Zhijin Cave:

Here's a practical guide for visiting Zhijin Cave: ⛰️ 1. Key Park Information: 1. Status & Features: - A UNESCO Global Geopark and China's 5A-level scenic area, hailed as the "King of China's Karst Caves" and "Encyclopedia of Karst Landforms". - Features pristine cave formations with subtle lighting design highlighting natural wonders (e.g., "Conqueror's Helmet", "Silver Rain Tree", "Lingzhi Mountain"). 2. Opening Hours: - Day tour: 08:00-17:30 (5 time slots: 08:00-10:00, 10:00-12:00, 12:00-14:00, 14:00-16:00, 16:00-17:00) - Night tour: 19:00-20:30 (less crowded with unique atmosphere) - Today's update (Aug 5): Day tickets sold out, only night tours available. 3. Ticket Prices: - Peak season (summer): Entrance ¥110 + Shuttle ¥20 + Safety kit ¥10 = ¥140/person - Discount tickets: ¥30 for children/students/seniors (includes shuttle) - Important: Tickets must be purchased 1-15 days in advance via official channels (WeChat: "Zhijin Cave Scenic Area" or "Travel Guizhou", Ctrip, etc.). No on-site sales! ⚠️ 2. Reservation & Crowd Control (Summer Priority!) 1. Capacity Limits: - Daily limit: 20,000 visitors. When 70% capacity (14,000) is reached, crowd control measures activate, possibly temporary closure. - Late arrivals must repurchase tickets - arrive strictly during reserved time slot. 2. Booking Tips: - Prioritize morning slots (better light, fewer crowds) or night tours (avoids heat/peak hours) - Bring original ID (children need reservation QR code) for entry. 🥾 3. Essential Visiting Tips: 1. Attire & Gear: - Warmth: Constant 10-16°C inside - bring light jacket (coats rentable at entrance: ¥20) - Traction: Wear anti-slip shoes (past incidents of slippery falls requiring stretchers) - Extras: Hat/raincoat for dripping water; bring snacks/water (no shops inside) 2. Route & Duration: - Standard route: Visitor Center→Lion Greeting→Mushroom Cloud Hall→Pagoda Forest Palace→Moon Palace→Mountain Range→Exit (~3.4km) - Time: Official 2hrs, but allow 4-5hrs for photos/exploration (recommend half-day) - Guides: Free audio via WeChat or hire guide (~¥200/group) 3. Eco Rules: - No trash bins - carry out all waste with personal bags - Few toilets (sewage harms ecosystem) - use facilities before entering 🚌 4. Transportation & Accommodation: 1. Getting There: - Drive: ~1.5hrs from Guiyang with parking available - Public transport: - Guiyang Jinyang Station→Zhijin Cave direct bus (¥45, ~2hrs) - High-speed rail to Qianxi Station + transfer bus (¥35) 2. Recommended Stays: - Luxury: Zhijin Hotel (Pingyuan Ancient Town, includes shuttle) - Budget: Huaduli·Zhijin Inn/Guanzhai homestays (¥100-200/person) 🍲 5. Nearby Attractions & Food: 1. Combined Tours: - Zhijin Grand Canyon: 3km away, natural bridges & underground waterfalls (2hrs visit, combo tickets available) - Pingyuan Ancient Town: Ming-Qing architecture, free entry, great night views - Alternatives: Wujiangyuan Hundred-Mile Gallery, Jiudongtian (if Zhijin tickets sell out) 2. Must-Try Foods: - Authentic Kung Pao Chicken (origin dish), Zhijin sizzling pot, "Water Eight Bowls", rice balls - Recommended: Xinyuan Restaurant, Yang's Rice Balls (Guanzhai) ❌ 6. Pitfalls to Avoid: 1. Beware scammers offering "discount tickets/queue jumps" near entrance 2. Avoid unlicensed taxis! Use official cabs/ride-hailing/shuttles 3. No signal inside - download offline maps or travel with companions 📅 Itinerary Suggestions (1-2 Days) - Day Trip: Zhijin Cave (AM) → Grand Canyon (PM) → Pingyuan Ancient Town (dinner+night views) - 2-Day Trip: Day1: Cave + Canyon (stay at Zhijin Hotel) Day2: Wujiangyuan Gallery/Baili Azalea (scenic sans flowers in summer)