I have always believed that the meaning of life lies in experiences.
Feeling different cultural landscapes in unfamiliar cities.
Outdoor travel has always been my preferred way of traveling.
Whether it's hiking and camping or exploring the wilderness,
It will always be my chosen chapter for exploring the unknown and getting close to nature.
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Guizhou, this city's charm is rich and multifaceted.
The first time I explored Guizhou, I was overwhelmed by the bustling popular attractions.
On my second visit, I quietly enjoyed the ancient times of Zhaoxing Dong Village.
With another two-day holiday, I set foot again in this treasure city of Guizhou.
So I found an outdoor travel group and started a cave exploration trip.
Each experience makes Guizhou's charm more vivid to me.
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✅ Qingzhen Shilong Cave in Guiyang
➡️ Shilong Cave is located in Xiahe Group, Guanyou Village, Maige Township, Qingzhen City, Guiyang. It is one of the largest limestone caves in the south and has been featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine. The cave's unique landscape includes rich stalactite formations, crystal-clear lake water, and calcified pools, adding a mysterious and enchanting touch to the cave.
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✅ Play Time
⏰ Cave exploration time: about 4 hours
⛰️ Cave exploration length: about 4 kilometers round trip
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✅ Cave Exploration Experience
1️⃣ First, change into wetsuits at the outdoor group base, receive food and waterproof phone bags, and take a small car to the cave entrance. After putting on life jackets and helmets, the paddleboarding coach will briefly introduce paddleboarding precautions, and the leader will lead warm-up exercises.
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2️⃣ It was my first time playing paddleboarding, and it was in a natural cave, to be honest, I was a bit scared. At first, I thought the entire cave exploration process was paddleboarding, but it was actually a combination of paddleboarding and stream trekking.
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3️⃣ Throughout the cave exploration, you don't have to paddle by yourself; the coach leads the way. Whether on the paddleboard or walking on the rocky stream, the coach patiently guides you. Switching between sitting on the paddleboard and walking back and forth is quite physically demanding.
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4️⃣ Traversing the deep and magnificent underground palace, it really feels like a tomb raiding adventure. The crystal-clear stream water is very refreshing. Along the way, you can see various natural stalactite formations.
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5️⃣ At the end, there are two emerald pools for photo ops, with turquoise water that looks like a giant blue gem. Under the coach's guidance, you can paddleboard on your own, and a photographer will help take pictures.
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6️⃣ After the cave exploration, the outdoor group will reward you with a Shilong Cave exploration medal as a souvenir, giving a full sense of ceremony, and then return to the base to change and wash up.
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✅ Other Information
1️⃣ Photos: Since it was inconvenient to carry a camera, the first few photos were taken by the photographer, and the rest were taken with a phone, so many photos are not clear.
2️⃣ Equipment: I brought my own quick-drying clothes and a pair of stream trekking shoes, while the rest of the cave exploration equipment was provided by the outdoor group.
3️⃣ Food and Drink: The outdoor group prepared a bottle of water, a piece of bread, and a Snickers bar, which will be consumed during the break at the emerald pool.
4️⃣ Safety: During the cave exploration, you cannot act alone. You need the coach or leader to demonstrate and guide you on how to stand on the paddleboard and swim.
MichaelBell567_
The first encounter, traveling on water underground!
🌟 This is an amazing adventure spot—Qingzhen Shilong Cave! This place is simply fantastic, a masterpiece of nature, with every corner being awe-inspiring.
🚗 I remember that day, our group drove through winding mountain roads and finally arrived at this mysterious place. At that moment, I felt like I had traveled to another world, with breathtaking sights everywhere.
🏞️ Qingzhen Shilong Cave is located among the mountains of Guizhou and is an undeveloped water-soluble cave, retaining its original natural appearance. Here, you can find various stalactites, crystal-clear underground pools, and a forest of stalactites that have formed over tens of thousands of years, interspersed with complex underground rivers. Entering Shilong Cave is like stepping into the world of 'The Lost Tomb'.
📍 Location: Shilong Cave is located in Qingzhen City, Guizhou Province, about an hour's drive from Guiyang.
🚌 Transportation Guide:
🚌 Public transportation: You can take a long-distance bus from Guiyang to Qingzhen City, then transfer to a local bus or take a taxi directly to the scenic spot.
🚗 If you are driving, follow the Guihuang Expressway, and after exiting at Qingzhen, follow the road signs to find it.
🚌 Of course, if you want to save trouble, you can also choose a group tour, which provides professional transportation, making it very convenient. (The best choice)
🏞️ Our play points:
📸 Upon entering Shilong Cave, we were first guided to the underground pool, where there is a photo spot. The water lamps illuminate the water surface, making it feel like being in a fairyland.
🚣♂️ Next, we experienced the paddleboarding project in the cave, paddling through the narrow cave while listening to the sound of flowing water. The feeling of tranquility and mystery intertwined is truly unforgettable.
👨🏫 Then, under the guidance of the tour guide, we visited the stone pillars, stalagmites, and stalactites inside the cave, as well as the legendary Lantern Stone, which was truly breathtaking.
📌 Must-visit spots 📌
Underground Pool: Known as the last tear of God, it is crystal clear and perfect for photos.
Cave Paddleboarding: Experience the fun of paddling in the underground river, exciting and fun.
Stalactite Forest: Various shapes of stalactites, like artworks, worth savoring.
🎟️ Ticket Information 🎟️ 📝 Check the latest official ticket information, as I joined a group tour.
🏠 Accommodation Guide 🏠
🛏️ There are several small towns nearby offering accommodation options, from budget hotels to unique homestays. You can choose according to your budget and preferences.
🌙 We chose a small inn not far from the scenic spot, with a quiet and comfortable environment. At night, you can hear the sound of insects in the distant mountains, which is quite pleasant.
🍽️ Food Recommendations 🍽️
🍲 There are many specialty snack shops nearby. I recommend trying the local Miao sour soup fish and Qian-style spicy chicken. The taste is authentic and worth a try.
💡 Tips 💡
🦺 Be sure to wear a life jacket before entering the cave, even if you can swim, for safety.
🧥 The temperature inside the cave is low, so it is recommended to bring a jacket or light sweater.
🎒 Remember to bring a waterproof backpack and phone waterproof bag to avoid getting valuable items wet.
👟 It is best to wear water shoes or non-slip shoes to avoid slipping.
📸 If you want to take photos, remember to bring lighting equipment, as the cave is dimly lit.
🌿 Protect the cave environment, do not take anything, do not damage the growths, and do not pollute the water source.
Price_Isabella_37
Guizhou Shilong Cave - Is this the ceiling of karst caves in your heart?
Guizhou Shilong Cave - Is this the ceiling of karst caves in your heart?
Qingzhen Shilong Cave—a mysterious landscape hidden deep in nature
The beautiful and spectacular cave landscape, with its variously shaped stalactite forests
Has the title of 'Ceiling of Guizhou Karst Caves'
Of great value for exploration and sightseeing
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🚌Transportation
🔸Depart from Guiyang city center, take a long-distance bus to Qingzhen City, then transfer to local bus or taxi directly to Shilong Cave scenic area, ⏰about 1 hour in total
🔸Friends who drive can travel along the Guihuang Expressway, and reach the destination following the signs after the Qingzhen exit
🔸Those who choose to charter a car can gather in Guiyang from all over the country, with professional transport vehicles to take you to Shilong Cave
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🎈Cave Exploration Play
💦Photography at Yao Pool: Water lanterns illuminate the surface, check in at the beautiful underground Yao Pool of Guizhou's ceiling level, and take amazing photos
💦Paddleboarding in the cave: Travel through the narrow and quiet karst cave, feel a completely different paddleboarding experience
💦Natural cave swimming pool: In summer and autumn, jump into the water to play freely, experience the natural swimming pool in the cave
💦Cave swimming and diving: Even in the high temperatures of summer, the average temperature in the cave is only 17°, which is very suitable for diving and playing
💦Deep cave exploration: There are billions of years old stalactite forests, with various shapes, beautiful and spectacular
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🛠Equipment List
✅Shoes and clothing: Breathable sports shoes/stream trekking shoes, warm clothing
✅Personal items: Camera, power bank, personal medicines, etc.
✅Food and water: Bread, milk, beef jerky, nuts, snacks, etc., 1 bottle of mineral water + electrolyte water each
✅Personal equipment: Paddleboard, helmet, headlamp, diving suit (wetsuit), life jacket, waterproof backpack, mobile phone waterproof bag
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tips：
✔When exploring caves, be sure to protect the cave ecological environment, do not take away any items from the cave, do not damage any growths, do not capture or kill cave animals, and do not pollute the cave water source
✔When walking in the cave, do not run or jump, to avoid causing loose rocks to fall and collapse
✔It is best to find a professional team to enter the cave together, to ensure safety
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