Jiuxiang Caves Kunming
Explore China's largest karst cave complex, a subterranean wonderland of formations, waterfalls, and natural bridges.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Jiuxiang Caves Kunming
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore China's largest karst cave complex, a subterranean wonderland of formations, waterfalls, and natural bridges.
"Jiuxiang Caves are a breathtaking natural spectacle, a true 'Museum of Karst Caves'!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave floors can be wet and slippery. Opt for sturdy, non-slip footwear for a safe and enjoyable exploration.
💧 Be Prepared for Water
Water drips from the cave ceilings, so your clothes might get a little damp. Bring a light waterproof jacket if you're concerned.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall
Main cave chamber
Marvel at the immense scale of this cavern, adorned with colorful lights and intricate natural formations.
Underground Waterfalls
Within the cave system
Witness the breathtaking sight of water cascading down within the subterranean landscape, a truly unique spectacle.
Natural Bridges
Throughout the caves
Admire the impressive stone bridges naturally formed over centuries, showcasing the power of geological processes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Navigating the Caves: Pace Yourself
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave floors can be wet and slippery. Opt for sturdy, non-slip footwear for a safe and enjoyable exploration.
💧 Be Prepared for Water
Water drips from the cave ceilings, so your clothes might get a little damp. Bring a light waterproof jacket if you're concerned.
🎟️ Consider Package Deals
If you're not driving, a package tour might simplify logistics. Otherwise, plan for multiple bus transfers.
📸 Capture the Magic
The colorful lighting enhances the cave's natural beauty. Bring your camera to capture stunning shots of the formations.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave floors can be wet and slippery. Opt for sturdy, non-slip footwear for a safe and enjoyable exploration.
💧 Be Prepared for Water
Water drips from the cave ceilings, so your clothes might get a little damp. Bring a light waterproof jacket if you're concerned.
🎟️ Consider Package Deals
If you're not driving, a package tour might simplify logistics. Otherwise, plan for multiple bus transfers.
📸 Capture the Magic
The colorful lighting enhances the cave's natural beauty. Bring your camera to capture stunning shots of the formations.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Exploring the caves can take 2-3 hours, plus travel time. Don't rush your visit to fully appreciate the geological wonders.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the sheer scale and beauty of Jiuxiang Caves, often calling it a 'Museum of Karst Caves' for its impressive formations, underground waterfalls, and natural bridges. The colorful lighting enhances the subterranean spectacle. However, the journey can be lengthy and involve multiple bus transfers, and some find the uphill climbs and noisy tour guides detract slightly from the experience.
"If you are coming from Kunming , you would need to take a bus (25 RMB , 1 hr) from Kunming eastern bus station (located at Kunming east coach subway station) to Yiliang county bus station first , followed by taking bus 21 (10 RMB, 1 hr 10 min) to Jiu Xiang cave ticketing office. The ticketing office is 5 km away from the actual cave itself.
At the ticketing office , you are expected to buy a trip package that include some activities such as watching a 10 min video and a boat ride to bring you to the cave and back.
As such , if you only wish to visit the cave directly, there is no transportation to bring you over. It is almost impossible to find a car by ride-hailing as well.
Hence, it is important to plan your time so that you enough time to do the whole trip package if you do not have your own transportation.
There is a ticketing office here as well but they only sell the entrance ticket (60 RMB) and a chair-lift ride (30 RMB) to return back here.
The cave itself is large and there are coloured lights to beautify the rocks. There are also some sections showing the prehistoric time on earth and another about the mythical aspect of the cave but you would need to pay (30 RMB each) if you wish to visit them.
There is also a sedan chair service offered if your legs are getting tired for a fee.
There are also some souvenir shops and eateries in the cave complex.
There is also a fun slide (30 RMB) to go to the lower levels of the cave when you reach the upper levels.
The floor is wet as the water drips from the rocks above so do be careful.
The duration to tour the cave would be about 2 to 3 hours.
You would need to climb up some steps at the end of the walk in the cave followed by taking a chair-lift ride back to the ticketing office."
Live Life
"We had Starbucks coffee inside the lion cave. The information sign posted wasn't helpful and we had difficulty locating our next stop after our coffee break.
At the beautiful twin waterfalls, a photographer was there to take your photograph. Like most places in China, you then have to pay for the photo if you like it.
The last stretch was more than 300 steps of uphill climb, which can be tiring for some. They have sedan chairs for hire at 30 yuan if you need help. Then you take a cable car to exit the park."
S Y
"Beautiful geological park. Everything is very well maintained, clean, and well signposted. Remember to bring your passport to buy tickets. It is quite a long walk, but some parts you have the option to take the glass slide down to the waterfall area for 30RMB. And you can also hire people to carry you in a sedan. There are lots of stalls for you to buy snacks and drinks, even a small Starbucks inside the cave! Toilets are also available, and are mostly clean. The final part of the cave is a bit steep and can be challenging. But it is a wonderful experience, very beautiful and amazing in parts. Slightly spoiled by the very noisy and very rude local tour guides who push past people and scream at the top of their voices with their microphones. Hope you can be more professional and behave."
Kimberley Howarth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Jiuxiang Caves from Kunming, take a bus from Kunming Eastern Bus Station to Yiliang County Bus Station (approx. 25 RMB, 1 hour). From Yiliang, catch bus 21 to the Jiuxiang Cave ticketing office (approx. 10 RMB, 1 hour 10 minutes). The ticketing office is about 5 km from the actual cave entrance.
Public buses will take you to the ticketing office, but not directly to the cave entrance itself. You'll need to arrange further transport or join a package that includes this. Ride-hailing services are also difficult to find for this route.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Stone Forest, making it possible to visit both on the same day if you have transportation arranged. 
The total travel time from Kunming to Jiuxiang Caves by public bus can be around 2 to 2.5 hours, not including waiting times between buses.
While possible, finding a taxi or ride-sharing service for the entire journey from Kunming can be challenging and expensive. The bus route is generally more reliable for independent travelers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance ticket for Jiuxiang Caves is 60 RMB. You may also need to purchase a package that includes a boat ride and other activities.
At the ticketing office, you are often expected to buy a trip package that includes a boat ride to the cave entrance and back. If you only want the entrance ticket, it's possible but may limit your access.
Yes, there are optional fees for visiting specific sections like prehistoric or mythical exhibits (30 RMB each), a fun slide (30 RMB), and sedan chair services if you need assistance.
Yes, it is recommended to bring your passport to purchase tickets at Jiuxiang Scenic Area.
A standard package often includes a short boat ride to the cave entrance, access to the main cave system, and a chair-lift ride back to the ticketing office.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The typical duration to tour the main cave system is about 2 to 3 hours, not including travel time to and from the site.
The caves involve a lot of walking and some steep uphill climbs. While there are sedan chairs for hire, the terrain can be challenging. Consider the optional chair-lift and slide for easier descent.
Highlights include the vast Grand Hall, stunning underground waterfalls, naturally formed bridges, and impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Yes, there are souvenir shops, eateries, and toilets available within the cave complex. You can even find a small Starbucks inside one of the caves.
Jiuxiang Caves are called the 'Museum of Karst Caves' because they form the largest cluster of karst caves in China, showcasing a vast array of geological formations.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Jiuxiang Caves. The colorful lighting adds a unique aesthetic to your photos, making it a great spot for capturing unique shots.
Look for opportunities around the underground waterfalls, the Grand Hall with its dramatic lighting, and the intricate natural bridges. The boat ride also offers scenic views.
Yes, photographers are available at certain scenic spots, like the twin waterfalls, to take your picture. Be aware that you will need to pay for the photos if you wish to keep them.
Due to the low light and colorful artificial lighting, a tripod can be helpful for sharper images. Experiment with different white balance settings to capture the true colors of the formations.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural scenic areas and national parks in China. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the optional activities like the fun slide for a bit of extra excitement. If your children have shorter attention spans or find extensive walking difficult, you might want to focus on the most accessible parts of the cave or utilize the sedan chair service for parts of the journey. The sheer scale of the caves can be awe-inspiring for all ages.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and water can also help save money, although there are eateries and shops available. The entrance fee itself is reasonable, and the core experience of exploring the vast cave system is well worth the cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Jiuxiang Caves
+1The formations within the caves are a testament to slow, continuous geological processes. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, formed by mineral-rich water dripping and depositing calcium carbonate, while stalagmites rise from the floor, growing upwards from similar deposits. The presence of underground rivers and waterfalls further highlights the dynamic nature of these subterranean environments, shaping the landscape and contributing to the unique beauty.
Visitors can witness this geological marvel firsthand, with guided tours often highlighting the most impressive formations and explaining their origins. The colorful lighting, while enhancing the visual appeal, also helps to illuminate the intricate details of these natural sculptures, offering a glimpse into the Earth's ancient history.
Navigating the Jiuxiang Experience
Once at the ticketing office, visitors are often presented with package deals that streamline the experience, typically including a boat ride to the cave entrance. Inside, the caves are extensive, requiring a significant amount of walking. The terrain can be wet and uneven, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must. For those who find the extensive walking or uphill climbs challenging, options like sedan chairs and a fun slide are available for an additional fee.
The cave exploration itself can take 2-3 hours, and the exit often involves a chair-lift ride back to the ticketing office, offering scenic views. While the natural beauty is undeniable, some visitors have noted that the experience can be slightly marred by noisy tour guides. Despite these minor points, the overall consensus is that Jiuxiang Caves offer a spectacular and memorable natural wonder.
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