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Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County 90 km away from central Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
Jiuxiang boasts more than 100 karst caves and is the largest cave group system in China
With hundreds of large and small caves, Jiuxiang scenic area owns the largest scale, number and most unique caves. It is a unique international karst geological park. According inspecting demonstration of cave scientists, Jiuxiang karst caves are located in dolomite which formed 600 million years ago.
Located at the mountainous area, the climate in Jiuxiang is mild and cool. The altitude here is about 1750m to 1900m. There are six small scenic areas, among which only the Three Feet Cave, Dashaba Dam, Horseshoe Bay, Alulong Scenic area and Horseshoe River Scenic area opened to public.
Karst Cave Wonders
Jiuxiang is known as the “Museum of Karst Caves,” home to over a hundred large and small caverns. Formed in ancient dolomite dating back 600 million years, these caves display a breathtaking variety of stalactites and stalagmites. Inside, visitors can witness underground rivers, skylights, stone terraces, and labyrinth-like passages.
Among them, Lion Hall is the largest underground space currently open to tourists. It features an enormous, intact lava plate roof and a rock formation resembling a roaring lion, giving the hall its name. The Goddess Palace is another highlight, filled with translucent, delicately shaped stalactites. One formation resembles a graceful goddess, so vivid it seems alive. Another wonder, Shentian (Divine Fields), presents an extraordinary sight of “underground terraces,” where natural rimstone pools form stepped patterns resembling farmland terraces — a geological spectacle hailed by international cave experts as one of the world’s finest examples.
Gorgeous Gorges
The Yinchui Gorge, also called Lovers’ Valley or “The First Hidden Gorge in Central Yunnan”, stretches about one kilometer long. The cliffs on both sides rise sharply, covered with lush vegetation, while the Maidi River flows gently below. Visitors can take a free boat ride through the gorge and admire its mysterious charm.
Another breathtaking spot is Jinhun Gorge (Scared Gorge), a massive underground canyon about 200 meters long and nearly 100 meters high. The narrowest section is only 3–4 meters wide, creating a thrilling “one-line sky” view as sunlight streams through the narrow opening. Walking through it feels like entering the heart of the earth.
Waterfall Landscapes
One of Jiuxiang’s signature sights is the Male and Female Waterfalls, two streams plunging 30 meters down inside the Wolong Cave. During the dry season, the waterfalls remain gentle and elegant, but in the rainy season, they merge into one magnificent cascade resembling a flying dragon. The sound of the crashing water echoes through the cave, creating a breathtaking atmosphere — it is also one of the most popular photo spots for couples.
Ancient Hominid Site
Within the scenic area lies the Zhangkoudong Hominid Site, an important Paleolithic archaeological discovery. Excavations revealed relics dating back 10,000–50,000 years, providing valuable evidence of early human activity in southern China. The site is considered one of the birthplaces of ancient humans in Yunnan and has earned the title “Unique in Jiuxiang.” In addition, visitors can find more than 80 Yi ethnic inscriptions carved into the rock walls, dating from the Qing and Han Dynasties, showcasing the area’s long-standing cultural heritage.
Ethnic Culture and Festivals
Jiuxiang is home to Han, Yi, and Hui ethnic groups, with minorities making up about 30% of the population. During traditional festivals, Yi people often hold lively activities such as antiphonal singing of love songs, wrestling, and the energetic Da Sanxian dance. Visitors can also taste local specialties like Pao Gang Jiu (fermented jar wine), listen to ancient legends, and immerse themselves in the vibrant ethnic atmosphere of Yunnan’s countryside.
Recommended Visiting Route
It usually takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Kunming to Jiuxiang. The visit to the main cave system takes around three hours. Many travelers choose to join a one-day local tour, often combined with another nearby attraction such as the Stone Forest (Shilin). It’s highly recommended to choose a non-shopping tour to fully enjoy the natural and cultural experience.
Upon arrival, visitors can take an elevator or stairs down to the boat dock, where a short 50-meter surface boat ride offers a scenic view of the karst landscape. Unlike other cave attractions, the water route here runs outside the cave since the underground river flow is too rapid for boating.
After the boat ride, you’ll enter the walking section — a trail built along the cliff above the roaring river. This is followed by a series of majestic caves filled with stunning stalactites illuminated by colorful lights. For first-time visitors, the grandeur of the underground world is beyond imagination — the sense of awe simply cannot be captured by photos.
At the end of the cave route, you’ll need to ascend a mountain path. Local villagers offer bamboo sedan chairs for those who prefer not to walk uphill. It’s highly recommended to take the Jiuxiang Cableway instead — a 1,000-meter ride that saves energy while offering panoramic views of the green valleys and mountains, making for a perfect end to the journey.
Tickets and Prices
Entrance Ticket: ¥60 per person
Cableway Ticket: ¥30 per person (one-way, about 10 minutes)
Horse Riding Ticket: ¥40 per person (about 20 minutes)
From $ 276
From on request
From $ 637
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