
Located in the western suburbs of Anshun City, Guizhou Province, Dragon Palace Cave (Longgong Cave) is one of the most spectacular karst attractions in southwest China. Famous for its underground rivers, magnificent limestone caves, waterfalls, and unique geological formations, the scenic area is often described as a natural underground palace.
Covering an area of nearly 60 square kilometers, Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area combines breathtaking natural landscapes with rich ethnic culture, making it one of the must-visit destinations in Guizhou.
The main cave resembles the legendary crystal palace where the Dragon King lives in Chinese mythology, which inspired the name “Dragon Palace.”
A Unique Karst Landscape in Guizhou
Guizhou is famous for its karst landforms, and Dragon Palace Cave is one of the finest examples of this geological wonder. Over millions of years, underground rivers have shaped a spectacular cave system filled with:
* Limestone formations
* Stalactites and stalagmites
* Underground lakes
* Natural waterfalls
* Stone forests and cliffs
The scenic area contains more than 90 limestone caves, connected by an underground river stretching approximately 5,000 meters beneath more than 30 hills.
Main Attractions of Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area
The scenic area consists of four major sections:
* Rape Flower Lake Area
* Whirlpool Area
* Leech Pass Area
* Dragon Palace Cave Area
Among them, the Dragon Palace Cave is the highlight and the most impressive attraction.
Dragon Palace Cave – A Boat Journey Through an Underground Palace
Dragon Palace Cave is a vast underground cave system connected by an underground river. Visitors can take a boat ride through the mysterious caves and enjoy constantly changing views of the underground world.
The underground river reaches a depth of about 28 meters and can expand to more than 30 meters wide in some sections. As the boat moves deeper into the cave, visitors can admire spectacular limestone formations illuminated by soft lights.
The peaceful underground atmosphere, combined with the unique shapes of stalactites and rock formations, creates an unforgettable adventure.
Dragon Gate Waterfall – A Natural Wonder Inside the Cave
Near the entrance of Dragon Palace Cave, water from Tianchi Lake flows down dramatically beside the cave entrance, forming the impressive Dragon Gate Waterfall (Longmen Waterfall).
The waterfall is approximately:
* 34 meters high
* 25 meters wide
Local people compare the waterfall to a white dragon leaving its cave, which is why it is called Dragon Gate Waterfall.
Together with the underground river and cave landscapes, the waterfall is considered one of the most remarkable natural highlights of the scenic area.
Experience Bouyei Ethnic Culture
The area around Dragon Palace Cave is home to many Bouyei ethnic communities, offering visitors an opportunity to experience local traditions and rural lifestyles.
During a visit, travelers can discover:
* Traditional Bouyei villages
* Local customs and festivals
* Ethnic handicrafts
* Traditional architecture
* Local food and hospitality
The combination of natural scenery and ethnic culture makes Dragon Palace Cave more than just a geological attraction—it is also a place to experience the cultural diversity of Guizhou.
Visit Dragon Palace Cave
With its underground rivers, spectacular caves, waterfalls, and unique ethnic culture, Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area is one of the most fascinating destinations in Anshun and Guizhou Province.
A visit here allows travelers to explore a hidden underground world shaped by nature over millions of years while experiencing the traditional culture of southwest China.
Dragon Palace Cave is often visited together with nearby attractions such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, making it an excellent addition to a Guizhou travel itinerary.