Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave 黄龙洞), known as "the wonder of the world's caves", is one of China's largest karst cave complexes.
Picture your kids marveling at underground rivers and towering stalagmites, like stepping into a fantasy world. However, be prepared for 900+ stairs and 2 hours of walking.
If you have limited mobility or knee problems, consider alternative attractions.
- Chinese: 黄龙洞Huánglóng Dòng /hwung-long dong/ 'Yellow Dragon Cave'
- Cave Scale: 7 km total length (only part open), 140 meters at the highest point
- Operating Hours: Nov.–Feb. 8:00–17:00 | Mar.–Oct. 8:00–17:30
- Time Needed: 2–3 hours
- Admission: CNY 118 (discounts for under 18 and over 60)
- Best For: Families with children, cave enthusiasts, and geology lovers
How to Visit Yellow Dragon Cave
Yellow Dragon Cave follows a one-way route with no turning back once you enter.
Part 1: Descent & Natural Stone Halls (30–40 minutes)
The Dragon Dance Palace in Yellow Dragon CaveYou'll begin by descending stairs through massive chambers filled with stalagmites and stalactites.
The colorful lighting creates dramatic shadows on formations named after Chinese legends — "Dragon Dance Palace"(龙舞厅), "Golden and Silver Ancient Weapons"(金戈银枪), which can feel abstract if you're unfamiliar with the stories.
That's where a good guide makes all the difference. Our China Highlights guides don't just recite names; they'll paint the legends in ways that resonate, and point out details you'd otherwise walk right past.
Part 2: Underground River Cruise (8–10 minutes)
You'll reach Xiangshui River (响水河) and board a boat for an 800-meter glide through the cave's wet level, where the only sounds are lapping water and the occasional drip from stalactites overhead.
When you are enjoying the beautiful lighting and shadow, keep an eye out for giant salamanders lurking in the dark waters that are rarely spotted. The boat ride is included in your ticket.
Tips for Avoiding the Crowds
Summer sees the heaviest crowds, and the queues can add 30–60 minutes to your visit, especially at the underground river dock.
Beat the rush by visiting right after lunch (1:00–2:00 PM) or arriving when gates open in the morning. Morning visits (8:00–9:00 AM) offer the thinnest crowds for photography, while the post-lunch window is more crowded and dimmer.
Part 3: Post-Cruise Highlights (40–50 minutes)
The Dragon Palace in Yellow Dragon CaveAfter disembarking at Fairy Bridge(天仙桥), you'll enter the section where the cave shows off its grandest formations:
- Dragon Palace (龙宫/后宫): Imagine standing in a hall the size of two football courts (14,000 sqm), surrounded by over 1,700 stalagmites rising like an ancient forest. The largest, "The King's Throne", towers 12 meters high, with a hollow base that can accommodate 15 adults.
- Sea-suppressing Needle (定海神针): Located in Dragon Palace, you will see the tallest stalagmite as soon as you step inside, which is over 19 meters high. It is thick in the middle and thin at both ends, just like the magic weapon that Sun Wukong stole from the Dragon Palace in the Chinese mythological story "Journey to the West", hence its name.
- Fairy Waterfall (天仙水瀑布): Features China's largest limestone waterfall group (normally there is one waterfall, but during the rainy season there are four), cascading 40 meters, plus a real 27-meter waterfall that echoes through the chamber.
Final Part: The Climb Out (30 minutes)
The Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder in Yellow Dragon CaveYou'll ascend the "Hundred-Step Cloud Ladder" to exit. This is where most visitors slow down and take breaks. This section is the most physically demanding.
Exit Option: If you want to skip walking as much as you could, you can skip the Fairy Bridge stop and return directly to the dock, then head to the exit. However, you'll miss the cave's best sections. So weigh your energy levels carefully before deciding.
What to Wear and Bring Before Visiting Yellow Dragon Cave
Floors are wet and slippery throughout, so wear shoes with a strong grip and watch your steps when walking.
The cave maintains a constant 15°C (59°F) year-round.
In summer, bring a long-sleeved jacket to prevent catching a cold before stepping into the cave, which feels like entering natural air conditioning.
In winter, the constant 15°C actually feels warmer than the chilly air outside. You can bring a portable shopping bag to put your thick clothes away, or you can store them for free in the lockers at the entrance of the scenic area.
Insider Tips
- Watch your head in low-ceiling sections.
- Steps may be uneven; handrails are available but not everywhere.
- Phone signal is non-existent, so stay with your group and guide.
- Bring water and portable snacks since there are no food stalls inside.
- There are no restrooms inside the cave, and the tour is more than 2 hours, so use restrooms before entering.
How to Get to Yellow Dragon Cave
Yellow Dragon Cave is located 8 km east of Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Taking a taxi is our top recommendation, within 15 minutes to reach costs under CNY 20.
Taking a bus could be an economical option that costs CNY 3. However, the waiting time and travel time combined are too long (more than 30 minutes), making the round trip a huge waste of time.
Travel with China Highlights, our local driver knows the shortcut and parking lot, which saves your time on calling a taxi and waiting in line, allowing you to spend more time appreciating the beauty of Huanglong Cave.
Travel to Yellow Dragon Cave with China Highlights
Yellow Dragon Cave's geological wonders are fascinating, but the experience deepens with expert interpretation.
Our guides don't just recite formation names — they'll share the cave's formation history, local legends, and point out details you'd otherwise miss.
Contact us now to include the Yellow Dragon Cave in your customized Zhangjiajie itinerary. We'll handle logistics, timing, and help you avoid peak crowds — because the cave's magic is best experienced without the chaos.