Dragon King Cave

Dragon King Cave is located one the east direction of Wulingyuan Scenic Area with a 10-km distance. It is the code scenic spot of Zhangjiajie Scenic Area. With its unique scenes, Dragon King Cave is reputed as "the most featuring karst cave in the world". Ranking as the oldest and largest karst cave, it is a potential tourism spot for people to exploring.

 

The totally length of this cave is about 30km. With an average height of 50 meter and width of 80 meters, there are 58 halls, 28 stone corridors, 15 pearl waterfalls, 3 underground rivers, 2 lakes and 45 pools. Tourists who are walking around these fantastic sites will feel the magic power of the nature.

 

Since the original time Cave, because of the shortage of investment, this cave is still in a original stage as a tourist attraction. In order to make this cave as a namecard of Zhangjiajie, Bailong Travel Zhangjiajie Group planned to develop this scenic spot since 2003 August. With the rapid development till now, Dragon King Cave has turned into a modern attraction integrating working, shopping, dining and entertaining together.

Dragon King Pool

There is a pool called "Dragon King Pool" near the Dragon King Cave, about 87 meter away. With an area about 400 square meters, it is surrounded by cliffs in all directions. The depth of this pool is still a mystery. The musty pool in the morning and the dusk, people can see the swimming fish and wild ducks. According to experts' studies, Dragon King Pool is not only a pool for appreciating but also a material for researching astronomy.

Transportation

You can take a bus From Zhangjiajie bus station to Suoxiyu and get off at the Wulingyuan Town. Then take a motorbike to get there.

Transportation note: As public transport to the cave is limited, it is recommended to join a guided tour that includes Dragon King Cave for convenience and a richer experience.

Main Attractions of Dragon King Cave

Dragon King Pool
Located about 87 meters below the right side of the cave entrance, Dragon King Pool covers more than 400 square meters and is surrounded by steep cliffs. The depth of the pool remains a mystery. Throughout the year, the water level stays constant, and occasional tides occur despite seasonal and climatic changes, earning it the name “Yin Sea.” In the misty mornings and evenings, visitors can glimpse fish swimming, wild ducks playing, and white pigeons fluttering about — all adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. Experts have confirmed that the pool holds not only aesthetic value but also scientific significance for astronomical studies. With its many mysterious legends, Dragon King Pool is praised as a “magical pool.”

Yin-Yang Boundary (Yinyangjie)
This unique natural formation features two adjoining stone waterfalls with distinctly different colors — one white and one black. The phenomenon is caused by variations in the water’s composition. The lighter waterfall comes from higher underground layers where filtered water carries fewer impurities, while the darker one forms from water flowing through deeper rock layers, accumulating more sediment and minerals.

Dragon Palace (Longgong)
Known as the largest hall within the cave, the Dragon Palace is grand and majestic. Four giant stone pillars, called “Treasure Columns of the Sea,” stand in a straight line, appearing like powerful giants supporting the cavern’s ceiling. These colossal formations are extremely rare, and the symmetrical growth of four massive stone pillars side by side is considered a geological wonder.

Rear Palace (Hougong)
The Rear Palace is the final and most visually stunning hall of Dragon King Cave. It boasts thousands of stalagmites, nearly a thousand stone pillars, and tens of thousands of stalactites, all in various shapes and colors. The dazzling display of formations resembles the emperor’s imperial concubines, hence the name “Rear Palace.”

Water Curtain Cave (Shuiliandong)
Behind the Dragon King Bridge lies the enchanting Water Curtain Cave, where a natural cavern is concealed behind a thin waterfall. Stone monkeys, vividly shaped by nature, seem to frolic around the entrance. Nearby is the “Crystal Waterfall,” a shimmering cascade that flows over mineral-rich rock surfaces, glittering under the cave’s lights.

Dragon Dance Hall (Longwuting)
This is the first hall visitors encounter upon entering the cave. It is wide and atmospheric, illuminated by colorful lights that make the stalactites and shadows appear to dance. The hall’s VIP chamber is lavishly decorated in gold and jade tones, symbolizing abundance and grandeur, which is why it is also known as “The Palace of All Phenomena.”

Travel Experience

The developed tourist route stretches approximately 3.5 kilometers, enhanced with lighting systems that illuminate the cave’s once-hidden formations and underground rivers. Visitors can admire the delicate textures of stalactites and enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water. At the entrance stands a multi-functional building with ethnic architectural design, offering shopping, dining, and rest facilities for tourists.

Dragon King Cave is suitable for visiting all year round. In spring, flowers bloom outside the cave; in summer, it becomes a cool retreat; in autumn, visitors enjoy refreshing air; and in winter, the area transforms into a glittering world of silver and ice.

Travel Tips

Suggested visiting time: 2–3 hours to fully appreciate the cave’s scenic beauty.

What to prepare: The cave remains cool year-round — even in summer, bring a jacket. Some areas can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and walk carefully. Although lighting is provided, consider bringing a flashlight or using your phone’s light in dimmer sections.

Nearby attractions: Dragon King Cave is part of Zhangjiajie’s eastern tourism corridor, which also includes the Loushui River Mini Three Gorges and Jiangya Hot Spring. Visitors can combine these destinations for a more complete trip.