Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞), also known as “Wumen Cave” or “Flying Dragon Cave,” is a marvel of creativity nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Hangzhou. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a tranquil scene where tall bamboo sways gently, painting the entrance with shades of green, and winding pathways lead you into the depths of the mountains.
The main attractions within Huanglong Cave are a harmonious blend of water and stone, with ponds reflecting the surrounding peaks and cliffs adorned with the likeness of a dragon’s head. Water cascades from the mouth of the dragon into the pool below, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Along the edges of the pool, pavilions and corridors invite visitors to linger, fulfilling the desire to “lean against the railings and greedily watch the water,” as the poet Bai Juyi once described.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Huanglong Cave
- Attractions near Huanglong Cave
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 15 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.15 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0571-87972468 0086-0571-87972469 |
Location and Transportation
Huanglong Cave is situated at the foothills of Qixia Ridge, at 69 Shuguang Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 16, 23, 28, 87, 103, 282, 307, 318, 505, or 8028 and get off at Huanglong Cave Stop (黄龙洞站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the attraction is Huanglong Cave (黄龙洞) on line 3. After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 250 meters to the south to reach the cave.
Highlights of Huanglong Cave
Various Structures
Structures like the Crane Stop Pavilion and Fragrant Snow Pavilion are strategically positioned against the backdrop of mountains and water, creating a picturesque and harmonious arrangement. Across the pool lies a courtyard adorned with various species of bamboo, among which the square bamboo stands out prominently. To the right of the pool, an artificial mountain conceals the entrance to Huanglong Ancient Cave, within which lies a stone-carved likeness of the ancestral master, Monk Huikai. Ascending along the mountain paths, visitors encounter the Cloud Cave, a spacious grotto often enveloped in mist, hence its name “Reclining Cloud Cave.”
Innovative Design
The development of the Huanglong Cave tourist spot is marked by innovation. Staff dressed in ancient costumes welcome guests, while banners reading “Legacy of Taibai” hang askew from the eaves of the pavilions, indicating a nod to historical cultural references. Visitors can partake in a light drink inside the pavilions while enjoying performances by the Hangzhou Huanglong Yueju Opera Troupe. Alternatively, they can listen to traditional Chinese music performances in front of the Huanglong Ancient Cave. The acoustics within the cave amplify the melodies, leaving visitors with a lingering sense of awe.
Legends about Huanglong Cave
Legend has it that Huanglong Cave was once a site of meditation and spiritual practice for the monk Huikai. One fateful day, a thunderous roar split the mountain, and a clear spring emerged from the rocks. It is said that a yellow dragon accompanied Huikai, hence the name Huanglong Cave.
The sculpture of the Huanglong head is inspired by a poignant folk tale. It is said that in the nearby Ziyun Cave, there once lived an elderly and a young yellow dragon. One day, the elder dragon wreaked havoc, breathing fire upon the city of Hangzhou. The young dragon, in an act of righteousness, led the people to flood the Ziyun Cave with water from West Lake, extinguishing the elder dragon and the raging flames. In the struggle, the young dragon also perished. Touched by the sacrifice, the people buried the young dragon, and tears seeped into its resting place, forming a small waterfall. To commemorate the young dragon, a sculpture of its head was erected at the site of the waterfall, and thus, the area became known as Huanglong Cave.
