Jiuxiang Scenic Region
Jiuxiang Scenic Region
Jiuxiang Scenic Region
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
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4.5
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SilverfoxMelbourne
Melbourne, Australia152 contributions
May 2012 • Friends
I'll start this be saying that this should be combined with a trip to Shilin Stone Forest. Make it two days and spend the night in a local town/city so that you don't have to rush either location.
With out a doubt the best cave that I have been in for sightseeing.
Starts with a boat ride (paddle) up what I think is the beginning of the Yangtze River. (The English written sign was not easlily read or understood). A short trip up the small gorge in a boat with about 10 other tourists and one paddler.
From here you walk down the gorge and for the next couple of hours you walk in and out of and through many different caverns.
The walk ends with a cable car ride back to near the main entrance.
If you stay in Yiliang I suggest trying to arrange for a local to take you on the local bus that runs from Yiliang to Jiuxiang, fantastic trip. The bus stops about 1 km from the entrance and the stop is not clearly marked so a local is a great help.
Well worth the walk.
With out a doubt the best cave that I have been in for sightseeing.
Starts with a boat ride (paddle) up what I think is the beginning of the Yangtze River. (The English written sign was not easlily read or understood). A short trip up the small gorge in a boat with about 10 other tourists and one paddler.
From here you walk down the gorge and for the next couple of hours you walk in and out of and through many different caverns.
The walk ends with a cable car ride back to near the main entrance.
If you stay in Yiliang I suggest trying to arrange for a local to take you on the local bus that runs from Yiliang to Jiuxiang, fantastic trip. The bus stops about 1 km from the entrance and the stop is not clearly marked so a local is a great help.
Well worth the walk.
Written October 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prabir G
Kolkata (Calcutta), India3,068 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
A. Opening Hours : 9 am to 6 pm
B. Entry Ticket: : Upto 60 years CNY 90 p
60 and above CNY 45 pp
In addition cable car : CNY 30 pp
C. Location : 90 km from Kunming City, Yunnan province of China. Tours are available which costs about US$ 100 pp.
D. Important Advisories:-
1. Total 4 hours (about 5 km) steep climb up and down. If you have knee problem, heart problem, breathing difficulties and claustrophobia, you shall not venture. You can't come back midway;
2. Wear good and comfortable shoes;
3. Carry water and wear loose comfort clothing;
4. Take CNY, there is no currency exchange facility here and Visa and Master Card don't work here.
This natural wonder is a large clustered karat caves combining with river, underground waterfalls, forest, gorges, all in one. There are about 100 plus karts caves of different sizes. The area is large and out of five regions, only Diehong Bridge region is fully developed and open for visitors currently. Diehong region has six major scenic area- green shady valley, white elephant cave, goddess cave, lying dragon cave, bat cave and scenic cable car.
I visited the place on 24th Jun 2019 from Kunming. We took a car from our hotel in Kunming and combined Stone Forest and Jiuxiang (40 minutes drive from Stone Forest) and paid US$ 170. As you enter, an elevator will take you down about 175 feet. you experience Terrifying Gorge, about 700 metre long and 100 metre deep canyon. It's a beautiful underground canyon with pathway built on it's right side. The view of the gushing water is terrific. The Male Lion Hall is another beautiful area inside, a nature created hall of 15000 sq meters without any pillar. It is the largest underground hall of the World. At the entrance, you can identify a lion shaped stalactite figure. There are beautiful satalactite natural rock formation inside. The area is colourfully lit with artificial lights. However, the best of the lot is the Lying Dragon Cave. A dragon shaped underground river passes through the hall with two natural waterfalls , 30 metres high, cascading down forcefully into a pool at a depth of 10 metres. Ita simply mesmerising sight. Immediately after this area you can see beautiful Rimstone Dam. It is a natural layered steps with small pools of water. Beautifully lit with golden artificial light, it simply looks heavenly. Bat Cave is the final area . Known as the underground stone forest, here you can see stalactite and stalagmite rock formations hanging all around , that looks like forest of sculptures created by mother nature. However, be careful from bat droppings and expect staunch from the bat community flying all around the cave. After this there is a steep climb of about 300 metres, which is stressful. You can hire human lifted chair service. They charge CNY 75 pp. Advisable, if you have problem of climbing steep stairs. This climb shall lead you to the cable car, which shall take you over the deep forest area to the exit. The ride is about 10 minutes.
It was a out of the world experience
There are plenty of restaurants, souvenirs shop and toilet facility at the entrance and inside as well.
A must see landmark, if you are in Kunming and if you do not suffer from any of the problem as highlighted in the advisories mentioned.
B. Entry Ticket: : Upto 60 years CNY 90 p
60 and above CNY 45 pp
In addition cable car : CNY 30 pp
C. Location : 90 km from Kunming City, Yunnan province of China. Tours are available which costs about US$ 100 pp.
D. Important Advisories:-
1. Total 4 hours (about 5 km) steep climb up and down. If you have knee problem, heart problem, breathing difficulties and claustrophobia, you shall not venture. You can't come back midway;
2. Wear good and comfortable shoes;
3. Carry water and wear loose comfort clothing;
4. Take CNY, there is no currency exchange facility here and Visa and Master Card don't work here.
This natural wonder is a large clustered karat caves combining with river, underground waterfalls, forest, gorges, all in one. There are about 100 plus karts caves of different sizes. The area is large and out of five regions, only Diehong Bridge region is fully developed and open for visitors currently. Diehong region has six major scenic area- green shady valley, white elephant cave, goddess cave, lying dragon cave, bat cave and scenic cable car.
I visited the place on 24th Jun 2019 from Kunming. We took a car from our hotel in Kunming and combined Stone Forest and Jiuxiang (40 minutes drive from Stone Forest) and paid US$ 170. As you enter, an elevator will take you down about 175 feet. you experience Terrifying Gorge, about 700 metre long and 100 metre deep canyon. It's a beautiful underground canyon with pathway built on it's right side. The view of the gushing water is terrific. The Male Lion Hall is another beautiful area inside, a nature created hall of 15000 sq meters without any pillar. It is the largest underground hall of the World. At the entrance, you can identify a lion shaped stalactite figure. There are beautiful satalactite natural rock formation inside. The area is colourfully lit with artificial lights. However, the best of the lot is the Lying Dragon Cave. A dragon shaped underground river passes through the hall with two natural waterfalls , 30 metres high, cascading down forcefully into a pool at a depth of 10 metres. Ita simply mesmerising sight. Immediately after this area you can see beautiful Rimstone Dam. It is a natural layered steps with small pools of water. Beautifully lit with golden artificial light, it simply looks heavenly. Bat Cave is the final area . Known as the underground stone forest, here you can see stalactite and stalagmite rock formations hanging all around , that looks like forest of sculptures created by mother nature. However, be careful from bat droppings and expect staunch from the bat community flying all around the cave. After this there is a steep climb of about 300 metres, which is stressful. You can hire human lifted chair service. They charge CNY 75 pp. Advisable, if you have problem of climbing steep stairs. This climb shall lead you to the cable car, which shall take you over the deep forest area to the exit. The ride is about 10 minutes.
It was a out of the world experience
There are plenty of restaurants, souvenirs shop and toilet facility at the entrance and inside as well.
A must see landmark, if you are in Kunming and if you do not suffer from any of the problem as highlighted in the advisories mentioned.
Written June 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
darkpeak1
Sheffield, UK8 contributions
Aug 2011 • Friends
Take the expressway from Kunming to Stone Forest, where there is a continuation expressway to Jiuxiang Scenic Area. It's a little longer (2 hours) but easy driving. Useful tip - Don't do as we did, and take the first signed exit - the road isnt built yet but probably will be finished in a year.
Diehong Cave is the first developed attraction in the Jiuxiang Scenic Area. Its a huge river cave with waterfalls, with a very well constructed walkway high above the river. Highly recommended, even if you have seen lots of caves, this one is worth a day trip.
We didnt take a guided trip, everything is well signposted.
You take an elevator down to the river where you have the option of taking an out and back flat water paddle up a short section of gorge. Probably better to miss this bit.
The cave is magnificent and varied. Twin waterfalls and Fairy Field were highlights.
It was usually possible to pass slow moving guided groups.
Beware the final sting, a small additional charge for the cable car which whisks you over the cave and back to the start. We spent 2 hours on the tour.
Diehong Cave is the first developed attraction in the Jiuxiang Scenic Area. Its a huge river cave with waterfalls, with a very well constructed walkway high above the river. Highly recommended, even if you have seen lots of caves, this one is worth a day trip.
We didnt take a guided trip, everything is well signposted.
You take an elevator down to the river where you have the option of taking an out and back flat water paddle up a short section of gorge. Probably better to miss this bit.
The cave is magnificent and varied. Twin waterfalls and Fairy Field were highlights.
It was usually possible to pass slow moving guided groups.
Beware the final sting, a small additional charge for the cable car which whisks you over the cave and back to the start. We spent 2 hours on the tour.
Written August 14, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christoph M
Beijing, China17 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
First of all I drove by my own car from Kunming. It's very easy to find and the drive takes around 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on traffic.
The cave scenic area starts with a descent (optional and free elevator) into the gorge, followed by a short boat ride into the gorge (around 150 meters in and the same way out). You disembark at the same place and then follow the spectacular trail into the cave. At some point you will reach a huge cavern that has a massive platform built in it with a resting area. Right after the resting area the path takes you out of the cave and a sign indicated in English to visit first the Twin waterfall and then the fairy cave, Well, this is wrong, as the Twin waterfalls are on the way out, so head first to your right up the stairs to see the fairy cave and then return and follow the path towards the exit which takes you past Twin waterfall.
After the sinter terraces (which are very impressive), you will reach eventually a large cavern that holds a stage where a local show is performed. Knowing these shows I skipped it and followed the trail to the exit. You will need to climb for around 15 minutes up the stairs (very easy walk and not strenuous) or you can take for 60 RMB a Sedan chair.
Once out of the cave you can hike up or take for 30 RMB the chair lift or ride a horse.
The chair lift is at one point around 30 meters high, so people with vertigo may have an issue.
All in all the cave is totally worth a visit. I recommend to go their early, as most Chinese tour buses arrive past 11am. So leave from Kunming at 8 and you will arrive before 10 which is perfect. If you have enough time no problem to combine it with Shilin Stone Forest in a one day trip.
BTW, I went with my 4 year old and had to carry him occasionally. The cave is not suitable for a stroller but it's also not impossible. You will need to carry the stroller many times though, so I recommend not to take a stroller along.
The cave scenic area starts with a descent (optional and free elevator) into the gorge, followed by a short boat ride into the gorge (around 150 meters in and the same way out). You disembark at the same place and then follow the spectacular trail into the cave. At some point you will reach a huge cavern that has a massive platform built in it with a resting area. Right after the resting area the path takes you out of the cave and a sign indicated in English to visit first the Twin waterfall and then the fairy cave, Well, this is wrong, as the Twin waterfalls are on the way out, so head first to your right up the stairs to see the fairy cave and then return and follow the path towards the exit which takes you past Twin waterfall.
After the sinter terraces (which are very impressive), you will reach eventually a large cavern that holds a stage where a local show is performed. Knowing these shows I skipped it and followed the trail to the exit. You will need to climb for around 15 minutes up the stairs (very easy walk and not strenuous) or you can take for 60 RMB a Sedan chair.
Once out of the cave you can hike up or take for 30 RMB the chair lift or ride a horse.
The chair lift is at one point around 30 meters high, so people with vertigo may have an issue.
All in all the cave is totally worth a visit. I recommend to go their early, as most Chinese tour buses arrive past 11am. So leave from Kunming at 8 and you will arrive before 10 which is perfect. If you have enough time no problem to combine it with Shilin Stone Forest in a one day trip.
BTW, I went with my 4 year old and had to carry him occasionally. The cave is not suitable for a stroller but it's also not impossible. You will need to carry the stroller many times though, so I recommend not to take a stroller along.
Written December 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jess n
seattle70 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
From the heart of kunming we took about 3 buses. We didn;t use a tour guide or tour bus. 1 inner city bus, and then 2 more buses. All rather rough trips. The caves are HUGE! and beautiful. and I lost every picture by washing my memory card. It's a lot of walking and a lot of steps. Take good shoes, stay hydrated, rest occasionally. There are some bridges and water.
Once through the caves you have 3 options: walk a bajillion stairs back, ride a horse along those stairs, take a "ski lift". I thought it was a gondola, Nope. It's a ski lift without the snow. It takes you to the top of a mountain, where you think you might get off and walk to the parking area. no such luck. Instead you hang a left and go to the next mountain. It was the rainy season and i prayed 1) we wouldn't fall 2) we wouldn't stop in the middle (we did) and 3) we wouldn't get struck by lightning. Warning: 1) it's a looonnnnggggg drop 2) they take your picture for posterity. If you're scared of heights, take a pony. If you're scared of ponies, walk the steps. But i didn't see any bathrooms along the steps or anywhere to get water. So be prepared. And I suggest a tour bus. They look more comfortable than city buses (of course), probably have A/C, and are more direct. And as you get closer to the other side, get ready for a souvenir picture. I wasn't ready so of course it really captured the moment.
oh! you can also take a boat ride, but if you don't you won't miss much imo.
Once through the caves you have 3 options: walk a bajillion stairs back, ride a horse along those stairs, take a "ski lift". I thought it was a gondola, Nope. It's a ski lift without the snow. It takes you to the top of a mountain, where you think you might get off and walk to the parking area. no such luck. Instead you hang a left and go to the next mountain. It was the rainy season and i prayed 1) we wouldn't fall 2) we wouldn't stop in the middle (we did) and 3) we wouldn't get struck by lightning. Warning: 1) it's a looonnnnggggg drop 2) they take your picture for posterity. If you're scared of heights, take a pony. If you're scared of ponies, walk the steps. But i didn't see any bathrooms along the steps or anywhere to get water. So be prepared. And I suggest a tour bus. They look more comfortable than city buses (of course), probably have A/C, and are more direct. And as you get closer to the other side, get ready for a souvenir picture. I wasn't ready so of course it really captured the moment.
oh! you can also take a boat ride, but if you don't you won't miss much imo.
Written August 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jitender t
Kullu, India35 contributions
Sep 2011 • Friends
a must see place if you are in kunming.........enjoyed every moment of the time spent there........ couldn't find an english speaking guide but it did not matter...... had to climb a lot of stairs but was worth it................
Written February 4, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
מוטי ל
Karmiel, Israel609 contributions
Jan 2020
so far we have seen hundreds of stalactites caves around the world, but this is the biggest complex which includes also underground river and cable car.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Machigoh
Singapore, Singapore1,044 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
We have been to other caves but nothing beat this Jiuxiang Cave. This cave is really HUGE. It is like waking into another world and exiting through another dimension.
It is a long one way up the cave passing through gorge and bridge. Along the way, you could take spectacular photos. You have to be quick as there will be stream of tourists coming from behind. There is no turning back as it is one way up! Will be good to bring a flash unit along to fill in the subject. Not to be missed is the twin waterfall. You can have your photo taken for a small fee with the twin waterfall in the background.
When you reached the cave main plateau area, there is a toilet and rest area. Have a good rest before you continue your next journey.
To my astonishment, we have to take the ropeway down to the base station. Don't know if this is the only way or not. I have a fear of height but seemed like no choice. We were ushered quickly to the gondola and the next moment we were out of the cave into another dimension, It was very scary dangling high above the ground. As we were continued, the view was just too spectacular to worry too much about the height. I summoned my courage to take a selfie slowly without causing too much movement to the gondola,
You got to try it to feel it!
It is a long one way up the cave passing through gorge and bridge. Along the way, you could take spectacular photos. You have to be quick as there will be stream of tourists coming from behind. There is no turning back as it is one way up! Will be good to bring a flash unit along to fill in the subject. Not to be missed is the twin waterfall. You can have your photo taken for a small fee with the twin waterfall in the background.
When you reached the cave main plateau area, there is a toilet and rest area. Have a good rest before you continue your next journey.
To my astonishment, we have to take the ropeway down to the base station. Don't know if this is the only way or not. I have a fear of height but seemed like no choice. We were ushered quickly to the gondola and the next moment we were out of the cave into another dimension, It was very scary dangling high above the ground. As we were continued, the view was just too spectacular to worry too much about the height. I summoned my courage to take a selfie slowly without causing too much movement to the gondola,
You got to try it to feel it!
Written August 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harmony11
Singapore103 contributions
Nov 2016 • Family
We first started off with a quick 10 to 15 minutes boat ride to see the gorge. This was then followed by the attraction local guide bringing us into the caves to explore further. According to the local guide, the long walk was an estimated 300+ stairs up and another 400+ stairs down so you need to be physically fit and be able to climb up and down easily to enjoy this place.
Inside the caves, it gets a little cooler. However, all the walking up and down made us perspire so there isn't really a need to keep yourself too warm.
At two spots - near the terrace and twin waterfalls, there are photographers taking photos for visitors. We were told that a small photo is for free while the larger one is for purchase. Beware that the small free photo is really as small as it can get to fit into a keychain. As the lighting was never good for taking photos in caves, we observed that most visitors ended up buying the larger version of the photo (5R size) at RMB20 per photo.
Overall, we enjoyed the long hiking walk inside the huge and well lighted caves. Definitely an impressive piece carved out by nature.
The attraction ends with visitors taking the chairlift back to the entrance. On the way out, there is a signage that depicts the Chinese movies that used the caves as a backdrop.
Inside the caves, it gets a little cooler. However, all the walking up and down made us perspire so there isn't really a need to keep yourself too warm.
At two spots - near the terrace and twin waterfalls, there are photographers taking photos for visitors. We were told that a small photo is for free while the larger one is for purchase. Beware that the small free photo is really as small as it can get to fit into a keychain. As the lighting was never good for taking photos in caves, we observed that most visitors ended up buying the larger version of the photo (5R size) at RMB20 per photo.
Overall, we enjoyed the long hiking walk inside the huge and well lighted caves. Definitely an impressive piece carved out by nature.
The attraction ends with visitors taking the chairlift back to the entrance. On the way out, there is a signage that depicts the Chinese movies that used the caves as a backdrop.
Written November 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duvilla
Cannes, France109 contributions
Jun 2015 • Family
It is best to visit the caves together with the Stone Forest as they are only 30 min apart. Taxi for both will cost you RMB 800 for the day: not cheap but we checked with other travellers and it seems to be the standard price. Around 2hours from downtown Kunming. We were there a friday before the chinese school holidays and still it was a bit crowded but for 1 reason: the path is narrow and it is difficult to overtake large groups. At the beginning it is best to just walk downstairs (5min) instead of queueing to take the elevator. Then on your left there is the option to take a boat: this is a joke as you will just go 100m and come back but the locals are very happy, nice photo shots. After that you follow the path build above the gorge cave for around 1h30. The stalactites/mites are not super impressive but the noise of the river and the waterfalls are. In the end you can pay extra to take a chairlift to come back to the car park or do like us and walk through the nice forest ( 15 minutes).Really worth it.
Written July 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to go Shilin stone forest and Jiuxiang scenic area in a day. Will be staying in Kunming downtown. Possible to do both in a day? And how can I travel from Shilin stone forest to Jiuxiang scenic area? Thanks!
Written July 15, 2019
Travelling in local transport in Kunming is tough and challenging for non Chinese due to language problem. Moreover, you have to make number of changes. Car should cost you around US$ 160 for the trip and worth both for convenience and hassle free.
Written July 17, 2019
iron1317
Jakarta, Indonesia
Is it open daily? what is the operation hours? is it OK to go up there in late September due which is already the rainy season? Any special shoes to wear.
Written September 8, 2016
In late September the weather should be good. The park will open at that time for sure. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. There are two caves, one leading to another. Both of them are unique and beautiful. There are lots of steps down to explore the second cave, and 336 steps to climb back up. But don’t worry. There are “Chair carriages” available and cost 60 RMB. Beware of some porters. Half way up, I heard they ask for more money, and the lady ended up giving them 100 RMB. Even 100 RMB is still reasonable.
Written September 10, 2016
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