Yulong Cave (玉龙洞), situated in the city of Lichuan, Hubei Province, derives its name from the pristine white calcite deposits resembling jade within the cave and a stunning rock formation that bears a resemblance to a flying dragon. Positioned on the mountainside of Qiankoupo, the cave entrance stands at an impressive height of 5.7 meters and spans a width of 12 meters. The entire cave system comprises one main cave and three subsidiary caves, with a total length of 1630 meters.
The discovery of Yulong Cave can be attributed to local farmers, Li Yufeng and Jiang Shuhua, who stumbled upon it in the summer of 1992 while searching for a water source during a drought. Following the discovery, the Lichuan City Tourism Bureau and the Tuangbao Township government collaborated to conduct preliminary surveys and development. The original cave entrance was almost nonexistent, and the current entrance was excavated later during the development process.
Presently, Yulong Cave has undergone renovations, incorporating modern lighting systems, installing a new mountain-climbing elevator, constructing pavilions, and updating buildings for a more aesthetically pleasing experience. With comprehensive facilities and services, Yulong Cave has transformed into a vibrant leisure destination, particularly popular for escaping the summer heat.
Yulong Cave is divided into three levels: upper, middle, and lower. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 14–18 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Known for its small, exquisite, beautiful, and unique formations, Yulong Cave captivates visitors with its main cave and three subsidiary caves. The main cave reaches heights of 80 meters, spans 40 meters at its widest, and narrows down to 0.16 meters at certain points. The cave interior boasts a mesmerizing display of stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites in various shapes and sizes. Notable formations such as “Sky-supporting Jade Column,” “Bamboo Shoots After the Rain,” “Flying Jade Dragon,” and “Phoenix Crown of the Queen” are among the captivating wonders waiting to be explored within Yulong Cave, making it an enchanting subterranean spectacle that leaves visitors awe-inspired.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 65 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
Location and Transportation
Yulong Cave is located in the village of Yingtao Jing in Tuanpu Town, Lichuan City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, China. It is situated just 7 kilometers away from National Highway 318.
To reach Yulong Cave, visitors can start by taking a high-speed train to Lichuan and then transfer to a bus heading to Tuanbao Town. Once in Tuanbao Town, there is a dedicated tourist bus service that provides direct transportation to Yulong Cave.
