Shuanghe Cave

Shuanghe has been surveyed by joint Chinese and French expeditions since the 1980s, and the mapped passage now exceeds four hundred kilometres, making it the longest known cave system in Asia and among the longest in the world, with the total still growing as expeditions continue. It formed in dolomite and gypsum, which gives unusual mineral deposits, and it holds an underground river, large chambers, and fossil and archaeological material. Only a small show section is open to ordinary visitors, lit and stepped like other Chinese show caves; the rest is reached by expedition caving with permits and equipment.

What you actually see

• The show section - a lit and stepped passage open to visitors.
• The formations - deposits including unusual gypsum minerals.
• The underground river - water flowing through the system.
• The survey story - decades of Chinese and French mapping expeditions.

When to go

Year-round for the show cave, which holds a constant cool temperature. Expedition access is arranged separately and generally in the dry season. Weekends bring local visitors.

Honest expectations

The open section is a small fraction of the system and looks like any show cave; the record-breaking length is not something a visitor experiences. Access is remote and signage Chinese only.

Nearby

Zunyi lies southwest; Chishui is west.