Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave, 黄龙洞) is located in the eastern part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, approximately five kilometers from the urban center of Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie, China. As an essential part of the Wulingyuan UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is recognized as a World Geopark and is among the first batch of 5A-rated tourist attractions in China.
The scenic area comprises three main attractions: the renowned Yellow Dragon Cave, a picturesque ecological square showcasing the region’s beautiful rural landscapes, and the new ethnic music show, “Rain and Mist in Zhangjiajie.”
Officially opened to the public in 1984, Yellow Dragon Cave features a remarkable underground expanse with a total area of approximately 100,000 square meters, a length of 7.5 kilometers, and a vertical height of 140 meters, divided into four distinct levels. Its impressive scale, extensive array of stalactites and stalagmites, and unique formations make it exceptionally rare among caves both domestically and internationally. Experts in cave studies from around the world have hailed it as the “all-around champion” of natural caves.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yellow Dragon Cave
- Vlog about Yellow Dragon Cave
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 121 RMB including admission, boat tour, and guide |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 (1st November – 30th April) 8.00 – 18.00 (1st May – 31st October) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0744-5618489 0086-0744-5612131 |
Location and Transportation
Yellow Dragon Cave is situated in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is approximately 36 kilometers from Zhangjiajie City Center, Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, and Zhangjiajie Railway Station.
To reach Yellow Dragon Cave, visitors can take a bus from Zhangjiajie City Bus Station to Wulingyuan Bus Station. Once at Wulingyuan, transfer to Bus Route 1, which will take you directly to the Yellow Dragon Cave stop.
Highlights of Yellow Dragon Cave
Dragon Palace
Dragon Palace is the largest and oldest hall within Yellow Dragon Cave, formed over 200,000 years ago. It has an average height of 40 meters and a floor area of 14,000 square meters. This hall features the most developed stalagmites in Yellow Dragon Cave, with over 1,705 stalagmites and stone columns, including 516 that exceed 1 meter in height. The quantity and density of these stalagmites are quite rare among the opened caves in the country. The unique attractions within Dragon Palace include the “Stabilizing Needle,” “Dragon King’s Throne,” and “Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Pine,” known as the three wonders of Dragon Palace.
Stabilizing Needle: The first wonder of Dragon Palace, this is the tallest stalagmite in Yellow Dragon Cave and serves as a landmark of the scenic area. It reaches a height of 19.2 meters and was formed 200,000 years ago. Its distinctive feature is that it is thick at both ends and thin in the middle, growing on a slope, creating an exceptionally magnificent sight, making it a “treasure of the cave.”
Dragon King’s Throne: The second wonder of Dragon Palace, this stalagmite is the most robust in Yellow Dragon Cave. It is located on the left hillside of the Dragon Palace entrance. It stands 12 meters tall, with a base diameter of 10 meters and a huge hollow in the middle, said to accommodate 15 adults at once.
Snow Pine: The third wonder of Dragon Palace, this stalagmite is the fastest-growing within Yellow Dragon Cave. It is completely white and stands 17 meters tall, majestically positioned on the sloping western end of the Dragon Palace hall. The “Snow Pine” has been standing here for 96,000 years, earning it the nickname “Ten-Thousand-Year Pine.”
Xiangshui River
Xiangshui River is one of the three underground rivers within Yellow Dragon Cave, located on the second level. It stretches 2,800 meters in total length, with an average water depth of 6 meters and a maximum depth of 12 meters. Currently, visitors can enjoy an 800-meter boat tour along the river, which takes approximately 8 minutes. The average water temperature of Xiangshui River remains around 16 degrees Celsius year-round, making it a habitat for the nationally protected giant salamander and the transparent “glass fish.”
As you drift along Xiangshui River, the journey is filled with mysterious and enticing landscapes, including attractions like the “Dragon King’s Golden Helmet” and “Conch Blowing Sky,” which are worth savoring. The surroundings evoke an ancient, chaotic time, with deep valleys, towering cliffs, and an interplay of light and shadow.
Yellow Dragon Concert Hall
The Yellow Dragon Concert Hall is located at the entrance of the ecological square and was constructed by the Yellow Dragon Cave Investment Co., Ltd. to international standards. Covering an area of 4,970 square meters, it represents an investment of 160 million yuan and can accommodate 818 seats. Nestled against the lush hillside of Yellow Dragon Cave and facing vast rice fields, the concert hall is bordered to the south by the gently flowing Suoxi River.
The entire structure is built using a frame-shear wall system, featuring a 3,250-square-meter sloped roof that is entirely covered with greenery and flowers, making it the largest green roof in the world. The exterior walls consist of local blue stone shale, designed to resemble musical notes, blending seamlessly with nature. The hall looks like a cultural treasure of Zhangjiajie waiting to be discovered, or a piece of jade embedded in the landscape, earning it the title of “the most beautiful environmental concert hall in the world.”
Pastoral Landscape Scenic Area
At the outset of constructing the ecological square, the Yellow Dragon Cave scenic area transformed 30 acres of construction land into arable farmland, continuously cultivating crops such as rapeseed, rice, melons, and vegetables. This area features farmers, plowing oxen, shepherds, waterwheels, and waves of golden rice swaying in the breeze, creating a picturesque pastoral scene reminiscent of idyllic rural life, making visitors feel as if they’ve entered a paradise.
In the center of the ecological square’s farmland lies a Tujia courtyard known as Longshe. This exquisite guesthouse, built with an investment of over 20 million yuan, reflects the traditional Tujia architectural style. Staying here brings joy and comfort, encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy their surroundings.
Waterwheel Elegance Scenic Area
The Waterwheel Elegance Scenic Area showcases the vibrant culture of the Tujia people, set against the backdrop of lush green valleys. Numerous waterwheels, of various sizes and designs, are scattered throughout the crystal-clear streams, creating a symphony of soft sounds as they turn in the gentle current, singing ancient melodies. This enchanting environment allows visitors to marvel at the beauty while feeling transported to a bygone era, awakening a deep appreciation for nature and tranquility.
