Lianzhou Underground River

Northern Guangdong sits on limestone, and the Lianzhou cave carries a stream through several kilometres of passage on three levels, of which a section is open. Visitors walk the dry upper galleries past flowstone, columns and curtain formations, then board small boats to be poled or motored along the underground river through a lower passage where the roof drops close to the water. The cave keeps a steady temperature in the high teens year-round, which makes it a refuge in the Guangdong summer, and the lighting is coloured in the standard Chinese show-cave manner.

What you actually see

• The dry galleries - walking passages of columns and flowstone.
• The boat section - a ride along the underground river.
• The formations - stalactites, curtains and pools through the levels.
• The constant cool - high teens inside whatever the season.

When to go

Year-round, since the cave holds its temperature; it is most welcome in the summer heat, which is also when it is busiest. Boats may be suspended after heavy rain when the river rises.

Honest expectations

Lighting is coloured and theatrical, which some dislike. Queues for the boats can be long on holidays. Paths are wet and steps numerous. Commentary is in Chinese only.

Nearby

Qingyuan lies southeast; the Hunan border is north.