Nestled within the boundaries of Zhenning County in Anshun City, Yelang Cave (夜郎洞) stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring wonders of karst topography, forming a part of the world’s most concentrated karst cave systems. Legend whispers tales of its erstwhile glory, once serving as the summer palace of the ancient kings of Yelang over 2000 years ago. Comprising Yelang Cave, Shihua Cave, Fengziyan Cave, and an array of smaller caves, sinkholes, and unique karst formations such as Tiankeng and Yanfeng Slope, the cave complex spans an impressive area of 48.6 square kilometers.
Upon approaching Yelang Cave, visitors are greeted by a colossal natural bridge, framing the entrance as if welcoming explorers into a realm of subterranean wonder. Water gushes forth from within the cave mouth, hinting at the secrets concealed beneath the earth’s surface. Rising to heights of a hundred meters, the cave is divided into three tiers. The first tier, known as the Water Cave, winds and twists, offering boat rides amidst a spectacle of diverse karst formations adorning its rocky walls – stalactites, stalagmites, and stone columns create a mesmerizing panorama.
The second and third tiers, the Dry Caves, consist of five grand chambers adorned with formations resembling human figures, stone flowers, and pillars, illuminated by colorful lights that dance and reflect off the natural wonders. Of particular enchantment are clusters of luminescent stone “reishi” mushrooms, their radiance casting an otherworldly glow within the caverns. The third tier unfolds as a vast expanse, with densely packed stone formations resembling a primordial forest. Here, visitors may wander amidst formations resembling trees, their canopies stretching overhead, creating an illusion of wandering through a celestial arboretum.
Embarking on a journey through the Yelang Cave complex, visitors are treated to a meticulously planned itinerary. The adventure commences with a boat ride, ferrying guests into the heart of the water cave, a journey spanning approximately 800 meters and lasting 20 minutes. Emerging from the water, visitors embark on a guided exploration of the dry caves, traversing a path approximately 1200 meters in length, an experience lasting about an hour. Exiting the caves, visitors follow a scenic trail back to the parking area, a leisurely stroll taking approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Basic Information
| Estimate Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 85 RMB (1st April – 31st October) 70 RMB (1st November – 31st March) |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 (1st April – 31st October) 8.30 – 17.30 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0851-36823366 |
Location and Transportation
Yelang Cave is located within Zhenning County, Guizhou Province, approximately 10 kilometers away from the Huangguoshu Scenic Area. Visitors from Guizhou or Anshun can take a bus to Zhenning and then transfer to a shuttle bus directly to the scenic area.
