Yellow Dragon Cave - A Miraculous Maze Under the Ground

The Sea-Calming Needle is one of the most iconic features of the Yellow Dragon Cave. This natural stalagmite rises majestically from the cave floor, standing approximately 19.2 meters (63 feet) tall with a diameter of 10 cm at its thinnest part. The formation is named after the mythical weapon used by the Monkey King, Sun Wukong (孙悟空), in the Chinese classic "Journey to the West." The Sea-Calming Needle is revered not just for its size, but for the stories and legends associated with it. Visitors are often left in awe by its sheer scale and the sense of power it exudes, appearing as though it could truly calm the seas.

Dragon Palace Hall (Longgong Hall) 龙宫大厅

The Dragon Palace Hall is a vast underground chamber that serves as the centerpiece of the Yellow Dragon Cave. It was formed over 200,000 years ago and contains a total of 1,705 stalagmites, 516 of which are over 1 meter tall. The hall is named after the mythical underwater palace of the Dragon King, and walking through it feels like stepping into a realm of fantasy. The three treasures of the Dragon Palace Hall are the "Sea-Calming Needle," the "Dragon King's Throne," and the "Millennium Cedar." Also, the hall's acoustics add to its majestic atmosphere, making it a highlight of the cave tour.

Echoing Water River (Xiangshui River) 响水河

The Echoing Water River winds its way through the Yellow Dragon Cave, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise still surroundings. It stretches 2,820 meters in length, of which 800 meters have been developed for tourism.The river's name comes from the clear, resonant sound of the water as it flows over rocks and falls into pools within the cave. The echoes produced by the flowing water create an otherworldly soundtrack, enhancing the mystical experience of exploring the cave. Visitors can take a 8-minute boat ride along the river, gliding through the cave's dark passages, with the sound of the water guiding their way.

Celestial Bridge (Tianxian Bridge) 天仙桥

The Celestial Bridge is a manmade stone bridge that spans the Echoing Water River. This delicate-looking bridge is said to resemble a bridge made for immortals, hence the name "Celestial Bridge." When passing by on the boat, you will see the bridge adorned with lights, which is incredibly beautiiful.

Celestial Waterfall (Tianxian Waterfall) 天仙瀑布

The Celestial Waterfall is a breathtaking natural waterfall found deep within the Yellow Dragon Cave. It is the largest suspended waterfall, both in flow rate and height, among all developed karst caves in China, with a drop of 27.3 meters. The sight and sound of the water tumbling down the rocks into a serene pool below is mesmerizing, evoking a sense of tranquility and awe.

The Labyrinth (Migong) 迷宫

The Labyrinth is a small yet intricate palace of stalactites, also known as the "Underground Magical Palace," a name that captures the otherworldly beauty found within. The stalactites here are crystal-clear and radiate a brilliant glow, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. Throughout the labyrinth, you'll find an array of geological wonders, including delicate stone draperies, intricately formed stone flags, and shimmering stone pearls, all of which add to the sense of magic and wonder that permeates this underground marvel. Please note that there is an extra ¥15 admission fee for the Labyrinth.

To Get There

• By Coach & Bus: Since there is no direct coach to Yellow Dragon Cave, first you need to transfer to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (张家界中心汽车站) and take a bus to Wulingyuan Bus Station (武陵源汽车客运站). From there, catch local bus No. 1, which will take you to the stop for Yellow Dragon Cave.
• China Discovery private transfer: We provide licensed private cars with experienced drivers to take you to all the attractions in Zhangjiajie. For more information on Zhangjiajie tours, please feel free to contact us.

• Route: Entrance → Shuang Men Ying Bin → Dragon Dance Palace → Xiangshui River → Tianxian Waterfall → Mountain of Fruits and Flowers → Tianxian Bridge → Sky Column Street → Dragon Palace Hall → The Labyrinth → Shuijing River → Exit
• Length: 3,200 m total (2,400 m walking and 800 m by boat).
• Visiting Time: Approximately 2 hours (including an 8-minute boat ride).

Tickets

• General Entrance Fee: ¥60/person.
• Additional Fees: ¥36/person for the boat ride; ¥15/person for access to The Labyrinth.
• Discounts: Free for children under 14 and seniors over 65; half price for ages 14-18 and 60-65.

Physical Fitness Requirements

The cave includes many steps, making it challenging for the elderly or those who aren't physically fit to complete the entire route.

What to Wear

The cave maintains an average temperature of around 16℃, making it warm in winter and cool in summer. Dress accordingly, and be sure to wear non-slip shoes, as the steps can be wet and slippery.

Hire A Guide

• Guide Service: To fully appreciate the cave's beauty and enhance your experience, we recommend hiring a professional guide. Yellow Dragon Cave offers guide services at ¥25 per person.
• Private Tours: For a more personalized experience, China Discovery provides private tour guides who can accompany you not only to Yellow Dragon Cave but also to other attractions in Zhangjiajie. Explore our best Zhangjiajie tour packages 2024/2025.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is China's first national forest park. Known for its towering sandstone pillars, lush vegetation, and mist-covered landscapes, it inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." The park spans over 11,900 acres and is home to diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and scenic spots like the famous Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, offering breathtaking views of nature's grandeur.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is a dramatic natural wonder, featuring deep gorges, verdant forests, and towering cliffs. It's famous for the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, which stretches 430 meters across the canyon, offering thrilling views of the landscape below. Visitors can also explore waterfalls, caves, and a scenic hiking trail that descends to the canyon floor, providing a close-up experience of the area’s stunning geological formations.

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain, located just outside Zhangjiajie City, is known for its breathtaking views and dramatic natural features. The mountain is famous for the Tianmen Cave, a natural archway formed by erosion, and the thrilling cliffside glass walkways. Visitors can take the world’s longest cable car ride to the summit, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The winding 99-Bend Road leading to the mountain is another highlight.

Zhangjiajie, a destination renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, is best explored over a span of 3~4 days. In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, visitors can immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of the “Avatar Mountains,” and marvel at the stunning vistas of Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village, and Golden Whip Stream, where a picturesque stream winds through lush greenery. The adventure continues with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, offering panoramic views, and the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the world’s largest and highest glass bridge. These natural wonders, with their seas of clouds, mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, and atmospheric mists and fogs, create a paradise-like experience.

To further enrich the journey, many travelers extend their trip to include the nearby Furong Ancient Town and Fenghuang Ancient Town. These old towns offer a glimpse into the unique culture of the western Hunan ethnic minority, with their characteristic antique wooden stilt houses and serene river views, adding a cultural dimension to the natural splendor of Zhangjiajie.

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