Tao Xu
I've taken dozens of groups through Dragon Palace Cave (Longgong) in Guizhou, and every time I see the same mistakes: people show up at midday, queue for an hour, and miss the boat because they didn't know the last entry time. Let me save you that headache.
Dragon Palace Cave is a massive limestone cave system with underground rivers, boat rides, and waterfalls. It's about 30 km from Anshun city. Here's how to nail your visit.
Basics: Tickets & Hours
First, the cold hard facts. Check the table below – then I'll tell you what the brochure doesn't.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket price (adult) | 150 RMB (peak season Mar-Nov), 120 RMB (off-peak Dec-Feb) |
| Children (1.2-1.4 m) | 75 RMB / 60 RMB |
| Seniors (60+) | Free (must show passport at counter) |
| Boat ride (mandatory) | Included in ticket (you must take a boat to explore the main cave) |
| Opening hours | 8:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:00; last boat 16:30) |
| Required advance booking? | Not required, but highly recommended on weekends/holidays. Book via WeChat mini-program 'Dragon Palace Scenic Area' or Ctrip/Trip.com. |
Getting There
From Anshun City Center
You have three options:
1. Bus (cheapest): Take bus 3 or 4 from Anshun Bus Station to Longgong stop. The ride is about 40 minutes, costs 8 RMB. Buses run every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 18:00. Get off at the main entrance – you can't miss the giant dragon gate.
2. Taxi / Didi (most convenient): From Anshun city center to the cave entrance costs around 60–80 RMB (30 min). Show the driver '龙宫' (Lóng Gōng). Make sure to negotiate a fixed price or use the app – some drivers will try to overcharge.
3. Tour bus from Guiyang: Many day tours from Guiyang include Dragon Palace Cave. If you're short on time, book a tour on Klook or Trip.com (around 300 RMB including round transport, guide, and lunch). But you lose flexibility – I prefer going DIY.
Best Time to Visit
Morning (8:30 – 10:00) is your golden window. The first boats start at 8:30, and you'll beat the tour groups that arrive around 10:30. I've walked straight onto the boat at 9:00 with zero wait. After 11:00, expect 30–50 minute queues for the boat.
Season: May–October is the best weather (cool inside, around 18°C year-round). Winter is okay but darker and the boat ride feels colder. Avoid Chinese public holidays (Oct 1-7, May 1-3, Spring Festival) – it's a zoo. I once saw a 2-hour queue for the boat on National Day. Never again.
What to Expect Inside
You walk through a man-made tunnel first, then board a small boat (8–10 people) that takes you into the cave. The boat ride lasts about 25 minutes through a series of caverns with colored lights illuminating stalactites and stalagmites. There's a 'dragon' shape formed by rocks – that's the namesake.
After the boat, you get off and walk through more dry caves, including a 'Waterfall Cave' where an underground waterfall drops 30 meters. The total walking loop inside is about 1.5 km, with steps and some slippery sections. Wear non-slip shoes – I've seen flip-flops disaster.
Photography: The lights are dim. Use a phone with night mode or a camera with good low-light performance. Flash reflects off the wet rocks – don't bother. And watch your head: low stalactites will smack you if you're over 1.8 m.
Pro Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Here's stuff most guides won't tell you:
- The toilet situation: There's a restroom near the ticket office. Use it BEFORE you go in. Inside the cave there are no toilets. I had a family with a kid who begged to get off the boat – awkward.
- Lighting: The cave is poorly lit in some spots. Bring a small flashlight or use your phone light. The provided lights are minimal.
- Temperature: It's a constant 18°C inside. In summer, bring a light jacket. In winter, a sweater is fine. I've seen people shivering in shorts.
- Photography timing: The best photos are during the boat ride from the third boat position (front rows get splashed). Sit on the right side of the boat – that's where the most impressive stalactites are.
- Avoid the 1–2 PM slot: That's when tour buses unload. You'll be stuck in line. Go early or wait until 3 PM after the rush.
- Combine with nearby spots: If you have a full day, after the cave visit the Tunpu Ancient Town or Huangguoshu Waterfall (30 min drive). But don't try to do both in one day – you'll be exhausted.
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