Zhijin Cave
织金洞 · Zhijin County, Bijie, Guizhou, China
A giant three-tier cave with about 13.5 km explored so far, its halls tall and spacious and crowded with more than 120 kinds of crystal formations; the 17-metre "Silver Rain Tree" is the rarest of them.
Know before you go
- Touching stalactites or crystals
- aiming camera flashes at the fragile stone flowers
- shouting inside the cave
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The discovery of Daji Cave
In 1980 the Zhijin County tourism resources survey team found this cave near Minzhai Township, northeast of the county town; at the time it was called Daji Cave. Eight years later it was listed as a national scenic area under the name Zhijin Cave, with about 13.5 km of passages now explored.
Source: Wikipedia: Zhijin Cave; Chinese Wikipedia: Zhijin Cave
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Zhijin Cave lies about 23 km northeast of the town of Zhijin County in Bijie, Guizhou, and is a representative karst cave of the province. It has three levels, and its stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, stone flowers and other crystal formations come in more than 120 kinds; the "Silver Rain Tree", about 17 metres tall, is especially prized. The cave was listed as a national scenic area in 1988 and later rated a national 5A tourist attraction, and the Zhijindong UNESCO Global Geopark is named after it. The cave takes its name from Zhijin County, where it lies.
Local customs
- Walk the lit footpath through the main hall and its side halls, look up at the towering roof, stone waterfalls and curtains, and see the "Silver Rain Tree" and other crystal flowers up close
- if you have time, stop in Zhijin town on the way.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Touching stalactites or crystals
- aiming camera flashes at the fragile stone flowers
- shouting inside the cave
Locals appreciate DO
- Stay on the lit footpath
- speak softly
- carry all rubbish out with you
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The cave is toured on foot and takes about two hours
- the ground is slippery, so wear non-slip shoes. The temperature inside and outside differs noticeably, so bring a light jacket. Tickets and guided tours follow the scenic area's official notice.
- Go first to Guiyang or Bijie, then travel by road to Zhijin town
- the scenic area is about 23 km northeast of the town, with shuttle and parking arrangements as officially announced. Any season works, and rain does not affect a visit inside the cave
- mild spring and autumn are best for combining it with nearby sights.
Photos
Photos
Esiymbro · CC BY-SA 4.0
Esiymbro · CC BY-SA 4.0
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