[2025 Yiliang Attraction] Travel Guide for Jiuxiang Karst Cave (Updated May)

Yunnan Yiliang Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Area, themed around 'caves', boasts hundreds of caves of various sizes. Its vast scale and numerous caves make it the largest cave museum in China. Above ground, admire the Stone Forest; underground, explore Jiuxiang. The beauty of the Stone Forest lies in its peaks, while the beauty of the caves lies in their valleys. After marveling at the Stone Forest, naturally, you should visit the caves. Originating from ancient dolomite formed 600 million years ago, the karst limestone landscapes of the caves and the Stone Forest are distinctly different. Upon entering the Jiuxiang Scenic Area, you first take a sightseeing elevator down to the bottom of the Yin Cui Gorge, a 35-meter drop that is both thrilling and breathtaking. Then, you board a boat to navigate the narrow gorge, where the diverse stalactites and stalagmites on both sides are mesmerizing. The layered stalactite formations resemble terraces, and under the colorful lights, they are stunningly beautiful. The scenic area is lush with vegetation. In addition to the magnificent underground caves, there are also majestic mountains and gorges. Must-see attractions include Yin Cui Gorge, Jing Hun Gorge, Xiong Shi Hall, Male and Female Waterfalls, and Shen Tian. It is undoubtedly a must-visit spot around Kunming.

Jiuxiang Scenic Area in Kunming, also called the Karst Cave Museum, is not far from Stone Forest, Kunming. Except for the different-shaped karst caves, there are wooden bridge and stone steps that let one to explore more on the part . There are cable facility that can bring one to visit the limestone caves #bucketlistreboot

#jiuxiang Karst Caves Very good place to see the different geological features. I thought this place would be so boring and less convenient because of the way to get there seemed like heading to a village. But a moment later, I realized that this place is full of my interests. We can also buy some foods (even burger) and drinks in the half way going on the caves. #tripaway

I. Trip Highlights - Century-old Meter-gauge Railway: The Yiliang section of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway preserves original French-style tracks and tunnels. Hike through time tunnels and experience the fusion of Chinese and French cultures. - South Panjiang River Secret Paradise: Jade-like river water embedded in canyons, with primitive terraced fields, wild flower seas, and Yi villages along the banks. Scenery varies with the seasons. - Light Hiking Challenges: Classic routes like the Chaishitan Riverside Trail (10 km/3 hours), alternating between gravel paths and wooden plank roads, suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers. - Off-the-beaten-path Photo Spots: Tuofeng Village's Flower Bridge, Puji Bridge, U-shaped Horseshoe Bend river views, etc., enjoy peaceful scenery away from crowds. --- II. Route Planning (2-day 1-night Highlights) Day 1: Kunming → Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Hike → South Panjiang Sunset - Morning: Kunming East Bus Station → Yiliang North Station bus (40 yuan/person, 1.5 hours), transfer to rural bus to Xujiadu Station (20 yuan). - Hiking Route: - Xujiadu Station → Tuofeng Village Flower Bridge (8 km round trip): - Pass through century-old meter-gauge tunnels, touch French sleepers and rusty rails. - Cross Tuofeng Village Bridge, photograph the "cross intersection" spectacle of railway and South Panjiang River. - Afternoon: Hike along South Panjiang River to Hailotian (4 km), with swaying reeds by the river, occasionally encountering wild goat herds. - Evening: Zhushan Town guesthouse (recommended "Yi Family Firepit Inn," 120 yuan/night per bed), experience Yi ethnic bonfire party. Day 2: South Panjiang Sunrise → Horseshoe Bend → Return Journey Exploration - Sunrise Position: 6:00 AM at Hailotian Viewing Platform, capture morning mist over the river and railway silhouettes (use ND filter). - Key Attractions: - Horseshoe Bend: Aerial photography of the "U-shaped river bend" with emerald waters; in April, rapeseed flower fields create a beautiful contrast with the river. - Puji Bridge: Qing Dynasty ancient bridge spanning the South Panjiang River; visit Puji Temple at the bridge head for blessings and experience Tea Horse Road history. - Return: Depart before 11:00 AM back to Kunming; can visit Jiuxiang Caves en route (40-minute drive). --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Pitfall Guide) 1. Zhushan Town Guesthouses - Yi Family Firepit Inn: Traditional Yi style, firepit room + scenic terrace (150 yuan/night), includes Yi-style breakfast. - Pitfall Warning: Be cautious of hillside inns without bathrooms; bring sleeping bags for cold nights. 2. Chaishitan Camping - Xiangbaotang Campsite: Riverside lawn camping (tent rental 80 yuan/tent), night photography of starry skies and river reflections. - Pitfall Warning: Refuse villagers' overpriced poor-quality sleeping bags; bring your own moisture-proof mats. --- IV. Food Guide (Must-eat List) - Zhushan Town: - Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: Matsutake + termite mushroom + porcini, with lamb bone broth (80 yuan per person, "Mountain Family Restaurant"). - Yi-style Tuo Tuo Meat: Freshly cooked black mountain pork with bitter buckwheat cakes ("Grandma's Place," 40 yuan per person). - Return Journey Supplies: - Yiliang Roast Duck: Xu Yong Roast Duck Shop (Goujie Town), small duck with crispy skin and tender meat, served with salt and pepper dip (30 yuan per person). Pitfall Tips: - Be wary of "wild honey" sold by the river, often just syrup mixtures; - Avoid "expensive horseback riding services" at scenic area entrances; official stables charge 100 yuan/hour. --- V. Photography Guide (90% Success Rate) - Recommended Positions: - Tuofeng Village Flower Bridge: Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for capturing railway and river intersection; recommended side lighting between 9:00-11:00 AM. - Horseshoe Bend Aerial: DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone, low-altitude overhead shots of U-shaped river bend, settings: f/8, 1/200s, ISO 200. - Puji Bridge Ancient Charm: Telephoto lens to compress spatial sense (70-200mm), capture weathered bridge textures and river mist. - Outfit Suggestions: Linen shirt + canvas shoes (forest style), straw bag adds pastoral charm. --- VI. Practical Tips (Safety First) 1. Transportation: - Self-driving: Kunming → Shan-Kun Expressway → Yiliang North → Jiuxiang Road → hiking starting point (1.5 hours total), parking fee 10 yuan/day. - Public Transportation: Kunming East Bus Station → Yiliang North Station bus, transfer to rural bus to hiking point (2.5 hours total). 2. Equipment List: - Essential: Anti-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker, 2L drinking water + trail food (energy bars + nuts recommended). - Suggested: Trekking poles (anti-slip), sunscreen (SPF50+), headlamp (for tunnel use). 3. Safety Notes: - Riverside Hiking: During rainy season (June-August), water levels rise; avoid low-lying paths. - Railway Safety: Do not cross tracks; stay quiet in tunnels. - Environmental Tips: Take your trash with you; no open flames (riverside vegetation is flammable). --- VII. Itinerary References (Flexible Options) - 1-day Quick Tour: Xujiadu → Tuofeng Village Flower Bridge → Horseshoe Bend → Return (early start required), arrive in Kunming by evening. - 3-day In-depth Tour: D1 Yunnan-Vietnam Railway hike; D2 Chaishitan Riverside Trail; D3 Jiuxiang Cave exploration. --- VIII. Best Travel Times - March-May: Rapeseed flower fields reflect in river water, temperatures 15-25°C; - September-October: Clear autumn weather, colorful terraced fields, ideal for aerial photography; - Avoid: July-August rainy season (slippery paths), December-February (low temperatures and fog require extra warmth). --- Summary: South Panjiang River is "Yunnan's hidden landscape gallery." Spend 2 days traversing century-old railways and jade-green river bends, experiencing the fusion of nature and history amid bonfires and morning mist. Avoid tourist traps and explore this underdeveloped paradise on foot.

#discoverchina We spent a good deal of time wandering about in Jiuxiang Scenic Region, where I personally felt the highlight was its exotically beautiful underground caves containing numerous natural karst formations. The caves also exhibit a variety of formations, including rivers, waterfalls, and natural rock bridges that make the entire place a more captivating one.

Located in Yiliang County, Kunming City, Chaishitan Reservoir is a comprehensive scenic area integrating water conservancy projects, natural scenery, and emerging cultural tourism projects. 📍Recommended reasons: Situated on the banks of the Nanpan River, Chaishitan Reservoir primarily serves as a water conservancy and irrigation facility, while also holding value for ecological conservation and tourism development. In recent years, with the opening of the FUN·Lang Mingyue Lake Water Theme Park (February 2025), new public water recreation projects have been added, making it a summer getaway for tourists in and around Kunming. The Mingyue Lake Scenic Area, where the reservoir is located, is also adjacent to the Jiuxiang Caves, forming a unique landscape linking "mountains, water, and caves." 🚗Transportation: - **Self-driving**: From downtown Kunming, take the Kunming-Shilin Expressway to Yiliang County, then transfer to Chaishitan Reservoir. The entire journey takes approximately 1.5 hrs. - **Public transportation**: Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Yiliang County (approx. 1 hr), then transfer to a local taxi or chartered car to the scenic area (approx. 30 mins). - **Suggested combined tours**: Plan a one- or two-day tour in combination with Jiuxiang Scenic Area and the Stone Forest (approx. 1 hr drive). 👍️Must-see attractions: 1. **FUN·Lang Mingyue Lake Water Theme Park** - **Highlights**: As Yunnan's first water park themed around "public water recreation," it offers activities such as rafting, kayaking, and water sports training, suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park also plans to build a camping base for future lakeside camping experiences. - **Location**: Mingyue Lake Scenic Area, Chaishitan Reservoir, Yiliang County. Self-driving or chartered cars are recommended. 2. **Jiuxiang Caves (Mingyue Lake Scenic Area)** - **Features**: Jiuxiang Scenic Area is famous for its spectacular caves, and the Mingyue Lake Scenic Area (Chaishitan Reservoir) is one of its five main tourist areas. Visitors can take a boat tour of the reservoir, admiring the scenery of karst landforms and turquoise waters, and then explore the geological wonders within the caves, such as stalactites and underground rivers. - **Tips**: The cave floor is slippery, so wear non-slip athletic shoes. Some areas are still under development; it is recommended to follow the guided tour route. 3. **Natural scenery and ecological hiking** - The reservoir is surrounded by lush mountains, suitable for hiking or cycling. Walking along the Nanpan River or climbing to overlook the entire reservoir is recommended. - **Note**: Camping, picnics, and littering are prohibited in the first-level water source protection area. Please comply with environmental regulations. 🎟️Itinerary: - **One-day tour**: Depart from Kunming → Chaishitan Water Park (morning) → Jiuxiang Caves (afternoon) → Return. - **Two-day tour**: Day 1: Water Park + Reservoir Hike; Day 2: Jiuxiang Caves + Stone Forest. 💗Other tips: 1. **Safety first**: Wear life-saving equipment for water activities; do not deviate from the tour route inside the caves. 2. **Environmental regulations**: Camping, picnics, and littering are prohibited in the water source protection area. 3. **Seasonal choices**: - Summer (June–August) is suitable for water activities, but pay attention to sun protection. - Autumn (September–November) offers a cool climate, suitable for hiking. 4. **Tickets and fees**: - Water park tickets are subject to official announcements (reference price: approx. CNY 150/person). - Jiuxiang Caves combined tickets are approx. CNY 90 (cable car not included). Chaishitan Reservoir Scenic Area, with its blend of nature and culture, has become a new highlight for excursions near Kunming. Whether you seek thrilling water activities or the tranquility of the landscape, this place can meet your expectations.

📍Attraction Address: Jiuxiang Scenic Area 🏝️Reservation Guide: Buy tickets at the ticket office 🚗Transportation Guide: Driving is more convenient. There are no charging piles in the parking lot. The nearest charging piles are in the county, but there are few and slow. It is best to drive to Yiliang County to charge. 💗Other Tips: The glass slide in the karst cave is charged separately, and non-slip pants and gloves 🧤 are provided. You can use a sedan chair on the last 336 steps. It costs 80 per person. The sedan chair carriers work hard, so I gave them more tips. There are three places for free photos, but the small photos are pitifully small 😭. I finally chose a few framed photos 🖼 to take home for 30 each. Brown sugar baba is delicious and can be bought at the entrance and exit. In the evening, I went to Kunming Old Street in the city center. It is not very long, and I took a photo at the corner.

Hey guys! Stone Forest Scenic Area is a must-see in Kunming. How to spend 3 days there? This article is all you need! A super practical guide, you're welcome! -------------------- 🎉Itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Dianchi Lake - Kunming Ropeway - Xishan Forest Park - Yunnan Ethnic Village Start your journey in Kunming by visiting Dianchi Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then take the Kunming Ropeway to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city. Next, visit Xishan Forest Park to enjoy the natural scenery. Finally, visit Yunnan Ethnic Village to experience the diverse ethnic cultures. DAY2️⃣: Jiuxiang - Jiuxiang Karst Cave - Stone Forest Scenic Area On the second day, visit Jiuxiang to explore the amazing Jiuxiang Karst Cave and marvel at the wonders of nature. Then, head to Stone Forest Scenic Area to experience the unique karst landform and the magnificence of nature. DAY3️⃣: Fuxian Lake - Luchong Scenic Area - Chengjiang Guanglong Fuhai Bay - Chengjiang Fossil Site Natural Museum On the last day, visit Fuxian Lake to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lake. Then, head to Luchong Scenic Area to explore the mysteries of the mountains and rivers. In the afternoon, take a stroll along Chengjiang Guanglong Fuhai Bay to enjoy the sea breeze. Finally, visit Chengjiang Fossil Site Natural Museum to learn about the history of the Earth.🔚 -------------------- Must-see attractions: 🏞️ Stone Forest Scenic Area: The strange stone peaks and forests here offer magnificent natural scenery that will leave you in awe. 🌈 Yunnan Ethnic Village: Want to experience the culture of 25 ethnic groups in Yunnan in one place? This is the place to be! 🌊 Dianchi Lake: The rippling lake and the surrounding mountains create a breathtaking view. ⛰️ Xishan Forest Park: Climb to the top of the mountain to enjoy the magnificent view of Dianchi Lake. 🚡 Kunming Ropeway: Take the ropeway across Dianchi Lake to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the lake and the charm of Xishan. -------------------- Tips: 🌸 Specialty prices: Stone Forest Scenic Area is surrounded by a variety of specialties, such as flower cakes and Pu'er tea. Remember to compare prices before buying. ☁️ January climate: Kunming is known as the Spring City. The weather in January is mild, warm, and comfortable during the day, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to bring a light down jacket. 🎭 Customs: Experience Yi dance and Ashima culture to enjoy the unique ethnic customs of Stone Forest and make your trip more colorful! 🍜 Food recommendations: Try authentic Yunnan cuisine, such as Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Wild Mushroom Hot Pot, and Yi BBQ, a specialty of Stone Forest. Don't miss out on these delicious foods! -------------------- The wonders of Stone Forest are not to be missed! When you visit Kunming, don't forget to visit Stone Forest to marvel at the wonders of nature! 🏞️

I bought the itinerary from Trip.com. The scenery is beautiful. It happened to be a holiday and there were not many tourists. I was very lucky. I will go there again if I have the opportunity.

The area is located within the Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Township of Yiliang County, Kunming City. It is a comprehensive scenic spot that features karst cave landscapes as the main attraction, complemented by natural scenery outside the caves, cultural landscapes, and ethnic customs. The scenic area is about 90 kilometers from Kunming and about 34 kilometers south of the Stone Forest, situated in the middle of the Kunming-Stone Forest golden tourist route. It is a national AAAA-level tourist area and a national scenic spot. The Jiuxiang Karst Cave Scenic Area is famous for its large scale, numerous caves, and unique landscapes. It has hundreds of large and small karst caves, making it one of the largest and most numerous cave cluster systems in China, and is known as the 'Karst Cave Museum'. The caves here were formed during the Sinian period 600 million years ago and developed in carbonate rock strata, resulting from the dissolution of carbonate rocks by surface water and groundwater. The cave interiors are rich in landscapes, including stalactites. Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located within the Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Autonomous Township of Yiliang County, Kunming City. It is world-famous for having hundreds of large and small karst caves and is referred to by experts as the 'Karst Cave Museum'. Within the scenic area, the cave landscapes are the main attraction, known for six extraordinary sights. First, there are terraced fields with layers upon layers of clear, sparkling water; second, a male and female waterfall in the cave with a drop of more than 30 meters; third, a natural bridge spanning over 200 meters high on a sheer cliff; fourth, the Lion Hall, a hall-type karst cave; fifth, the Thrilling Gorge with cliffs over 80 meters high; and sixth, the 'Yincui Gorge', known as the 'First Secluded Gorge in Central Yunnan'.

Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located in a place called Jiuxiang in Yiliang County, Kunming City, about 90 kilometers from Kunming City. It is a national 4A-level scenic spot. Jiuxiang is most famous for its karst caves, which are formed by a special geological formation called karst. Inside these caves, there are even smaller caves where you can actually farm, creating a world of its own. Address: Jiuxiang Scenic Area, Yiliang, Yunnan Ticket: 60 RMB per person, Cableway: 30 RMB per person Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 Transportation: Bus from the Eastern Bus Station to Yiliang 25 RMB per person, self-driving to Jiuxiang Scenic Area parking lot Travel Tips 👀 Yincui Gorge is really a beautiful place. Nature has crafted it so magically, with tall and green trees on both sides of the river, and many natural rock beauties. You can take a free boat tour, which is about one kilometer long. 👀 Mythical Jiuxiang is a place that costs money to enter. Inside, the lights are bright and colorful, like a world from a fairy tale. Butterflies are even affixed to the ceiling, looking very realistic. There is also a place that resembles the furnace where the Supreme Old Lord is said to have made elixirs. 👀 The Male and Female Waterfalls are another masterpiece of nature, super spectacular. It is said that a very famous TV drama was filmed here, where the male protagonist was saved by the female protagonist. 👀 The Goddess Palace is also very beautiful, crystal clear, and a typical underground beauty of karst topography. 👀 Shentian is a large stone lake group, more than 10 meters deep, with a very layered look, a rare spectacle in the world. 👀 The Jiuxiang Tourist Cableway is also cool, about one kilometer long, like a rainbow stretching across the mountains. Riding the cableway, you can see the beautiful scenery of Jiuxiang in different seasons, especially spectacular. Jiuxiang, a great place hidden in the mountains, has magical caves, tall water curtain caves, and especially clear rivers. As soon as you enter the cave, it's like coming to a mysterious fairyland, with various kinds of stones like flowers, some hanging like bells, some growing like bamboo shoots, and others blooming like flowers... dazzling to see.

| Jiuxiang Cave, a sacred field hidden in the high gorges and deep valleys. Kunming | Jiuxiang Cave, a sacred field hidden in the high gorges and deep valleys Kunming Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Township, Yiliang County, Kunming City, 90 kilometers away from Kunming City. It is a scenic area dominated by caves and canyons and has been rated as a national 4A scenic area. The scenery of the entire Jiuxiang is mainly underground. Jinghun Gorge, Male and Female Waterfalls, and Shentian are Jiuxiang's unique cave landscapes and are worth a visit. Highlights: On the ground: 1. Yincui Gorge. Yincui Gorge is an above-ground canyon that can be visited by boat. The journey is very short, and it only takes about 10 minutes to go back and forth. The narrowest part of the canyon is about 4 meters, and the two sides are steep, which is worth a visit. Underground: 1. Shocking Gorge. It is the most spectacular underground canyon discovered in China. The banks are as if they were cut by a knife. The distance from the bottom of the canyon to the top of the cave is nearly 100 meters, and the narrowest part of the canyon is only three or four meters wide. 2. Male and female waterfalls. It is an underground double waterfall. The two waterfalls crawl down from a cliff more than 30 meters high. The pool is more than 10 meters deep. The waterfalls fall straight down, deafening. It is a unique wonder in the caves in China. 3. Kanda. The stalactites are stacked layer by layer, forming a terraced field, and are named "Shentian". Transportation: There is no bus, you can drive yourself or join a tour group. Tickets: Adult tickets are 60 yuan, and cableway tickets are 30 yuan. Playability index: 4 stars, a treasure hidden deep underground, a gift from nature

Recommended reason: Visiting the Stone Forest in Kunming is a standard activity. The 'Number One Wonder of the World,' the Kunming Stone Forest, allows one to experience the natural marvels crafted by the forces of nature, and to feel the traces of time flowing through the rocks. Within the Jiuxiang Yi and Hui ethnic township, about 35 kilometers from Kunming in Yiliang County, lies an 'underground Stone Forest'—the Yiliang Jiuxiang Scenic Area, a site dominated by a group of karst caves. The area is rich in dense forests and abundant in flora and fauna, featuring both magnificent mountain gorges and exquisite underground caves, and is a typical karst landscape. The main attractions include: Yincui Gorge, Jingshen Gorge, Male Lion Hall, Male and Female Waterfalls, Shentian, and other sites. Among them, the Male Lion Hall was the filming location for the flying scenes of Jackie Chan and Kim Hee-sun in the movie 'The Myth,' and Shentian is a rare 'limestone dam cluster' (similar to 'Cotton Castle'), a wonder formed by billions of years of sedimentation. Address: Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Township, Yiliang County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. Ticket price: Adult ticket 60 yuan, cable car ticket 30 yuan (optional). Touring time: 3-4 hours. Best seasons to visit: Spring, summer, and autumn, with spring and summer being the most suitable seasons. Touring route: Enter the scenic area → dock, take a boat tour through Yincui Gorge → walk through Jingshen Gorge → visit the four caves in sequence: Male Lion Hall, Goddess Palace, Male and Female Waterfalls, Shentian (limestone dam), Yi Family Village, Underground Inverted Stone Forest, and other attractions Precautions: 1) The scenic area mainly features cave tours, so if you visit in spring or autumn, be sure to wear thicker clothes like a windbreaker to avoid catching a cold. 2) There is climbing up and down in the scenic area, so it is recommended to wear light and comfortable shoes, and women should avoid wearing skirts if possible. 3) There are few food supply points in the scenic area, so it is advisable to bring some bottled water, bread, and other snacks. Be careful not to litter water bottles, food packaging bags, and other trash in the scenic area, and protect the environment.

1. There are ninety-nine karst caves in Jiuxiang, which is known as the hometown of karst caves. The natural caves here are warm in winter and cool in summer, maintaining a constant temperature of 19 degrees Celsius all year round, especially comfortable in summer. The scenery is tranquil and charming, known as the Valley of Lovers. The grand and spacious Lion Hall, with its majestic appearance, is like two silver dragons hanging down from the sky, forming a male and female double waterfall. The entire scenic area possesses a unique and exquisite landscape, essentially a massive cave museum, which is truly breathtaking. 2. After visiting the attractions, right next to it is the Azalea Garden, where you can enjoy flowers, cute pets, and it's especially not to be missed by families with children. You can take beautiful photos and interact with small animals. When you're tired, it's just the right time to enjoy a sumptuous self-service barbecue. These two full cabinets, with dozens of meat dishes, are all you can eat, including scallops, beef, oysters, and more. There are also many alcoholic beverages and soft drinks available for self-service, and they are all branded products. 3. In such an environment, it's really comfortable for a family to eat barbecue and have hot pot at the same time. If you don't want barbecue, you can also take away a Yiliang roasted duck. In a day's tour, not only do you experience the perfect blend of mountains, water, and caves, and marvel at the wonders of nature, but it's also not exhausting.