Zhijin Cave, the King of Chinese Caves

Located in Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, Zhijin Cave is a magnificent and uniquely shaped cave system, considered one of China's most impressive. Known as the "King of Chinese Caves," it is a Global Geopark and a National 5A Tourist Attraction. Here's a detailed guide to Zhijin Cave: 1. Ticket Information • Adult Ticket: CNY 140 (includes sightseeing bus). • Combo Ticket: Zhijin Cave + Grand Canyon + Elevator + Sightseeing Bus, CNY 200 for adults. • Discounted Tickets: Students, seniors over 65, active military personnel, and people with disabilities are eligible for free entry but must purchase sightseeing bus tickets. • Children: Free entry, sightseeing bus ticket required. 2. Opening Hours • Mar 1–Oct 31: 8:30am–5pm. • Nov 1–Feb 28: 9am–4:30pm. 3. Transportation • Public Transportation: • From Guiyang: Take a bus from Guiyang to Zhijin (approx. 1.5 hrs). From Zhijin Bus Station, transfer to a dedicated bus to Zhijin Cave (CNY 10). • Train: Take a train to Zhijin Railway Station. From the station, take a dedicated bus to Zhijin Cave (CNY 10). • Car: Navigate to "Zhijin Cave Scenic Area." From Guiyang, take the Qingzhi Expressway via the Hongfeng Lake interchange (approx. 96 km, 1.5 hrs). 4. Tour Route Tourist Service Center > Yayuan Pathway > Stone Inscription Corridor > Cave Entrance > Double Lion Hall > Mushroom Cloud Hall > Pipa Palace > Pagoda Forest Hall > Longevity Hall > Southern Heaven Gate > Lingxiao Hall > Guanghan Palace > Hundred Thousand Mountains > Leizi Cave Hall > Cave Exit. The entire route is approx. 3.4 km and takes about 2 hrs. 5. Cave Highlights • Double Lion Hall: The first hall inside the cave, featuring two stalagmites resembling welcoming lions. • Mushroom Cloud Hall: Features a spectacular formation resembling a mushroom cloud. • Pipa Palace: A rock formation on the cave wall resembling a pipa (Chinese lute). • Guanghan Palace: Features various formations like桫椤 trees, silver rain trees, and stone lingzhi mushrooms, with a "Bawang Helmet" in the middle of the underground lake. • Sutra Hall: Rock formations resembling pagodas, evoking the image of Buddha preaching, surrounded by listening Arhats. 6. Important Notes • Cave Temperature: The cave maintains a constant temperature of 10–16°C. Bring a light jacket. • Safety: The cave terrain is complex and slippery. Exercise caution and stay on designated paths. • Environmental Protection: Do not touch the stalactites or use flash photography. 7. Nearby Attractions • Zhijin Grand Canyon: Adjacent to Zhijin Cave. Combo tickets are available. Attractions include the Jingu Natural Bridge, Skylight, and Jingu Temple. Boat tours of the water cave are also available. • Pingyuan Ancient Town: Experience the charm of this ancient town located near Zhijin Cave. • Dongfeng Lake: Enjoy the stunning scenery from a cruise ship. • Ethnic Culture: Experience Miao culture at the Ronggu Miao Village and Tuole Miao Village within the Zhijin Cave Global Geopark. The traditional "Tiaohua Festival" is held annually from March 18–20. 8. Food Recommendations • Zhijin Shui Ba Wan: A local specialty featuring eight soup dishes. • Zhijin Laoguo: A local snack similar to jianbing guozi (savory crepe), with a unique flavor. • Zhijin Faba: A fermented glutinous rice dish with a soft and chewy texture. • Gunmi Tuan: Sweet glutinous rice balls. 9. Accommodation Recommendations • Zhijin Hotel: Conveniently located in Zhijin County with comprehensive facilities. • Huaduli Zhijin Cave Inn: Close to Zhijin Cave, offering convenient access to the attraction. Zhijin Cave is a destination that combines natural beauty and cultural richness, offering something for everyone, from geology enthusiasts to casual travelers. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Zhijin Cave.