I rarely use the word "shocking" to describe a place... It's absolutely amazing

Zhijin Cave is located in Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province. It is a typical karst cave featuring an extremely rich array of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and other underground landscapes. Due to its vast scale, unique formations, and comprehensive variety, Zhijin Cave is honored as the "King of Chinese Caves" and is famously said, "After visiting Huangshan, no need to see Yue; outside Zhijin Cave, no other cave paradise." 👍 Reasons to Recommend · King of Chinese Caves: Zhijin Cave is currently the largest and most uniquely shaped cave resource treasure trove discovered in China, encompassing 90% of the world's cave types. · Natural Air Conditioner: The cave maintains a constant temperature of about 16°C year-round, making it an excellent summer retreat. · World-Class Geological Wonder: As a World Geopark, Zhijin Cave features a variety of spectacular landscapes, especially iconic sights like the "Silver Rain Tree" and "Overlord Helmet," which have high viewing value. · Immersive Experience: The immersive "Classic of Mountains and Seas" event launched during summer cleverly combines ancient mythology with natural wonders, adding more fun to the visit. 🚗 Transportation Guide External Transportation · From Guiyang · Bus: Take a bus to Zhijin from Guiyang First Automobile Service Station. After getting off at Sanjia, transfer to a three-wheeled motorcycle or charter a car to the scenic area. · Self-driving: Navigate to "Zhijin Cave Scenic Area" via Qingzhi Expressway, about 96 kilometers, approximately 1.5 hours by car. · Train: Take a train to Zhijin Railway Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus from Zhijin to Zhijin Cave, fare about 10 yuan. Internal Transportation · The scenic area provides sightseeing bus service, usually included in the ticket price. 🗺️ Suggested Itinerary Zhijin Cave Single-Spot Tour (about 2-3 hours) Visitor Service Center → Yayuan Trail → Stone Carving Corridor → Cave Entrance → Twin Lions Reception Hall → Mushroom Cloud Hall → Pipa Palace → Pagoda Forest Palace → Longevity Star Palace → South Gate → Lingxiao Hall → Guanghan Palace → Hundred Thousand Mountains → Thunder Cave Hall → Cave Exit. One-Day Highlight Route · Morning: Tour the main area of Zhijin Cave and admire the core cave landscapes. · Noon: Taste local specialties near the scenic area. · Afternoon: Visit Zhijin Grand Canyon to experience cliff plank roads and cascading waterfalls. · Evening: If time permits, visit Pingyuan Ancient Town to enjoy the night view and immersive performances. 🌟 Must-See Attractions Core Scenic Spots Inside Zhijin Cave · Zhijin’s Three Treasures: · Overlord Helmet: A 17-meter-high stalagmite shaped like an ancient general’s helmet. · Silver Rain Tree: Pure white stalactites resembling an exquisite pagoda, a treasure of Zhijin Cave. · Lingzhi Tree: A stalagmite shaped like a giant lingzhi mushroom. · Zhijin’s Nine Wonders: Including upside-down pipa, snow-pressed green pine, sister jade trees, universal salvation, beautiful rivers and mountains, and other nine unique landscapes. · Other Highlights: Silent mountains, hundred-foot hanging curtains, and other views look especially mysterious and beautiful under lighting. Nearby Attractions · Zhijin Grand Canyon: Adjacent to Zhijin Cave, featuring cliff plank roads and natural bridges; combo tickets available. · Pingyuan Ancient Town: Experience the charm of the ancient town with immersive night performances. · Wujiangyuan Hundred-Mile Gallery: Boat tours available to enjoy scenic views on both sides of the river. 💰 Pricing Information · Zhijin Cave Ticket: Adult ticket 140 yuan/person (includes sightseeing bus). · Combo Tickets: Zhijin Cave + Zhijin Grand Canyon + elevator + sightseeing bus combo costs about 200-270 yuan, more cost-effective than buying separately. · Discount Tickets: Free admission for students, seniors over 65, active military personnel, and disabled persons (must purchase sightseeing bus ticket); children free admission (must purchase sightseeing bus ticket). · Other Fees: Additional charges may apply for services like professional guided tours (about 20-30 yuan per session). 🏨 Accommodation Guide · Around Zhijin Cave: · Zhijin Karst Inn: Close to the scenic area, with enthusiastic service and local specialty meals. · Huaduli Zhijin Cave Inn: Near Zhijin Cave Scenic Area, convenient for touring. · Yuanfanglai Hotel: Located beside Zhijin Cave Scenic Area, some rooms have been praised for good value. · Zhijin County Town: · Zhijin Hotel: Located in Pingyuan Ancient Town, fully equipped with convenient transportation. 🍜 Food Recommendations · Zhijin Shui Ba Wan: A local specialty featuring eight soup dishes. · Zhijin Griddle Pot: Local snack with unique flavor. · Zhijin Buckwheat Cold Noodles: Spicy and refreshing local snack. · Zhijin Fermented Rice Cake: Made from glutinous rice, soft and chewy. · Rolling Rice Balls: Small glutinous rice flour balls, sweet and fragrant. 💡 Practical Tips 1. Dress Advice: The cave temperature is low (10-16°C) and the ground is slippery; bring a jacket and wear non-slip shoes. 2. Best Visiting Time: Summer is ideal, as the cave is cool and pleasant. 3. Avoid Crowds: Peak season may have traffic jams and queues; arrive early or visit on weekdays. 4. Physical Consideration: Walking inside Zhijin Cave takes about 2-3 hours; pace yourself accordingly. 5. Combo Ticket Choice: If time and energy allow, buying a combo ticket for Zhijin Cave and Zhijin Grand Canyon offers better value.