Luzhai Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark

　　The Guangxi Xiangqiao Karst National Geopark spans a total area of 139 square kilometers, with a core area of 39 square kilometers. The park features over 50 major geological and geomorphological relics, including the Xiangqiao Natural Bridge, Xiangqiao Canyon, Jiulong Cave, Xiangshui Stone Forest, and Xiangshui Waterfall. It combines spectacular rock formations, mysterious caves, and beautiful waterscapes, offering high scientific research value and tourism appeal. This is a precious natural heritage bestowed by nature, hailed by karst geologists as the “Epitome of China’s Karst Landforms” and a “Natural Museum of Karst Geology.” In 1988, the area was designated as a provincial-level scenic spot, and in September 2005, it was awarded the title of National Geopark.

　　The Luzhai County Xiangqiao Karst Geological Park boasts exceptionally rich geological relics. Within an area of less than 40 square kilometers, it showcases typical landform landscapes representing various stages of subtropical karst development, along with a diverse array of distinctive karst landforms that vividly illustrate the evolution of karst terrain. Such a highly concentrated karst landscape resource zone is rare in China. It holds significant scientific value for the study of karst development history and is also important for popularizing karst geoscience knowledge. Among the colorful karst formations, highlights include the Xiangqiao Natural Bridge, Zhongdu Tower Peak Forest, Liumo Iron Stone Forest, underground river skylight clusters, Xiangqiao Karst Canyon, Xiangshui Low-head Waterfall, and the brain-vein cave deposits in Jiulong Cave. These are all premier examples of China’s natural karst landscapes, making the site a veritable karst geological museum with outstanding visual appeal and high aesthetic value.

　　Visiting the natural bridge and Jiulong Cave is no easy feat, as the area is a canyon formed within an underground karst cave. The entrance is hidden behind a crescent-shaped wall on the ground. After passing through the moon gate, you enter through a very ordinary-looking cave and descend via stone steps. The initial part of the cave is narrow, dark, and winding, but as you go deeper, it gradually widens. Once you reach the bottom, you’re greeted by a sudden sense of openness. The Luqing River rushes beneath your feet, surrounded by steep cliffs, with the natural bridge not far ahead. The stone bridge spans the Luqing River naturally. On the river surface beneath the bridge lie several large rocks, atop which someone has built a zigzag plank walkway. Walking across, it’s hard to tell whether you're on the bridge or the bridge is on you — a delightful experience. Ascend the stone steps beside the natural bridge to reach the top, where you’ll enter a surreal stone forest. After winding your way for about 1 kilometer, you’ll arrive at Jiulong Cave.

　　Jiulong Cave is another vast underground karst cavern, renowned for its four scenic highlights: dragons, vines, sand dunes, and pools. Not far inside the cave, you’ll encounter a magnificent scene of soaring and coiling dragons. The most unique of the four wonders is the ancient vine piercing through—a massive tree root, as thick as an adult’s arm and over ten meters long, growing from the middle of an overhanging stalactite and cascading all the way to the ground. The fine roots resemble a young woman’s long hair, with many white new roots sprouting from the tips. The desert-like landscape formed by the cave’s limestone is rarely seen elsewhere, with its bizarre shapes evoking awe at nature’s artistry. The presence of water in the cave adds to its wonder—Jiulong Cave even has two natural pools that form a pair, like mandarin ducks. The pool water remains cool in summer and warm in winter, perfect for swimmers to enjoy.

　　Address: Zhongdu Town, Luzhai County

　　Ticket: 60 RMB per person; students half price: 30 RMB per person

　　Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30

　　Best Route to Visit: Take a minibus from Luzhai to Zhongdu Town (4 RMB), then transfer to a motorcycle to the scenic area (10–15 RMB).