in Advance — Guided boat tours have limited capacity and fill quickly, especially during peak summer and holiday seasons; advance booking through local tourism offices is recommended.