Known as the Dragon's Palace, Longgong Cave is a vast network of underground cavities located in Matou, roughly thirty kilometres from Anshun, in the Guizhou province. The site combines a navigable underground river, a 34-metre waterfall and a karst environment typical of south-west Chine.

Why visit Longgong Cave

Longgong ranks among the great karst sites of Guizhou, a region renowned for its limestone landscapes carved by water. The location's distinctive feature lies in the scale of its network: around twenty hills connected by galleries, and an underground river flowing through nearly 90 cavities. The visit combines a boat ride of roughly one kilometre and the discovery of an outdoor landscape made up of karst peaks, hills and waterfalls.

Unlike purely speleological caves, Longgong is developed for tourism and accessible without special equipment. Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours on site depending on your pace and visitor numbers.

What to see on site

The entrance waterfall

At the entrance to the galleries, a 34-metre high and 25-metre wide cascade marks the beginning of the tour. It is considered one of the three natural wonders of the site and provides a striking visual landmark before entering the cavities.

The Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and boat ride

The Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, serves as the departure point for small boats that travel roughly one kilometre through the galleries. The underground river runs along illuminated walls, punctuated by stalactites, stalagmites and limestone formations.

The five chambers crossed

The boat route connects five successive chambers:

• the Dragon Reception Hall,
• the Dragon Gorge,
• the Five Dragons Hall,
• the Well Chamber,
• the Three Gorges Hall.

Ambient music is played in the cavities and lighting highlights the walls. The progression remains calm and suitable for families.

The outdoor landscape

Beyond the caves, the park showcases a characteristic karst landscape: rounded hills, limestone peaks and secondary waterfalls. This outdoor section is walked and usefully complements the underground visit.

When to visit

The site is generally accessible year-round, but conditions vary by season. The most favourable period runs from May to October, when vegetation is lush and waterfalls are well-fed.

In case of heavy rains, access to the cavities may be temporarily closed: rising water levels make navigation impossible. Better to check the opening status the day before your visit, especially during the wet season (June-July).

How to get there

The simplest access is from Anshun, about thirty kilometres away. Buses depart regularly, roughly one departure per hour, from Anshun West Bus Station. Returns operate on a similar frequency, with a final departure mid-afternoon: plan your departure accordingly to avoid getting stranded.

Anshun itself is connected to Guiyang, capital of Guizhou, by train and motorway, making it possible to include Longgong in a regional circuit.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including the boat ride and outdoor tour.
• Opening hours: daytime opening, generally from morning until late afternoon (subject to change).
• Admission: combined park and boat ticket, at a moderate level for a developed natural site in Chine.
• What to bring: closed-toe shoes (ground sometimes wet), a light layer for the boat ride, optional torch.
• Accessibility: mostly flat route, but some steps and low passages in the galleries.

What to see in the region

Longgong combines well with other sites in Guizhou and mainland Chine, particularly other remarkable natural and cultural landscapes:

• Hexigten Geopark — another remarkable example of Chine's geological landscape.
• Beishan Temple — to extend your visit with a Buddhist site.
• Beijing Botanical Garden — if your itinerary heads towards the capital.
• Baigongfang Handicraft Museum — to explore the cultural dimension of your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your trip

Longgong Cave fits into a broader itinerary across Guizhou or south-west Chine. To plan a custom stay including Anshun, its karst landscapes and the region's ethnic minority villages, explore our Chine travel ideas.