Dragon Palace Cave

Longgong is a karst system through which an underground river flows for around fifteen kilometres, of which several are open, and it is toured mainly afloat: boats leave from a lake outside and pass under a cliff into the first chamber, then continue through a series of flooded halls with formations reflected in still green water. A waterfall drops into a pool at the entrance area, and dry sections are walked between boat legs. The surrounding scenic area includes farmland, villages and a second cave, and the karst hills above are terraced and worked.

What you actually see

• The boat passage - the underground river through flooded chambers.
• The entrance waterfall - water dropping into the pool outside the cave.
• The reflected formations - stalactites doubled in still green water.
• The dry galleries - walking sections between boat legs.

When to go

April to October for warmth and reliable boat operation; the cave stays cool inside. Heavy rain can raise the river and suspend boats. Holidays bring long queues at the jetty.

Honest expectations

Boat queues are long in season and the ride is short relative to the wait. Lighting is coloured. Entry plus internal transport adds up, and the site is spread out.

Nearby

Huangguoshu waterfall lies southwest; Anshun is northeast.