Jiuxiang Caves

Jiuxiang holds a large karst system in which a river has cut down through the rock, so the route mixes cave and open gorge: visitors descend by lift into a slot canyon called the Xiongshi gorge with vertical walls close together, pass waterfalls falling inside the caves, and cross chambers holding terraces of rimstone pools, calcite rims holding shallow water in steps that are called the fairy fields locally. Bat caves, a natural bridge and boat sections complete the route. It is often visited on the same trip as the Stone Forest, which lies not far south.

Background

The caves lie in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County, 90 km from central Kunming, beside the Maitian River, which feeds the Nanpan River. They developed in siliceous limestone of the Dengying Formation of the Sinian System. Intermittent uplift of the crust from the Quaternary Period onward gave the system several levels: the upper one is dry and rich in chemical deposits, while groundwater still runs through the lower one. Where cave roofs fell in, canyons and natural bridges were left behind. Parts were opened to visitors in 1989, the area became a national scenic spot in 1994, and in August 2009 it was approved as a national geopark.

Source: Wikipedia, "Jiuxiang Scenic Region"

The landscape

• The slot gorge - a narrow open canyon between the cave sections.
• The underground waterfalls - water falling inside the chambers.
• The rimstone terraces - stepped calcite pools called the fairy fields.
• The boat and bridge sections - varied routes through the system.

When to go

Year-round; the caves hold a steady temperature and the waterfalls are strongest after summer rain. Weekends and holidays bring large groups from Kunming.

Good to know

Lighting is coloured and theatrical. Steps are numerous and the route long. Combined with the Stone Forest it makes a long day. Commentary is Chinese only.

Nearby

The Stone Forest lies south; Kunming is west.

Key facts