Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Cave

黄龙洞

A huge karst cave on the eastern side of Wulingyuan, with underground river boat rides, the Divine Needle stalagmite and a Dragon Palace hall, the best alternative to Zhangjiajie's scenery on rainy or foggy days.

Huanglong Cave is located in Hekou Village, Suoxiyu Subdistrict, Wulingyuan District. It is about 8 km from Wulingyuan's urban area and about 20 minutes by car from the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It is a large limestone karst cave about 7 km long, rising to a maximum height of 140 m. It has four levels, 13 halls, 96 corridors and 3 underground rivers. It opened in 1984 and is one of the earliest karst caves in China to be opened to tourists. The route is about 3 km and takes around 2 hours. You first take a boat for about 8 minutes along the underground river known as the Xiangshui River. Then you walk up stone steps past the Dragon Dance Hall, the Heavenly Immortal Palace and the Maze, finally reaching the largest hall, the Dragon Palace. It is tens of metres high and filled with more than a thousand stalagmites. The Divine Needle for Calming the Sea stands 19.2 m tall, is only 10 cm in diameter and has been growing for 200,000 years. It is the treasure of Huanglong Cave and was once insured for 100 million yuan. Tickets cost about 100 to 118 yuan (including the boat ride). Buying online is slightly cheaper. Extras include performances in the Maze and the Huanglong Music Hall. Getting there: a direct bus runs from the Wulingyuan bus station (about 15 minutes), and a taxi costs about 20 yuan. From Zhangjiajie city centre, it takes about 50 minutes. It is best combined on the same day with the Glass Bridge at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, or used as an alternative when it is rainy or foggy. Notes: Humidity inside is high and the stone steps are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. The route is one-way, and you cannot turn back. Lighting is dim, so use night mode for photos. Outside, you can also take a quick look at the Hallelujah Music Hall and the rice-paddy scenery.

Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Cave

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