Exploring Zhijin Cave: An Underground Wonder of a Fantasy World

1. Basic Information - Location: Guanzhai Township, Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province - Title: National 5A Scenic Spot, "King of Chinese Caves", "World Geopark" - Features: Large in scale, rich in karst forms, with stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains and other wonders throughout the cave. 2. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving - From Guiyang: Guiyang → Shanghai-Kunming Expressway → Xiamen-Rongcheng Expressway → Get off at Zhijindong Station. The whole journey is about 120 kilometers and takes 1.5 hours. - From Bijie: Bijie → Hangrui Expressway → Xiarong Expressway, about 100 kilometers, 1.5 hours. - Parking lot: There is a large parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area (charges about 10-20 yuan/day). 2. Public Transportation - High-speed rail: Guiyang North Station → Zhijin Station (about 1 hour), transfer to the scenic area through bus or taxi (about 30 minutes). - Bus: Guiyang Jinyang Bus Station → Zhijin County Bus Station (2.5 hours), then transfer to Zhijindong Special Bus (30 minutes). - Direct bus to scenic spots: There are direct buses from Guiyang/Bijie during the peak season. Please check the schedule in advance. 3. Must-see attractions 1. Cave Essence - Reception Hall: Giant stalagmite “Two Lions Welcoming Guests”. - Tallinn Palace: a dense cluster of stone towers, like "snow pressing down on green pines". - Wanshou Palace: 3-story cave hall, "Silver Rain Tree" (rare flowering stalagmites), "Overlord Helmet" (giant armor-shaped stone curtain). - Guanghan Palace: towering "Thoreau tree" and transparent curly stone. - Shiwandashan: magnificent underground peaks and forests. 2. Surrounding attractions - Zhijin Grand Canyon (2 km from the cave): Tiankeng, natural bridge, hanging plank road, boat tour is available. - Zhijin Ancient City (within the county seat): Temple of the God of Wealth, Wenchang Pavilion and other Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings. - Wujiang River Source Hundred Miles Art Gallery (1 hour by car): Beautiful landscape, suitable for taking photos. 4. Travel Suggestions - Tour duration: The whole tour in the cave takes about 2-3 hours. It is recommended to combine it with the Grand Canyon (half-day tour) or the Ancient City (1-2 hours). - Route: Scenic area entrance → take sightseeing bus to the cave entrance → walk inside the cave → take sightseeing bus back from the exit. - Tour guide: You can rent an interpreter (20-30 yuan) or hire a tour guide (about 100 yuan per group). It is recommended to learn about geology in advance. 5. Best time to travel[100] - Suitable for all seasons: The temperature in the cave is constant at 10-16℃, which is a great place to escape the heat in summer and keep warm in winter. - Recommended season: April to October (avoid the rainy season, the road conditions are better). 6. Tickets and opening hours - Tickets: 140 yuan in peak season (March-November), 120 yuan in off-season (December-February) (including sightseeing bus). - Discount: Students/seniors are half price, children under 1.2 meters are free. - Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:00). 7. Accommodation Recommendations - Economy: Express hotels in Zhijin County (such as 7 Days Inn, Home Inn, about RMB 150-200 per night). - Life is always like this. We can't be satisfied with everything, but we still have to live passionately. There are many things worth loving in life. Don't be discouraged and stagnate just because of one dissatisfaction. High-end: Zhijin Hotel (antique building, about 500 yuan/night). - Featured B&B: B&B near Guanzhai Township (experience the Miao customs, about 200-300 yuan/night). 8. Food Recommendations[100] - Zhijin buckwheat jelly: Xiejia buckwheat jelly (old street in the county town, sour, spicy and refreshing). - Laoguo: A must-try on the streets of Zhijin. Potatoes and tofu are recommended. - Kung Pao Chicken: A Guizhou style cooking method created by Ding Baozhen (Zhijinren). - Other snacks: rolled rice balls, stinky tofu, and Miao fish in sour soup. 9. ⚠️Precautions 1. Wear: non-slip sports shoes (it’s wet inside the cave), and a thin jacket in summer. 2. Safety: Follow the tour route and do not touch the stalactites (which will affect their formation). 3. Physical strength: The walk in the cave is about 6 kilometers. The elderly and children need to take breaks. 4. Environmental protection: No smoking or littering. 5. Photography: Tripods must be registered in advance, and flash photography is prohibited in some areas. 10. Itinerary Reference - One-day tour: Zhijin Cave (morning) → Zhijin Grand Canyon (afternoon) → return to the county seat for dinner. - Two-day tour: Day 1 Zhijin Cave + Grand Canyon; Day 2 Zhijin Ancient City + Wujiang Source Hundred Miles Art Gallery. [RedHeart]Tips: Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare rain gear on rainy days; during peak season, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds. Wish you an unforgettable experience in the "underground art treasure house"!