Dragon Palace (Longgong) Scenic Area is located in the southern suburb of Anshun City, adjacent to HuangGuoshu Scenic Area, 116 kilometers away from the provincial capital Guiyang City, with a total area of 60 square kilometers.
Dragon Palace Scenic Area is a national key scenic spot with karst caves, canyons, waterfalls, peaks, cliffs, rivers, stone forests, and other karst geological landscapes. It boasts the longest and most beautiful water cave, the largest cave Buddhist hall, the largest cave waterfall in China, and the world's largest and most concentrated water and drought cave, among other high-grade scenic resources. It is praised as "the Great Wonder of Nature" by tourists.
What to See in Dragon Palace (Longgong) Scenic Area
Longmen Waterfall
Longmen Waterfall is a stunning example of a karst dark waterfall, formed by the tumbling waters of Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake. With a cave height of 50 meters, a waterfall height of 38 meters, and a width of 25 meters, it holds the distinction of being the largest karst cave waterfall in China. The force of the water as it plunges through the cave roof and cascades down is truly breathtaking.
Tianchi (Heavenly Lake)
The Tianchi, or Heavenly Lake, with an altitude of 1170 meters and a length of 220 meters, it covers an area of 12,500 square meters and boasts an average depth of 28 meters. This lake is not only visually stunning but also holds the distinction of being one of the lowest natural radiation dose rate places in the world, as measured by the Chinese Atomic Energy Agency.
Longgong Cave
Longgong Cave is renowned for its diverse and breathtaking underground landscapes. As visitors descend into the cave, they are treated to a visual feast of stalactites, stalagmites, and other karst formations that have been shaped by millions of years of geological processes. These formations, often resembling everything from delicate flowers to towering pillars, create a magical and surreal atmosphere. The echoes of footsteps and voices bouncing off the cave walls create a haunting and ethereal soundscape that further enhances the sense of being in a magical place.
Guanyin Cave (Avalokitesvara Cave)
Guanyin Cave, also known as Avalokitesvara Cave, is aptly named after a towering stalactite that rises 50 meters within the cavern, resembling a statue of Avalokitesvara. Boasting a total area exceeding 20,000 square meters, Guanyin Cave holds the distinction of being the largest cavern monastery in China. Remarkably, all the "Buddhist Halls" within the cave are natural karst formations. At the heart of the cave stands a magnificent white-clothed Avalokitesvara statue, towering at a height of 12.6 meters. It is the tallest such cave statue in China.
Dragon Field
Not far from the exit, a vast field reveals a stunning sight: a gargantuan Chinese calligraphy character, '龍' (signifying 'dragon'). This remarkable figure is uniquely 'written' using two distinctively colored crops, creating a vibrant and visually arresting display. Spanning an immense 80,000 square meters, it holds the distinction of being the largest Chinese character in the world.
Rape Flower
The environs of Longgong Cave are equally captivating, embracing verdant mountains, flowing rivers, and a profusion of flowers. In the springtime, the scenery is particularly enchanting as acres of golden rape flowers come into full bloom, painting the landscape in a vibrant hue.
Owing to the unique karst terrain, the rape blossoms in this region appear in a layered, wavy pattern, offering a distinctly different visual experience from the blossoms one might find on the plains. To commemorate this natural splendor, the locals gather annually for a Rape Blossom Festival during the spring season. This festive occasion is not only a celebration of the beauty of nature but also a showcase of various ethnic minority performances.
Travel Tips
Address: Longgong Town, Xixiu District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province
Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
Opening Hours: March to October: 07:30-17:30
November to February: 08:00-17:00
Tickets Price(cruise included): CNY 130
Shuttle bus: CNY 20
Scenic Spot Level: National AAAAA Tourist Attraction
Climate: subtropical monsoon climate
Best time to visit: March to October
Must-sees: Longmen Waterfall, Longgong Cave, Dragon Field