Site Overview
Huanglong Cave lies in the northeast of the Suoxiyu area of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in Zhangjiajie, Hunan. It is one of the key sites of a World Natural Heritage Site and a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Step into Huanglong Cave and the first thing you do is board a boat. The underground Xiangshui River flows beneath you while stalactites on both walls shimmer in the colored lights. After the boat, cover the rest on foot — the Dragon Palace Hall, the Labyrinth and the Sea-Calming Pillar. The visit takes about 2–3 hours, and the cave holds a steady ~16°C year-round.
A Geological Marvel of the Ages
Before you go in, here is the story of how it formed over eons
Huanglong Cave formed in carbonate rock and is a classic karst cave, carved out and built up over eons by an underground river. The cave system runs more than 15 km long in total, with a vertical drop of about 140 m across four levels. Roughly 7.5 km of visiting routes are open, containing 1 reservoir, 2 rivers, 3 pools, 4 waterfalls, 13 halls and 96 corridors, plus thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and stone columns.
15+ km
Total cave length
~140 m
Vertical drop
~7.5 km
Developed route
~16°C
Year-round cave temp
🕐 Opening Hours
Confirm your visiting slot and plan your trip before you set off
| Session | Opening Hours | Ticket sales stop |
|---|---|---|
| High season (Mar–Nov) | 07:30 — 18:00 | 16:00 |
| Low season (Dec–Feb) | 08:30 — 17:30 | 16:00 |
⚠️ Important
Arrive at least 1 hour before ticket sales stop; hours may change on public holidays. The times above are for reference.
Four Must-See Highlights Inside the Cave
A natural cave carved over hundreds of millions of years — every step is a wonder
🚣 Xiangshui River · Underground Boat Ride
Your visit starts with a boat ride of about 2,820 m along the underground river; stalactites on both sides mirror the water under colored lights, like a fantasy world.
🏛️ Dragon Palace Hall · The Largest Chamber
About 14,000 m² in area, with a ceiling averaging over 40 m high and a rich mix of stalagmites, pillars and draperies.
📍 Sea-Calming Pillar · The Cave's Landmark
19.2 m tall yet only 10 cm wide at its narrowest, grown over more than 200,000 years; the scenic area has insured it separately for 100 million yuan.
🌀 The Labyrinth · A Winding Adventure
The cave paths are complex and winding; stay close to your guide or the signs and don't stray from the route.
More Sights Inside the Cave
Beyond the highlights, these formations are equally worth a stop
Crystal River
The lowest underground river in the cave and its most dazzling passage — the surrounding rock is rich in clear calcite crystals that sparkle like diamonds under the lights.
Tianzhu Street
On the cave's third level, named for the forest of stone pillars that resembles a heavenly market street.
Dragon Throne
One of the three wonders of Dragon Palace Hall and the largest stalagmite in the cave — about 12 m tall with a base more than 10 m across.
Dragon King's Harem
A secluded chamber deep in the Dragon Palace, where elegantly shaped stalactites look dreamlike under soft light.
Party Hall
The smallest hall in the cave, about 6,000 m², said to be where the Dragon King held his song-and-dance gatherings.
Pastoral Ecological Plaza
Where mountains and rivers meet wide fields — a fine spot to rest, take in the view and soak up Tujia folk customs.
Recommended Route
Follow the highlights in order — about 2–3 hours in all
Xiangshui River boat ride
Start with the boat — about 2,820 m along the underground river, stalactites and colored lights reflected on both sides: the first thrill of Huanglong Cave.
Dragon Palace Hall
After the boat, walk into the cave's largest chamber, about 14,000 m², filled with towering stalagmites and pillars.
Sea-Calming Pillar
The cave's landmark stalagmite — 19.2 m tall, only 10 cm wide at its narrowest, and grown for over 200,000 years. A must-see.
The Labyrinth
The last stretch is a winding exploration; the paths twist and loop, so stay close to your guide or the signs and don't stray.
💡 The cave floor is damp and dimly lit — wear non-slip shoes, watch your step and follow your guide or the signs.
🌤️ A Guide to the Four Seasons
The cave stays around 16°C all year — here is what to expect outside
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild outside with spring blossoms. Inside it is about 16°C, close to the outdoor temperature — a light jacket is enough.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot outside but cool and pleasant inside — a great place to escape the heat. Bring a light jacket.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Crisp, clear days — fine views outside and comfortable touring inside. A light jacket is a good idea.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
The cave keeps its steady temperature no matter how cold it is outside, and with fewer visitors it is quieter too. Dress warmly outside, adjust indoors.
💡 Visit Tips
Make your Huanglong Cave trip safer and more comfortable
Wear non-slip shoes
The cave floor is damp — wear shoes with good grip to stay safe.
Bring a jacket
The cave holds a steady ~16°C, quite different from outside — carry a thin jacket.
Allow enough time
A full visit takes about 2–3 hours; plan your day so you are not rushing.
Book tickets in advance
Book ahead on this platform to skip the queue on site and walk straight in by scanning your ID.
If travelling with the elderly or children, take extra care
Some sections are narrow and slippery — please look after elderly companions and children.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
More worthwhile attractions around Huanglong Cave
🏔️ Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — A World Natural Heritage Site with thousands of peaks and clear waters
🌊 Baofeng Lake — An alpine lake, calm as a mirror
⛰️ Tianmen Mountain — Home to Heaven's Gate Cave and a glass skywalk — thrilling and grand
These attractions need separate tickets; please plan ahead.
Suggested Visit Plans
Choose a plan that fits your time
Half-Day · 3–4 h
Best when time is short — see the highlights in one go
Route: Ecological Plaza → Xiangshui River → Dragon Palace Hall → Exit
Full Day · 6–8 h
A deeper look at the entire route
Route: Ecological Plaza → Pastoral Plaza → Xiangshui River → Dragon Palace Hall → Underground Maze → Exit
In-Depth · Full day
Pushes on to nearby sights — ideal for photographers and geology lovers
Route: Huanglong Cave → Baofeng Lake → Zhangjiajie National Forest Park → Tianmen Mountain
💡 Nearby sights need separate tickets; plan your day in advance.
🚗 Getting Here
Several easy ways to reach Huanglong Cave
📍 Address:Suoxiyu Town, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan
🚙 From downtown Zhangjiajie
By car:Take the Zhangqing Highway or G241 — about 35–40 km, roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour by car.
By bus:Take a Wulingyuan-bound bus from Zhangjiajie Bus Station and get off at the Huanglong Cave stop.
✈️ From Hehua International Airport
About 40–50 km, roughly 1 hour by car — take a taxi or ride-hailing service straight to the scenic area.
🚂 From Zhangjiajie Railway Station
Take a taxi or public transport; about 50 minutes.
🧭 Navigation Tips
Search "Huanglong Cave Scenic Area" or "Zhangjiajie Huanglong Cave" in Baidu Maps, Amap or Tencent Maps for precise navigation.
📌 Good to Know
A few notes to make your visit safer and smoother
Safety
• The walkways are damp — mind your step
• Do not climb on the formations
• Keep children in sight at all times
• Pace yourself if you feel unwell
What to Wear
• Wear non-slip, comfortable shoes
• The cave is about 16°C — dress in layers
• Light, breathable clothing in summer
• Avoid high heels
Not Allowed
• Do not touch the stalactites or other formations
• No smoking inside the cave
• Do not litter
Helpful Tips
• Book online in advance to skip the queue
• A little water and a snack are fine to bring
• Use the restroom before entering
• Keep your booking details handy for verification
🏢 Facilities & Services
Everything you need on site
Dining
Restaurants, snack shops and cafés in and around the scenic area serve Hunan cuisine, fast food and more.
Rest Areas
Seating areas are provided at several points inside and outside the cave.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the visitor center, the cave entrance and the exit.
Parking
A large car park is available for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 Done reading? Scan to book your ticket
Search the “Zhangjiajie Huanglong Cave Ticket Booking” Mini Program in WeChat to book online, then enter by scanning your ID.
👆 Long-press the QR code to book
📞 Need help?
👆 Long-press the QR code
Search the Mini Program in WeChat or scan the code to check live prices and availability and book online.