Yellow Dragon Cave

Yellow Dragon Cave lies at the eastern end of Wulingyuan Core Scenic Zone, where tourists can find caves contained in caves, rivers hidden in caves and a large number of scenic spots scattered everywhere. It is just like an underground "magical palace", featuring a wide cave, deep and secluded underground rivers, hanging waterfalls and dense stone bamboo shoots, and showing a style of its own.

Yellow Dragon Cave is more beautiful than the outside world. Day or night, without fear of rain or wind, all year long, you can delight in its wonderful scenery. The cave is of good beneficial air circulation, and is cool in the summer and war in the winter. Yellow Dragon Cave is one of the foremost scenic areas in Zhangjiajie, and was rated as one of the first 4A National Tourist Attractions in China. Also it has been honored as magical karst cave both in China and in the world.

The most fantastic of which are the Stone Fields Chamber and the Stalagmite Chamber. The stalagmite known as "sacred Needle for Stabilizing the Sea" is unique in China. It is insured for a huge sum and is indeed a miracle of Zhangjiajie's subterranean world.



Yellow Dragon Cave is the longest one in Asia; it is an incomparable realm of gigantic subterranean chambers, fantastic cave formations, and extraordinary features. Today many of the wonders of Yellow dragon cave are well known, yet the experience of exploring its chambers. is every bit as exciting. The cave remained mystic to local villagers before the first caving adventure took place in 1982; they believe it was the holy home for yellow dragon and spirits. Now the routes are well paved and well lighted. Sturdy walking shoes, flashlights, and water are required when you explore the cave.

How Yellow Dragon Cave Was Formed

The formation of Yellow Dragon Cave dates back hundreds of millions of years. It was born through the slow, persistent forces of nature—water, time, and limestone. Over countless ages, underground rivers carved their way through the carbonate rock, creating vast chambers, winding corridors, and deep subterranean rivers. Mineral-rich water dripping from the ceilings and seeping through the walls gradually formed the intricate stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, and stone columns we see today. Some formations are still growing at a rate of just a few millimeters per century. The cave’s name comes from ancient folklore, which tells of a yellow dragon believed to live deep within its labyrinth, shaping the cave’s surreal beauty with its divine powers. While science reveals the karst origin of the cave, the myths still linger, adding a touch of mystery to its timeless landscape.


 

Tour Route Inside the Cave

Yellow Dragon Cave consists of both dry and water-filled sections, spanning four levels with a total floor area of 100,000 square meters. The full tour route stretches 3.2 kilometers—2.4 kilometers on foot and 800 meters by boat. For many visitors, gliding through the dark underground river by boat is a first-time experience, creating a surreal sense of timelessness that is both thrilling and otherworldly.

There are two main touring routes inside the cave. One begins with the boat ride followed by a walking section; the other starts with walking and ends with the boat ride. Both routes cover the same scenic highlights in different orders. The choice is usually made by the tour guide based on group conditions. The first option involves climbing many stairs to reach the cave’s highest platform on the fourth level before descending, which can be physically demanding. The second route is generally more gradual and thus more popular with most visitors.


 

Travel Tips

Yellow Dragon Cave offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring geology, well-developed infrastructure, and immersive storytelling. To make the most of your visit, here are some essential highlights and insider tips:

What Makes Yellow Dragon Cave Special?

• World-Class Karst Formations: Yellow Dragon Cave is known for its massive stalagmites, stunning stone curtains, and fantastical formations that resemble coral, pearls, and pianos—all illuminated to surreal perfection.
• Mythical Themes: Most chambers and formations are named after characters or places from Journey to the West or Chinese dragon mythology, adding a sense of fantasy to your journey.
• Six Scenic Zones: The cave is divided into six themed areas—Dragon Dance Hall, Echoing Water River, Heavenly Waterfall, Heaven Pillar Street, Dragon Palace, and the Labyrinth—each with its own distinct landscape.

Suggested Route & Duration

• Tour Duration: About 2 hours in total.
• Recommended Route: Most visitors prefer the "land-first-then-water" route. This allows you to climb gradually to the cave’s highest platform before descending to the underground river. It's less physically taxing than the alternative.
  
  
   

Must-See Highlights

• Dragon Palace Chamber (龙宫大厅)

Formed over 200,000 years ago, this is the cave's largest hall and geological crown jewel. It houses 1,705 stalagmites, including the legendary: Sacred Needle for Stabilizing the Sea (定海神针) – A 19.2-meter stalagmite so precious it’s insured for 100 million RMB. Dragon King's Throne & Thousand-Year Pine – Both iconic formations within the chamber.

• Echoing Water River (响水河)

Take a 10-minute underground boat ride along an 800-meter section of this dark river. The surreal setting is home to rare species like the Chinese giant salamander and glass fish.

• The Labyrinth (迷宫)

Accessible with an additional ticket, this 1,600 sqm chamber allows up-close exploration of intricate cave formations. A 380-million-year-old stone flower makes this the spiritual heart of the cave.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Who Should Visit: The tour involves walking long distances, climbing stairs, and sometimes waiting for boats. It's best suited for teens and adults in good physical condition.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes; surfaces can be damp and uneven.
• Restroom Access: There are no toilets inside the cave, so plan accordingly before entry.
• Lighting Conditions: The cave is well-lit for viewing, but the atmosphere remains dim. Those sensitive to low light should be cautious.
• Accessibility: The cave is not suitable for toddlers, the elderly, or those with limited mobility due to its terrain and limited facilities.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Yellow Dragon Cave is from March to November, especially during spring, summer, and autumn. Notably, the cave is one of the top summer retreat destinations in Zhangjiajie, attracting over half a million visitors seeking cool respite each year. July and August mark the peak travel season, during which the site hosts vibrant cultural events such as the Yellow Dragon Music Festival to welcome guests from around the world. While the cave is open year-round, winter visits are not recommended due to the chilly and damp underground environment. Since the cave’s scenery remains constant regardless of weather or time of day, it’s an excellent indoor activity for rainy days or cloudy periods when outdoor visibility is limited in the surrounding mountains.


 

How to Get to Yellow Dragon Cave

Yellow Dragon Cave is located about 10 kilometers from the center of Wulingyuan Town, making it easily accessible for travelers staying in the core scenic area. The most convenient way to get there is by taking a local sightseeing bus or taxi from Wulingyuan Bus Station, which takes around 20–30 minutes. Many hotels in Wulingyuan also offer shuttle services or can help arrange private transfers. If you're coming from downtown Zhangjiajie or Zhangjiajie Railway Station, take a direct tourist bus to Wulingyuan first, then transfer to a local vehicle to reach the cave entrance. The roads are well-paved, and signage in both Chinese and English makes navigation simple.