Dragon Palace (Longgong)

Dragon Palace (Longgong) is a spectacular karst water cave system near Anshun, Guizhou, where you glide by boat through underground rivers past towering stalactites and the thundering Longmen Waterfall. It's one of China's most otherworldly natural attractions, yet logistics can be tricky. With our private guide, you skip the guesswork and experience the cave's magic effortlessly.

Boat tour inside Dragon Palace cave with illuminated stalactites

What it is

Dragon Palace is a vast karst cave network formed over millions of years by the erosion of limestone. It sits in the Maling River Gorge area, about 27 kilometers southwest of Anshun. The cave is renowned for its underground river, which visitors explore by boat, and for the Longmen Waterfall, a dramatic cascade that plunges into the cave entrance. The site has been developed for tourism since the 1980s and is now a 5A-rated attraction, the highest classification in China. Its name comes from the legendary Dragon King of Chinese mythology, said to reside in underwater palaces.

The cave system is divided into several sections, including the Dragon Palace, the Tiger Cave, and the Dragon's Gate. The boat ride takes you through a series of chambers with vividly lit stalactites and stalagmites, some resembling mythical creatures. The underground river is calm and clear, reflecting the formations above. Above ground, the surrounding landscape is classic Guizhou karst: steep green hills, bamboo groves, and the Maling River cutting through. The site is often combined with a visit to the Huangguoshu Waterfall, another natural wonder nearby.

Highlights

Underground boat ride — Glide through the cave's dark, silent river, passing illuminated stalactites that hang like chandeliers above the water.
Longmen Waterfall — A powerful waterfall that crashes into the cave entrance, creating a misty, rainbow-flecked spectacle best seen in the morning light.
Dragon King's Palace — The largest chamber, where formations resemble a throne, dragons, and mythical beasts, sparking the cave's legendary name.
Karst formations — Intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and columns shaped over millennia, with subtle lighting that highlights their textures and colors.
Maling River Gorge — The surrounding gorge offers scenic walking trails and viewpoints, perfect for photography and a breath of fresh air after the cave.

Boardwalk and boat dock at Dragon Palace entrance with tourists

How to get there

From Anshun, take a taxi or Didi (about 40 minutes, ¥80–100) to the Dragon Palace scenic area. Alternatively, join a guided tour that includes transport. Many travelers visit as a day trip from Guiyang, taking a high-speed train to Anshun (30 minutes) and then a local transfer. We can arrange a private car with an English-speaking guide, making the journey seamless and allowing you to combine it with Huangguoshu Waterfall in one day.

Tickets & practical info

Admission: ¥150 (includes boat ride). Opening hours: 8:30am–5:30pm (last entry 4:30pm). Book via WeChat mini-program or Trip.com; foreign cards accepted on Trip.com, but WeChat Pay/Alipay now support international cards for on-site purchases.

Combo tickets with Huangguoshu Waterfall are available (around ¥280), valid for two days. During peak season (May–October), book at least a day ahead to secure boat times.

Best time to visit

Visit between April and October when water levels are high and the waterfall is at its most powerful. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid tour groups and catch the best light for photos inside the cave. Avoid Chinese public holidays if possible.

Tips from our guides

Wear slip-resistant shoes: the cave paths and boat docks can be wet and slippery.
Bring a light jacket; the cave interior is cool (around 18°C) even in summer.
Photography inside the cave is allowed, but tripods and flash may be restricted; use a high-ISO setting for low-light shots.
To dodge crowds, head straight to the boat dock upon entry, as tour groups often linger at the entrance.
Combine with Huangguoshu Waterfall for a full day of natural wonders; our guide can arrange timing to miss the busiest hours.

Detailed stalactite formations inside Dragon Palace cave

FAQ

Is the boat ride safe for children and elderly visitors?

Yes, the boats are stable and life jackets are provided. The ride is calm, but boarding requires stepping down into the boat; staff assist. It's suitable for most ages.

Can I visit Dragon Palace independently without a guide?

Yes, but English signage is limited and transport from Anshun can be tricky. A guide ensures smooth transfers, explains the geology and legends, and helps with tickets.

How long does a visit to Dragon Palace take?

Allow 2–3 hours for the cave and boat ride, plus extra time for the surrounding gorge. Most visitors spend half a day here, including travel from Anshun.

What payment methods are accepted at the ticket office?

WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used and now accept international credit cards. Cash is accepted but not preferred. Trip.com allows advance booking with foreign cards.