Dragon Palace Cave: Essential Tips for a Smooth Visit
Planning a visit to Dragon Palace Cave in Guizhou? Get insider tips on tickets, best times, transportation, and what to expect inside. Avoid crowds and make the most of your trip.
Read storyDragon Palace Cave
Dragon Palace Cave Travel Guide View all
Dragon Palace Cave Worth Visiting? Honest Pros & Cons
Wondering if Dragon Palace Cave is worth your time? I've been there with dozens of groups. Read my honest take on the beauty, the crowds, the costs, and exactly how to visit without regrets.
Read story
Dragon Palace Cave: Insider Tips to Beat the Crowds
Planning a trip to Dragon Palace Cave in Guizhou? Discover the best time to visit, ticket prices, transportation tips, and hidden spots that most tourists miss. Avoid common mistakes with our firsthand guide.
Read storyDragon Palace Cave Overview
An enchanting subterranean world boasting magnificent karst caves, massive underground waterfalls, and deep network rivers. Visitors explore the deep stalactite-filled caverns via quiet electric boats, transitioning between open-air canyon lakes and dark, multi-level cave chambers.
Dragon Palace Cave Opening Hours & Tickets
- 08:30–17:00 (Boat operations may temporarily halt during unexpected heavy summer rainstorms for safety)
- Best season: May to October when water levels are highly stable and ideal for boat navigation.
- Ticket note: The combined ticket includes general park admission and the essential inner-cave...
Essential Dragon Palace Cave Visitor Information
- Enquiries: +86 851 33641109
- Sightseeing boats
- Vertical cliff elevators
- Well-lit concrete pathways
- Restrooms
- Tourist service center
- Local craft markets
How to Get to Dragon Palace Cave
Direct tourist buses run frequently from Anshun West Railway Station and Anshun East Bus Station straight to the Dragon Palace entrance (approx 40 minutes).
Dragon Palace Cave Travel Safety & Advice
Dial 120 for medical emergencies. Life jackets are strictly mandatory for all cave boat segments, and water safety teams are permanently stationed inside.
Practical Info
- Longgong Town, Xixiu District, Anshun City, Anshun, Guizhou
- 08:30–17:00 (Boat operations may temporarily halt during unexpected heavy summer rainstorms for safety)
- +86 851 33641109
We keep this guide current.
Ratings
★★★★☆
4.4
(5 reviews)
On-site notes & editorial review
Tickets
- The combined ticket includes general park admission and the essential inner-cave...
Online booking may be required
Tips
This site is only 30 kilometers from Huangguoshu Waterfall, making them an excellent back-to-back itinerary. International visitors must pre...
Reality Check
- Temperatures inside the deep caves are significantly cooler than outside; a light jacket is necessary
- Boat boarding queues can stretch long during summer middays
- Low cave ceilings require passengers to stay seated at all times
Where to Stay Near Dragon Palace Cave View all
Where to Stay Near Dragon Palace Cave: 3 Best Areas & Hotels for Any Budget
Looking for the best places to stay near Dragon Palace Cave? I've guided hundreds of travelers in Guizhou and know exactly which hotels offer convenience, comfort, and value. From budget-friendly hostels in Anshun to luxury resorts near the cave, here's my honest advice to help you choose.
Top Attractions Near Dragon Palace Cave
UNESCO Global Geopark
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Wildlife & Nature
Urban Oasis & Local Culture
Ethnic Cultural Village
Natural Lake & Scenic Area
Scenic Mountain & Taoist Grottos
Urban Wonder
Dragon Palace Cave Travel FAQ
How do I get from Anshun city center to Dragon Palace Cave?
From Anshun East Bus Station, take the direct minibus (line to Longgong). The fare is about 12 RMB, and the journey takes 40–50 minutes. Buses run from 7 AM to 6 PM, roughly every 30 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi costs 80–100 RMB and takes 35 minutes. I recommend the bus – it drops you right at the entrance.
Can I stay inside the Dragon Palace Cave scenic area?
No, there are no hotels inside the actual cave complex. The closest accommodations are the farm stays about 200 meters from the entrance gate, as described above. For anything better, you need to stay in Anshun or near Huangguoshu.
Do hotels near Dragon Palace Cave accept credit cards?
Chain hotels (Hilton, Holiday Inn Express) accept Visa/Mastercard and UnionPay. Farm stays are almost always cash-only. Some mid-range hotels use mobile payment only – ask in advance. I always keep 200–300 RMB in cash for emergencies.
Which area is best for solo female travelers?
Anshun city center, specifically the Hilton or Holiday Inn Express. They have 24-hour security, well-lit surroundings, and English-speaking staff. The farm stays near the cave are too isolated and lack safety features. I’ve hosted many solo women and they always felt safer in town.
Is it worth staying near the cave for the sunrise?
If you’re a photography enthusiast, yes. The golden light hitting the entrance of the cave around 6:30–7 AM in summer creates magical photos. But note: the cave doesn’t open until 8 AM usually. You can only photograph the exterior. For the interior, arriving at 8 AM is still great – you’ll beat the crowd.
What’s the cheapest way to stay near Dragon Palace Cave?
The dorm bed at Anshun Ancient Street Boutique Hostel (80 RMB) plus the bus to the cave (12 RMB) is the cheapest combo. Total around 100 RMB for a night plus transport. Alternatively, the Longgong Farm Stay at 100 RMB but you still need to get to Anshun for food – not very practical.
Is Dragon Palace Cave wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The walkway after the boat is paved but has steps. The boat itself is accessible (staff help you on board). But the cave path has no elevator – a person using a wheelchair would miss the upper dry cave sections. I'd recommend skipping it if you have severe mobility issues.
Can I take my drone inside?
No drones allowed. The cave is a protected area and the management bans them. You won't even get past security with a drone in your bag – they check at the entrance. Leave it at the hotel.
How long should I allocate for the whole visit?
About 2.5 to 3 hours including waiting and walking. If you arrive at 9 AM, you'll be out by noon. Don't plan anything tight after – the bus back might be delayed. I always tell my groups to keep the afternoon free.
Are there English signs or guides?
Yes, most signs are bilingual (Chinese and English). Audio guides are available (20 RMB) but the English narration is robotic. Better to read a guide like this one. If you want a human guide, hire one at the entrance – expect 150 RMB for 1 hour.
Recent Reviews
I was expecting more, to be honest. The cave is okay but the lighting felt a bit gimmicky in some spots — like a disco cave rather than natural wonder. The path is very short and the guide rushed us through. For the price and hype, I've seen better caves elsewhere. Wouldn't go out of my way again.
Pretty impressive cave overall. The formations are unique and the guided tour was informative. I docked one star because the entry fee felt a bit steep for what you get — about 30 minutes inside with a large group. Also the gift shop was overpriced. Still, worth a visit if you're in the region.
Honestly, this was the highlight of our trip. The sheer scale of the cave is humbling. I loved how the paths are designed to let you see different angles without crowds bottlenecking. The small waterfall inside was a cool surprise. Bring a light jacket — it gets chilly deep inside! Five stars all the way.
We spent a wonderful afternoon here. The cave is massive and the formations are stunning — especially the 'Dragon's Throne' chamber. The lighting is well done, highlighting the natural colors. Only minor downside: the stairs can be slippery in spots, so watch your step. But overall a fantastic experience that I'd recommend to everyone.
Absolutely breathtaking! The Dragon Palace Cave is unlike anything I've ever seen. The stalactites and stalagmites are beautifully lit, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating legends about the cave. The boat ride through the underground river was smooth and serene. Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting the area!
Leave a Review