Zhijin Cave
织金洞
Known as the 'King of Karst Caves,' this giant limestone cave is a core part of a world geopark, and its stalactites, stalagmites and draperies are among the most varied in China.
Zhijin Cave lies about 23 km northeast of Zhijin County town. It was discovered in 1980 and originally called Dajidong (Chicken-Beating Cave). Its surveyed length is 13.5 km, with a highest point of about 150 m and a widest point of about 170 m. It is one of China's largest and most richly decorated caves. In 2015, the geopark centered on Zhijin Cave was added to UNESCO's World Geopark list. Inside you will find formations such as the Silver Rain Tree, a slender stone column about 17 m tall that is considered the cave's greatest treasure, along with the Helmet of the Overlord, Wanshou Mountain, the Pagoda Forest and the Moon Palace. Under the lights, the formations glow in layers. The visiting route is about 6.6 km, mostly stone steps with steep ups and downs. The full tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and visitors enter in groups following a guide. Tickets cost about 100-plus yuan in peak season. Shuttle buses run within the scenic area, and the Zhijin Cave Museum outside the entrance is worth a stop. Getting there: about 2 hours by car from Guiyang. Buses and taxis run from Zhijin County town to the cave in about 40 minutes. Notes: the cave floor is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. It is about 15°C inside, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Touching the stalactites and using flash photography are prohibited.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00 (last entry to the cave about 16:00)
Nearby sights
- Zhijin Grand Canyon
- Zhigaaru Lake (Hongjiadu Reservoir)
- Zhijin Old Town
- Wujiang Source Gallery & Huawu Village
- Shuixi Ancient Town
- Baili Rhododendron Jinpo Scenic Area
- Baili Rhododendron Forest
- Tomb of Shexiang & Shexiang Museum