Dragon Palace Cave: Insider Tips to Beat the Crowds

I've led dozens of tours through Dragon Palace Cave (Longgong) over the past eight years, and let me tell you—most first-timers walk in blind and walk out kicking themselves. The cave is stunning, but the crowds, the lighting, and the boat rides can turn a magical experience into a sweaty hassle if you don't plan ahead.
So here's what I've learned the hard way.

What Makes Dragon Palace Cave Special

Dragon Palace Cave isn't just one cave—it's a massive limestone complex with underground rivers, waterfalls, and huge chambers lit by colored lights. The boat ride through the dark cave is the highlight. You float silently (well, not so silently if you go with a tour bus group) while stalactites hang overhead. The water is crystal clear in some spots, and the reflections are surreal.
What sets it apart from other Guizhou caves is the sheer scale. One chamber, the "Palace Hall," is the size of a football field. It's genuinely impressive.

Best Time to Visit: Timing is Everything

Weekday mornings, March–May or September–October. That's the sweet spot. Summer (June–August) is packed with domestic tourists, and the humidity inside the cave makes you feel like you're breathing through a wet towel. Winter (December–February) is quieter but colder—the cave stays around 15°C, so bring a light jacket.
If you must go in summer, arrive at the ticket counter before 8:30 AM. The tour buses usually roll in around 10 AM. I've seen queues stretch 200 meters by 11 AM.

Tickets & Prices (Latest Update)

As of my last visit, here's the breakdown. Note: prices change, so always double-check on the official WeChat mini-program.

You must book in advance during Chinese holidays (May Day, National Day). Use Trip.com or the official WeChat account—same price, no surcharge.

How to Get to Dragon Palace Cave

It's located about 27 km southwest of Anshun city center. Here's how to reach it:

• From Anshun West Bus Station: Take the bus marked "龙宫" (Longgong). It leaves roughly every 30 minutes from 7 AM to 4 PM. Cost: 10 CNY. The ride takes 40–50 minutes. Get off at the scenic area entrance.
• By taxi from Anshun: About 80–100 CNY one way (negotiate before you go). Drivers often wait at the exit to take you back, but expect to pay 120 CNY for the return tip.
• From Guiyang: High-speed train to Anshun (1 hour, 50 CNY). Then bus/taxi as above. Total travel time from Guiyang: 2–2.5 hours.

What to Expect Inside: The Boat Ride & Walking Route

The tour is divided into two parts: a boat ride through the underground river, and a walking trail through a dry cave. The boat ride is about 20 minutes, but you'll wait in line—sometimes up to 1 hour during peak season.
Once you board, each boat holds about 8–10 people. The boatman rows slowly, so you have plenty of time to take photos. Pro tip: sit on the right side if you want the best reflections.
After the boat, you walk through a series of illuminated chambers. The paths are well-lit but can be slippery—I've seen more than a few tourists slip on wet stone. Wear closed shoes with grip.
There's also a small waterfall inside called the "Dragon's Breath"—it's a narrow cascade that hits a pool. Pretty, but not worth rushing for.

5 Common Mistakes Tourists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Visiting on a rainy day

The water level inside the cave rises quickly after heavy rain. Sometimes the boat ride is suspended. Check the weather in Anshun. If it's been raining heavily for 2 days straight, delay your trip.

2. Not bringing a flashlight

The cave paths are lit, but there are darker corners and you'll get better photos if you have a small torch to highlight details. Your phone flashlight works, but a proper one helps you avoid puddles.

3. Eating at the only restaurant inside the scenic area

Overpriced and mediocre — 45 CNY for a bowl of noodles that tastes like cardboard. I always tell my groups to bring snacks and eat a proper meal in Anshun afterward. There's a nice local place called Wang's Guizhou Noodles at 168 Huangguoshu Avenue that does a mean spicy beef noodle for 15 CNY.

4. Wearing flip-flops

I've seen it more times than I can count. The walkways are wet, and you'll be waiting in line on uneven stone. Shoes with good grip save you from a twisted ankle.

5. Forgetting to bring cash

Most of the small vendors near the entrance only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. International cards? Forget it. I always carry 200 CNY in small bills for snacks, drinks, or parking fees. There's an ATM at the visitor center, but it often runs out of cash on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to tour Dragon Palace Cave?

Plan for 2.5 to 3 hours, but add an extra hour if you go on weekends when the boat queue is long. The walking part is about 1.2 km—easy for most people.

Can I take a stroller inside the cave?

Technically yes, but you'll struggle on the boat. The boat has a step down, and you'd have to fold the stroller. I'd recommend carrying your child in a baby carrier instead; I've seen too many parents wrestle with strollers on the narrow paths.

Is Dragon Palace Cave suitable for elderly people with mobility issues?

Partially. The boat ride is fine, but the walking trail includes some stairs (about 50 steps up and down). No elevator. If your party has serious difficulty with stairs, consider skipping the dry cave section—the boat ride alone is worth it. Let the staff know at the entrance, and they can arrange a shorter route.

Is the cave wheelchair accessible?

Not really. The paths are too narrow in places, and the boat entry has no ramp. I've seen wheelchairs at the visitor center, but not inside. If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, contact the scenic area in advance—they may offer a modified tour, but no guarantees.

Are there any photo restrictions?

No restrictions on cameras or phones, but tripods are not allowed inside due to space constraints. Flash photography is permitted but you'll get better results with a high ISO setting. Also, the boat ride is bumpy—use a fast shutter speed.

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.