Dragon Palace Scenic Area: A Beautiful and Magical Karst Cave

Written by Veronica | Updated February 13,2026

The Dragon Palace Cave is the longest and most beautiful water cave of karst landforms in China. Also known as Longgong Cave, this natural wonder stretches beneath the limestone peaks of Anshun, creating an underground boat route that seemingly journey to a mythical palace. The cave is famous for things like its unique geological formations, underground rivers, waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites, and it even has the lowest level of natural background radiation in the world. With its surreal beauty and scientific significance, Longgong Cave has become one of the top karst cave systems to explore in Southwest China.

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• Dragon Palace Cave Facts
• What to See and Do in Dragon Palace Cave
• Best Time to Visit Dragon Palace Cave
• Getting to Dragon Palace Cave
• Attractions nearby Dragon Palace Cave
• Essential Tips to Visit Dragon Palace Cave

Dragon Palace Cave Facts

• In Chinese: 贵州龙宫景区
• Location: Xixiu District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, 27 km southwest of Anshun City and 132 km from Guiyang City
• Opening time: 07:30 – 17:30 (March to October); 08:00 – 17:00 (November to February of the following year, except during the Spring Festival); Tickets for the day will be sold out and the entrance to the park will be closed at 17:00.
• Ticket price: CNY150 per person (including sightseeing bus and boat ride)
• Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Best time to visit: March to October
• Suited to: Anyone interested in karst landforms

What to See and Do in Dragon Palace Cave

Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area in Guizhou is a must-visit attraction on your trip to Anshun in Guizhou. It has everything you expect for karst formations, including limestone caves, peak forests, underground rivers, and waterfalls. Stepping into the Dragon Palace Cave is like walking into a museum of karst landscapes. Below are the top things to see and do in this scenic area.

Explore the Dragon Palace Karst Cave

Recognized as the longest karst cave on water in China, Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area stretches 15 kilometers, and a small part of it is open to visitors, which is 1240 meters long. When touring the Dragon Palace Cave, you will find a wide range of stalactites and stalagmites in different colors and shapes, which are mysterious and magnificent. Besides, you can take a boat ride to explore these sites, which gives a sense of traveling in a time tunnel.

Admire the Dragon Gate Waterfall

Dragon Gate Waterfall in Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area is 34 meters high and 26 meters wide, making it the largest karst cave waterfall in China. It hangs in the valley like a huge gate, hence the name. The waterfall pours down from a crescent hole on the top with tremendous momentum. Besides, visit there on a sunny day, and you will see a beautiful rainbow formed by the sun shining on the water, which makes it more spectacular.

Marvel at the Whirlpool

This karst funnel landform is a wonder of the scenic area of Dragon Palace Cave. Covering an area of 8012 square meters, the Whirlpool is a round pool where the water flows in a clockwise direction all the time and forms a whirlpool. Standing by the poolside, you can see the village at the hillside, of which the residences are stone-structured and well-arranged.

Discover Avalokitesvara Cave

Avalokitesvara Cave in Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area is the largest Buddhist cave in China, and it covers an area of 20,000 square meters and reaches over 60 meters high. There are many Buddha halls in this area, and all of them are natural karst landforms rather than artificial structures. You will find 32 Buddha statues in the cave, among which the statue of Avalokitesvara is 12.6 meters tall. Surrounded by peaks and waters, Avalokitesvara Cave is a wonderful place to visit on your Guizhou tours.

Best Time to Visit Dragon Palace Cave

Dragon Palace Cave is open all year round, and the best time to visit there is from March to October. During these months, the climate is mild and you can enjoy the different scenery of this area. Avoid getting there in winter, as it will be cold.

Getting to Dragon Palace Cave

If you find yourself in Anshun City, go to Anshun East Bus Station and take a bus to Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area. From 7:00 in the morning to 6:30 in the afternoon, there is a round-trip service every hour. Besides, Dragon Palace Cave in Anshun is located near Huangguoshu Waterfall, and there are shuttle buses between these two sites. If you want to make the most of your Guizhou tours to Anshun, you can explore both attractions on the same day.

Attractions nearby Dragon Palace Cave

• Huangguoshu Waterfall:Located about 50 kilometers from Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Area, this is the largest waterfall in Asia and one of the most beautiful places in China.
• : Located about 60 km from Dragon Palace CaveScenic Spot, this area mainly features unique karst landscapes and underground caves.
• Xijiang Miao Village: It is home to the Miao ethnic minority group. Visiting there, you can learn more about the Miao culture. By the way, the night view of the village is spectacular when the lights are on, never miss it.

Essential Tips to Visit Dragon Palace Cave

• Best time for flower viewing: From March to April, there will be vibrant rape flowers bloom in the surrounding fields, making it an ideal time for a spring outing around the Longgong Cave area.
• Rainy season considerations:The rainy season runs from May to October, and during this time, the cave will gain higher water levels with more dramatic scenery. However, some areas—especially the second section of the underground cruise—may close due to heavy rain for safety considerations. 
• Ticket refund policy: If parts of the scenic area are closed due to unexpected conditions like weather, ticket prices will be reduced by 50%. Make sure to check with your guide or go to the official website for updates and refund options.
• Avoiding crowds: During national holidays, this site can be extremely crowded. Remember to arrive early before it’s fully packed.
• Combine with Huangguoshu Waterfall: Since Dragon Palace is close to Huangguoshu waterfall, another breathtaking natural wonder in Guizhou, planning a same-day visit can make your itinerary more efficient.
• Dining and accommodation:Although meals and lodging are available within the scenic area, most of them are with higher prices and lower quality. Food and accommodation in Anshun City will be much better.
• Mind your head:Some cave passages are narrow and low. So you need to be cautious during the boat ride and walking sections.

Explore the Dragon Palace Cave with Chinaxiantour

From the magical Karst cave exploration and local ethnic minority culture experience to the nearby classic Huangguoshu Waterfall escape, we’ve got your Guizhou trip covered. Our expertly crafted Guizhou tours will make travelling to the remote, lesser-known sites feel effortless.

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