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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.