Huanglong Cave

Nature · Hunan · 黄龙洞

Huanglong Cave

Zhangjiajie

Huanglong Cave · ChinaMazing

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Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Sea-Settling Needle

Sight 1

Sea-Settling Needle

定海神针

The Heaven-Supporting Pillar. The Heaven-Supporting Pillar is the most famous stalagmite column in Huanglong Cave. Towering and upright, it resembles Sun Wukong's golden-banded staff, hence its name. Formed by the joining of a stalagmite and a stalactite from above and below, this wonder took hundreds of millions of years to take shape and is rightly regarded as the cave's most treasured treasure. Its crystal-clear luster and lifelike form are a testament to nature's extraordinary craftsmanship.

Dragon Palace

Sight 2

Dragon Palace

龙宫

Dragon Palace. The Dragon Palace is the most magnificent hall within Yellow Dragon Cave, renowned for its towering stalactite clusters and a deep, mysterious underground river. A dazzling array of stalagmites and stone draperies intertwines with the lighting, creating a dreamlike, palatial ambiance. Among them, the "Divine Needle Stabilizing the Sea" stands slender and upright, a true marvel to behold. Visitors can take a boat ride through the subterranean river, experiencing the unique blend of water and land within the cave. The entire scenic area takes about two hours to explore, requiring walking and climbing stairs, so comfortable attire is recommended.

Fairy Water

Sight 3

Fairy Water

天仙水

Tianxian Water. Tianxian Water is a rare underground waterfall spectacle within Huanglong Cave, where water cascades down from cracks in the cave ceiling like strands of silver, flowing ceaselessly throughout the year. The water here is exceptionally clear, casting a deep blue glow under the illumination of the lights, creating a delightful contrast with the surrounding stalactites of myriad shapes and forms. Visitors can pause to admire the lively scene of water striking stone and feel the serene yet thriving vitality of nature in the depths of the cave.

Crystal Palace

Sight 4

Crystal Palace

水晶宫

Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace is one of the most magnificent hall chambers within Huanglong Cave, renowned for its dense and spectacular clusters of stalactites. Here, stalagmites, draperies, and stalactite columns take on a myriad of forms, glittering like crystal under the illumination of colorful lights—hence its name. A winding underground river flows through the chamber, where visitors can take a boat ride to experience the tranquility and mystery of the subterranean world. Towering stone pillars and delicate stone flowers complement each other, composing a natural tableau of sculpted art. As a quintessential example of karst landforms, the Crystal Palace showcases nature's masterful craftsmanship forged over hundreds of millions of years, making it an unmissable highlight for anyone seeking to explore China's cave wonders.

Flower and Fruit Mountain

Sight 5

Flower and Fruit Mountain

花果山

Huaguo Mountain. Huaguo Mountain, located within Huanglong Cave, is one of the cave's most exquisite attractions. Here, stalactites and stalagmites stand in a myriad of forms, evoking the fairyland of Huaguo Mountain from *Journey to the West*. Water droplets glisten on the stone pillars, shimmering like pearls and jade under the colorful lights, as if the entire mountain were laden with blossoms and fruit. Visitors can follow the walkway to wander through this wonder, marveling at the magical craftsmanship of karst landscapes while searching for familiar sights such as Sun Wukong and the Water Curtain Cave—a truly delightful experience.

Dragon Dancing Hall

Sight 6

Dragon Dancing Hall

龙舞厅

Dragon Dance Hall. As one of the most expansive chambers within Huanglong Cave, the Dragon Dance Hall is renowned for its towering stalactites and dense clusters of stalagmites. Stone curtains and columns suspended from the cave ceiling interlace in forms that resemble dragons swirling in flight, which is how the hall earned its name. The acoustics within this vast space are uniquely resonant, with the occasional murmur of underground waterways echoing through, enhancing its air of mystery. Visitors may pause here to marvel at the extraordinary craftsmanship of karst landscapes and feel the majestic power sculpted by nature itself.

Labyrinth

Sight 7

Labyrinth

迷宫

The Maze. The Maze is the most exquisite area within Yellow Dragon Cave, renowned for its dense and peculiar calcium carbonate deposits. Narrow passages wind and twist, flanked by stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone curtains in an array of shapes, resembling a natural underground palace of sculptures. The scenery here is highly concentrated, shifting with every step and dazzling the eyes. Due to the intricate and complex layout, visitors must follow their guide in an orderly manner to experience the awe and mystery of this underground karst wonder.