Located in Yiliang County, Yunnan Province, Jiuxiang Scenic Area (九乡风景区) boasts dense forests and abundant flora and fauna. Formed during the Ordovician period, approximately 600 million years ago, it is home to over a hundred large and small karst caves, constituting the largest and most diverse cave system in China, acclaimed by experts as the “Karst Cave Museum.”
Among its wonders are prehistoric marine microorganism fossils known as stromatolites, stalagmites and stalactites, biokarst landscapes (also known as biological reef formations), as well as a variety of hydrogeological marvels such as lakes, underground halls, dark gorges, fishtail rocks, twisted stones, and whirlpool caves.
Key attractions within Jiuxiang include the lush Yincui Gorge, the thrilling Jinghun Gorge, the majestic Lion Hall, the dynamic Flying Waterfalls, and the mystical Shentian Field.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area promises visitors a captivating journey through time, offering a glimpse into the ancient geological formations and natural wonders that have shaped its landscape over millions of years.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Jiuxiang Scenic Area
- Vlog about Jiuxiang Scenic Area
- Other Attractions in Kunming Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 60 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0871-67511966 0086-0871-67511998 |
Location and Transportation
Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located within the territory of Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Ethnic Township in Yiliang County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. To reach Jiuxiang, visitors can take a minibus from Kunming New Eastern Bus Station (新东部客运站) to Yiliang County (宜良县). Upon arrival at Yiliang Bus Station, they can purchase tickets for the rural bus heading to Jiuxiang (Yiliang-Jiuxiang), which provides direct access to the scenic area. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hour.
Highlights of Jiuxiang Scenic Area
Yincui Gorge (Lovers’ Valley)
Also known as Lovers’ Valley, Yincui Gorge stretches for 600 meters, offering a serene and enchanting experience. Visitors can glide along its tranquil waters by boat, surrounded by ancient cliffs and lush foliage. The picturesque scenery, reminiscent of a painting, often leaves visitors spellbound. Many poets and writers have been inspired by the beauty of Yincui Gorge, leaving behind poignant verses that echo its tranquility.
Jinghun Gorge (Valley of Startling Sounds)
With a length of 700 meters, Jinghun Gorge is one of the most spectacular underground canyons discovered in China. Its cliffs resemble sharp blades, plunging nearly a hundred meters from the canyon floor to the cave ceiling. At its narrowest point, the gorge is only three to four meters wide, evoking a sense of awe and wonder in all who traverse its depths.
Lion Hall
Spanning an impressive 15,000 square meters, Lion Hall is the largest underground chamber in the world. Its vast expanse can accommodate thousands of people for gatherings and celebrations. What makes it even more remarkable is its unsupported ceiling, composed of a single intact slab with several swirling vortex-shaped indentations, defying conventional architectural norms.
Male and Female Flying Waterfalls
These twin waterfalls cascade down from cliffs over thirty meters high, plummeting into pools that are more than ten meters deep. The thunderous roar of the water echoes through the cavern as the falls unleash their maximum flow rate of 320 cubic meters per second. The majestic spectacle of the waterfalls, resembling a romantic embrace between two lovers, is a rare sight within China’s cave systems.
Shentian Field (Divine Rice Field)
Shentian Field is a vast expanse of interconnected lakes, covering an area of over 100 square meters and reaching depths of more than ten meters. Its intricately arranged pools and majestic scenery make it a rare wonder, acclaimed by international cave experts as one of the world’s most extraordinary features. The ethereal beauty of Shentian Field adds to the allure of Jiuxiang Scenic Area, enriching the visitor’s experience with its otherworldly charm.
