Dragon Palace Scenic Area

　　Dragon Palace is a national scenic area, located 27 kilometers from Anshun City — the western tourism hub of Guizhou — and is accessible via high-grade highways. The Dragon Palace Scenic Area primarily features a network of water caves, along with dry caves, waterfalls, canyons, peak clusters, sheer cliffs, lakes, streams, ethnic culture, and religious sites, together forming a picturesque paradise on earth.

　　Covering a total area of 60 square kilometers, Dragon Palace is divided into four major scenic zones: the Central Zone, Xuan Tang, Rapeseed Lake, and Immortal Valley. It boasts the longest and most beautiful water cave in China, as well as diverse karst landscapes, earning praise from visitors as a “miracle of nature.” In 1988, Dragon Palace was approved by the State Council as part of the second batch of National Scenic Areas under the name Guizhou Dragon Palace Scenic Area. On May 8, 2007, it was officially designated as a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction by the National Tourism Administration. Dragon Palace Scenic Area

　　The Dragon Palace area has the highest concentration of both water and dry caves in the world. Within a 10-square-kilometer radius of the Central Zone, there are over 90 large and small water and dry caves scattered across the landscape, a feat that earned it a place in the Guinness World Records. To this day, many beautiful caves remain undiscovered. Guizhou’s Dragon Palace Scenic Area, characterized by its caves, waterfalls, and underground rivers, is truly unique in central Guizhou, encompassing four main areas: Dragon Palace, Rapeseed Lake, Xuan Tang, and Leech Valley. The central zone of Dragon Palace includes attractions such as Wolong Lake, Welcome Cave, Dragon Gate Waterfall, Dragon Lake, Hidden Dragon Lake, Clam Shell Rock, and Tiger Cave. These sites complement each other to create a world unto itself — like a crystal palace beneath the water, as if the home of a dragon king from mythology. The Dragon Lake is a mountain lake with emerald-green waters, commonly known as Dragon Pool. Water cascades from the lake, dropping through a massive cave to form a waterfall. The water wall is 25 meters wide and about 50 meters high, with surging waves creating a spectacular view — this is the Dragon Gate, said to be the grandest underground waterfall in China. A full day is recommended to explore Dragon Palace. The typical route involves visiting the sights in the Central Zone, taking a boat tour through the first and second sections of the cave, then continuing through Flower Valley to reach Xuan Tang. Alternatively, you may reverse the route by starting with Xuan Tang, then Flower Valley, and finally the Central Zone. The full admission ticket for Dragon Palace is 120 RMB per person. There are currently two three-star hotels onsite that can accommodate over 400 guests, and a four-star hotel is under construction. Anshun City, located 27 kilometers from the scenic area, offers numerous three- and four-star hotels with accommodation and dining options.

　　Highlights of Dragon Palace

　　First is the underground river cave, acclaimed by visitors as “China’s most beautiful water cave.” The Dragon Palace water cave stretches 15 kilometers, making it the longest in China. Currently, two sections totaling 1,260 meters are open to the public. The cave features a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites — more delicate and intricate than those in northern caves, yet more mysterious and unique compared to southern ones. The cave chambers resemble a dragon king’s palace from mythology. The value of its scenery — often described as the “underground Li River” and “heavenly stone forest” — is unmatched by any other similar site in China. The great poet Ai Qing called it “a miracle of nature,” master painter Liu Haisu praised it as a “wonder of the world,” and Chinese cave experts have exclaimed, “Visit Dragon Palace to know all water caves under heaven; drift in a boat to enter a paradise on earth.” “As a mountain needs no height to be famous if it hosts an immortal, so too does water need no depth to be spiritual if it cradles a dragon.” Dragon Palace is just such a paradise on earth. Second is the country’s largest cave temple — Dragon Palace Guanyin Cave. Covering a total area of over 20,000 square meters, its most distinctive feature is that all halls are naturally formed caves. Thirty-two Buddha statues are carved by hand, including a 12.6-meter-tall statue of Guanyin. A naturally formed stalactite above the main hall strikingly resembles Guanyin, blending seamlessly with the man-made statues. While it is common for famous mountains to host temples, natural cave temples are extremely rare — and this one is the largest of its kind in China. Third is the country’s largest cave waterfall — Dragon Palace Dragon Gate Waterfall. The waterfall is over 50 meters high and 26 meters wide. Water gushes forth with tremendous force, crashing through rocks and stone with the majestic momentum of galloping horses, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Downstream, its power continues to shape the famed Huangguoshu Waterfall, 30 kilometers away. Fourth is the mesmerizing vortex phenomenon — Dragon Palace Xuan Tang. This circular pond, covering over 10,000 square meters, rotates clockwise year-round and ceaselessly, even without the aid of wind. This rare and enchanting sight captivates visitors. It was even featured in a mystery investigation by CCTV’s science education program “Into Science.”

　　Central Zone

　　Composed of attractions such as Wolong Lake, Dragon Gate Waterfall, Stone Fun Garden, Dragon Lake, Clam Shell Rock, and Tiger Cave, the Central Zone presents a surreal landscape — like a crystal palace beneath the water, as if the home of a dragon king from mythology.

　　Dragon Gate Waterfall

　　Located near the entrance of Dragon Palace, this is a cave waterfall formed by the outpouring of water from Dragon Lake. Majestic and powerful, especially during the high-water season, it roars like a stampede of horses.

　　Stone Fun Garden

　　Also known as the Mini Stone Forest of Dragon Palace. Situated above the Dragon Palace underground river, it features a collection of various naturally formed rock formations of different sizes and shapes, creating a whimsical garden of stones.

　　Dragon Lake

　　Dragon Lake is an oval-shaped deep pool over 30 meters deep, surrounded by steep cliffs as if carved from stone. Its water remains emerald-clear year-round, with visibility to the bottom in the shallower areas. Towering ancient trees surround the lake, providing ample shade.

　　Rapeseed Lake Scenic Area

　　Located 8 kilometers upstream from Dragon Palace, this man-made lake features picturesque mountain reflections, interconnected islands, and numerous striking peaks. With expansive waters, it is ideal for water-based recreational activities and sightseeing.

　　Xuan Tang

　　Xuan Tang is a national scenic area situated upstream from Dragon Palace. Here, the waters of Tongxuan River disappear underground, becoming part of an underground river. The pond is round-shaped, and year-round, its waters rotate clockwise, carrying green duckweed in an endless whirl.