Jiuxiang Cave: A Billion Year Epic from Ancient Oceans to Underground Immortal Palaces

Geological Legend - Remnants of Ancient Oceans
The miracle of Jiuxiang began in a distant geological era. As early as the Cambrian period 600 million years ago, this was a vast ancient ocean. A large amount of carbonate rocks have been deposited, laying the foundation for the future fantasy world. With the uplift of the earth's crust and the retreat of the ocean, the abundant groundwater began a tireless process that lasted for billions of years - dissolution, erosion, and sedimentation. In the end, the water flowed through the thick mountain rock, carving out hundreds of intersecting and layered caves, forming the largest cave community system in China. The cave still preserves a group of stacked rocks and coral fossils from 270 million years ago, which is a "prehistoric wonder" witnessing the changes of the ancient Tethys Ocean.

The Road to Rebirth - From Secret Realm to Scenic Spot
The modern story of Jiuxiang is an epic of revitalization, from a secluded sanctuary to a destination that combines culture and tourism.
Its development has gone through several key stages: during its dormant period of extraordinary talent, although it has unparalleled landscapes, it has long been "nurtured in a secluded place". The local folk saying "99 caves in nine villages, counting all the caves makes your head white" fully expresses its enormous scale and the difficulty of exploration.
Entering the stage of ingenious development and stunning debut, its value has been gradually discovered since the 1990s. In 1994, workers suspended cables and excavated on almost vertical cliffs, and after going through difficulties, they finally opened up the road to the "Jinghun Gorge". With the unveiling of core attractions such as Yincui Gorge, Lion Hall, and Male and Female Waterfalls to the world, Jiuxiang quickly became famous for its "magnificence, danger, uniqueness, and beauty". The filming of movies and TV shows such as "Myth" and "Little Soldier" here has made it even more famous.
Nowadays, Jiuxiang is in the stage of rural revitalization and overall renewal, exploring a new model of comprehensive tourism that combines karst caves, rural areas, and folk customs. Maidichong Village, located only 3.5 kilometers away from the core scenic area, has transformed into a "Colorful Dreamland" demonstration village by creating colorful rice paddies and transforming traditional dwellings into boutique homestays, driving collective income growth in the village. In the first quarter of 2025, Jiuxiang Tourist Area has received over 180000 visitors. Nowadays, Jiuxiang is undergoing a magnificent transformation from a single cave sightseeing to a comprehensive vacation destination that integrates natural wonders, ethnic culture, and rural life.

In depth understanding: explore more wonders of Karst of China>>Zhijin Cave in Guizhou

 Natural Creation - A Fantasy Epic in the Deep of the Earth
The natural landscape of Jiuxiang is a grand narrative about water, stone, light, and shadow, each of which is a masterpiece of the cooperation of time and natural forces.
Dynamic Water: The Creative Pen of Underground Rivers
Yincui Gorge (Lover's Valley) is the prelude to tourism, starting from a peaceful waterway. This 600 meter long surface canyon has towering cliffs on both sides, with ancient trees towering and vines hanging. Riding on a bamboo raft, slowly entering, the clear water is like a mirror, with a picturesque reflection, as if entering a secluded painting that has been forgotten by time, hence the name "Lover's Valley". This was once the filming location for the movie 'Little Soldier'.
Digging deep underground, the roar guides you to the earth shattering spectacle - the Twin Waterfalls of Men and Women. Two waterfalls fall side by side from a cliff over 30 meters high, with a depth of more than ten meters. During the dry season, they sag like white water, and during the rainy season, they merge into one when floods come. They resemble a giant yellow dragon, galloping and roaring with great momentum, making it a rare wonder in caves in China.
Kanda is the art of water sedimentation. A large group of edge stone dams with an area of over a hundred square meters, like terraced fields cultivated by the gods, are arranged in a staggered manner with beautiful lines. The pool water is clear to the bottom, and under the light, the calcareous dam body presents a golden and milky white color, recording the history of slow mineral deposition in the water flow for thousands of years. It is praised by international cave experts as a world wonder.
The rugged stone: a moment frozen for billions of years
The Lion Hall can be regarded as the treasure of the town cave. This underground square with an area of 15000 square meters is unparalleled in scale. The most amazing thing is that its magnificent dome is naturally composed of a large rock slab, embedded with ancient vortex pits, which can be called a masterpiece. This was once the filming location for the floating palace in the movie "Myth", and there are daily scheduled light shows to perform the epic creation of the Yi people, which is awe inspiring.
Jinghun Gorge is one of the most spectacular underground canyons in the country. The gorge is several hundred meters long, with a narrowest point of only three or four meters, while the cliffs above the head are nearly a hundred meters high. Walking on the suspended boardwalk, looking up, one can only see a line of sky light, and beneath them is a deep stream of rapids, interweaving a sense of oppression and shock, worthy of its name.
The Divine Maiden Palace and the Bat Cave (underground stone forest) each have their own characteristics. The stalactites in the palace of the goddess are exquisite and translucent, with various postures, like a gathering of fairies. Bat Cave, on the other hand, has a different kind of cave, with countless stalactites hanging upside down, like a ground stone forest inverted in a dome. Due to the influence of the airflow inside the cave, many stalagmites tilt and grow, forming a unique scenery of "wind blowing stone bends".

Humanistic Craftsmanship - A Living Picture of Yi Ethnic Township
The charm of Jiuxiang lies not only in its geological wonders, but also in the vibrant culture that blends seamlessly with it.
Located at the edge of an underground world that stretches up to a hundred meters deep, Linyin Village hides a landscape full of Yi ethnic charm. The dense branches of forests, tusi castles, and other elements vividly showcase the living customs and cultural beliefs of the ancient Yi people.
Every month, there is a joyful performance of the Big Three String Dance at the Linyin Village Square, and tourists can join the bonfire and dance. The Torch Festival on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month every year is the climax, during which there will be grand fire ceremonies, long street banquets, and Yi wrestling performances.
As a model of rural revitalization, Maidichong's "Colorful Dreamland" has transformed this once ordinary mountain village into an internet famous artistic countryside. Colorful rice paddy paintings, a half mountain observation deck, and a newly renovated Yi family homestay allow you to experience the modern poetry of "returning to the garden and farmland".

Photography tips:
When taking a boat in Yincui Gorge, use a wide-angle lens to capture the depth of the canyon, and when the water surface is calm, you can take a perfect reflection.
In front of the double waterfall, it is recommended to use a tripod and a slow door (such as 1/4 second) to beat the water flow into a silky smooth texture; Rainbows are prone to appear in water mist from 2-4 pm in the afternoon.
The Lion Hall has a grand space, try to use a super wide angle lens to depict its vastness, and pay attention to the white balance setting during the light show.
Kanda's lines are extremely aesthetically pleasing, seeking a high point to capture terraced structures and using pool water as a foreground.

Four Must Do Things to Unlock a Complete Journey to Nine Villages
Crossing the "First Hidden Gorge in Central Yunnan" by boat: In the morning or evening, jump onto a flat boat at Yincui Gorge. With the boatman's call, the bamboo raft cuts through the emerald colored water surface, looking up at the vertical cliffs and ancient vegetation on both sides, quietly feeling the secluded tranquility, capturing the stunning shots of the same movie.
Witnessing the epic of light and shadow in the world's largest underground square: Stepping into the Lion Hall, one is first shocked by its unimaginable scale. At fixed light show times (such as 10am or 3pm), stop and watch the 3D projection of the ancient Yi mythology "Meige" projected onto the natural giant screen formed over billions of years, enjoying a visual and auditory feast that transcends time and space.
Tasting authentic Yunnan and Yi flavors: During your leisure time, don't miss out on the "Nine Villages and Three Wonders": Jiuxiang roast duck roasted using Yiliang ancient methods and seasoned with wild fragrant willows; Cave aged ham fermented in underground wine cellars; And only available in summer and autumn, the chicken fir soup base wild mushroom hotpot. You can enjoy the most authentic flavors of Yi ethnic music such as "Aheige Farm" around the scenic area.
Experience an ancient intangible cultural heritage craft: In the embroidery workshop of Linyin Village, spend one or two hours, under the guidance of Yi grandmothers, making a belt with traditional patterns such as sun patterns by hand. This is not only a unique travel souvenir, but also a memory deeply connected to the local culture.

Tourist Route Suggestions
One day "Geocentric Fantasy" essence tour (classic recommendation): enter the park at 8:00 a.m. Take the sightseeing elevator straight down to the valley floor and take a boat tour at Yincuixia Pier (about 20 minutes). Hiking through the thrilling Horror Gorge. Arrive and visit the stunning Lion Hall to watch the light show. Enjoy lunch at Yi Family Fun in the scenic area or at the exit at noon. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite and translucent Goddess Palace. Listen and take photos of the magnificent male and female waterfalls. Observe the magnificent and magnificent wonders of Kanda. Strolling through the forest lined village, experiencing the Yi style. Finally, take the cross mountain cableway (about 30 yuan) to easily return and enjoy a panoramic view of the Maitian River Canyon from the air, putting a perfect end to the journey.
Two day "Karst Panorama" in-depth tour (highly recommended):
On the first day, explore the stone forest throughout the day. In the morning, visit the Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest to search for the incarnation stone of "Ashima"; In the afternoon, you can go deep into secret places such as Bushao Mountain to learn about the 270 million year history of karst evolution. Overnight in Shilin or Yiliang County.
The next day, you will go to Jiuxiang (about 40 minutes to 1 hour drive) and follow the essence route of the day. If there is a chance in the evening, you can go to Maidichong Village to enjoy colorful rice paddies, experience modern rural art, and end a fulfilling two-day geological wonder tour.
Professional guide: IntoTravelChina can provide you with a personalized itinerary, including exclusive tour guides, transportation, and activity arrangements, allowing you to have a worry free and in-depth experience. >>Consult now for customizationFour Must Do Things to Unlock a Complete Journey to Nine Villages
Crossing the "First Hidden Gorge in Central Yunnan" by boat: In the morning or evening, jump onto a flat boat at Yincui Gorge. With the boatman's call, the bamboo raft cuts through the emerald colored water surface, looking up at the vertical cliffs and ancient vegetation on both sides, quietly feeling the secluded tranquility, capturing the stunning shots of the same movie.
Witnessing the epic of light and shadow in the world's largest underground square: Stepping into the Lion Hall, one is first shocked by its unimaginable scale. At fixed light show times (such as 10am or 3pm), stop and watch the 3D projection of the ancient Yi mythology "Meige" projected onto the natural giant screen formed over billions of years, enjoying a visual and auditory feast that transcends time and space.
Tasting authentic Yunnan and Yi flavors: During your leisure time, don't miss out on the "Nine Villages and Three Wonders": Jiuxiang roast duck roasted using Yiliang ancient methods and seasoned with wild fragrant willows; Cave aged ham fermented in underground wine cellars; And only available in summer and autumn, the chicken fir soup base wild mushroom hotpot. You can enjoy the most authentic flavors of Yi ethnic music such as "Aheige Farm" around the scenic area.
Experience an ancient intangible cultural heritage craft: In the embroidery workshop of Linyin Village, spend one or two hours, under the guidance of Yi grandmothers, making a belt with traditional patterns such as sun patterns by hand. This is not only a unique travel souvenir, but also a memory deeply connected to the local culture.

Tourist Route Suggestions
One day "Geocentric Fantasy" essence tour (classic recommendation): enter the park at 8:00 a.m. Take the sightseeing elevator straight down to the valley floor and take a boat tour at Yincuixia Pier (about 20 minutes). Hiking through the thrilling Horror Gorge. Arrive and visit the stunning Lion Hall to watch the light show. Enjoy lunch at Yi Family Fun in the scenic area or at the exit at noon. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite and translucent Goddess Palace. Listen and take photos of the magnificent male and female waterfalls. Observe the magnificent and magnificent wonders of Kanda. Strolling through the forest lined village, experiencing the Yi style. Finally, take the cross mountain cableway (about 30 yuan) to easily return and enjoy a panoramic view of the Maitian River Canyon from the air, putting a perfect end to the journey.
Two day "Karst Panorama" in-depth tour (highly recommended):
On the first day, explore the stone forest throughout the day. In the morning, visit the Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest to search for the incarnation stone of "Ashima"; In the afternoon, you can go deep into secret places such as Bushao Mountain to learn about the 270 million year history of karst evolution. Overnight in Shilin or Yiliang County.
The next day, you will go to Jiuxiang (about 40 minutes to 1 hour drive) and follow the essence route of the day. If there is a chance in the evening, you can go to Maidichong Village to enjoy colorful rice paddies, experience modern rural art, and end a fulfilling two-day geological wonder tour.

Professional guide: IntoTravelChina can provide you with a personalized itinerary, including exclusive tour guides, transportation, and activity arrangements, allowing you to have a worry free and in-depth experience. >>Consult now for customization

 How to reach: Convenient geological window next to Spring City
Jiuxiang is located in the southeast of Kunming, with a mature transportation network, and starting from Kunming is the main way.
Self driving is the most flexible way. Starting from Kunming, take the Kunshi Expressway to Yiliang Toll Station, then transfer to Yijiu Highway for a direct route. The total distance is about 90 kilometers and takes 1.5 hours. You can also choose the newly opened Sanqing Expressway for better road conditions. There is a parking lot in the scenic area.
Public transportation is the economic choice. Take the high-speed or medium bus (with a ticket price of about 10-27 yuan) from Kunming East Bus Station to Yiliang County. After arriving in Yiliang, transfer to the urban and rural bus route 21 at Penglai Parking Lot to reach Jiuxiang Scenic Area (with a ticket price of about 10 yuan).
High speed rail and shuttle service are the new and efficient ways. Take the high-speed train from Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station (about 18 minutes), and after leaving the station, you can carpool or take the tourist line to Jiuxiang (about 40 minutes). This method is particularly suitable for tourists planning to visit the Stone Forest together.

Best Travel Time
Suitable for all seasons, the constant temperature inside the cave ensures that visitors are not affected by external weather conditions.
Comfortable all year round, the temperature inside the cave remains between 13-18 ℃, warm in winter and cool in summer, making it a natural air-conditioned room. No matter how cold or hot the outside world is, the cave is always comfortable.
Summer (June to October) is the rainy season in Yunnan, during which the male and female waterfalls have the highest water volume and are most spectacular. Meanwhile, summer is also an excellent season to taste wild mushroom hotpot. In autumn, the surrounding mountains are colorful and the scenery is pleasant.
If you want to experience the rich ethnic culture, you can visit during the Yi Torch Festival (the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, usually from late July to August in the Gregorian calendar), where there are various activities.

Accommodation Options
Most tourists choose a one-day trip and return to Kunming for accommodation that evening, which offers the most options and convenience.
As a transfer station, there are many hotels and guesthouses in Yiliang County with high cost-effectiveness, and you can taste the most authentic Yiliang roast duck.
If you want to experience it in depth, you can consider staying in Jiuxiang Maidichong Village or nearby specialty homestays. These homestays transformed from traditional dwellings can provide you with a peaceful rural night and pastoral morning light.

Suggested itinerary planning for IntoTravelChina:
Jiuxiang is only about 34 kilometers away from Shilin, with a 40 minute to 1-hour drive, making it a classic golden combination of "aboveground Shilin, underground Jiuxiang". We strongly recommend connecting the two places for sightseeing to gain the most complete understanding of karst landforms. By booking with us, not only can you efficiently plan transportation connections, tickets, and special activities between the two places, but you can also flexibly join ethnic village experiences or food explorations according to your interests, making your Yunnan geological journey fulfilling and complete. >>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant

Jiuxiang Cave is a wonderful starting point for exploring Yunnan's geology and culture, not the end point.
Classic 3-day geological and cultural loop in central Yunnan: Kunming (departure) → Jiuxiang (cave wonders) → Shilin (above ground Shilin, Ashima culture) → Fuxian Lake (plateau deep-water lake) → Return to Kunming. This is a compact journey that combines underground mystery, above ground wonders, and lake and mountain scenery. >>View the 3-day Yunnan Geological Wonders Route

Leisure 4-day Yunnan Lake Spring Art Tour: Kunming (Urban Green Lung) → Fuxian Lake (Plateau Deep Water Lake, Sailing Experience) → Mile (Dongfeng Yun Art Town, Hot Spring Leisure) → Return to Kunming. This is a high-quality leisure journey that connects the Spring City, the Blue Lake, and the Red Wine Art Town, blending lake and mountain scenery, modern architecture, and hot spring wellness. >>Explore the 4-day leisurely journey of Maitreya at Fuxian Lake in Kunming

The story of Jiuxiang Cave is about the deep breathing of the earth for 600 million years, the patience of carving time inch by inch with water flow, and the vitality of ancient ethnic groups thriving in the mountains and towns. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating a deep, personalized, and worry free travel experience in China. Our travel experts can assist you with:
Tailored itinerary: Design a perfect route that includes Jiuxiang, Shilin, and other treasures of Yunnan based on your interests, time, and stamina.
One stop service: handle all tickets, special transportation (such as cable cars and boats), comfortable accommodation, and local tour guide arrangements.
Exclusive Experience: Assist in booking intangible cultural heritage workshop experiences, participating in festival activities, providing guidance on the best photography spots, and even arranging geological experts to accompany and explain.
Let your journey through the Nine Villages not only marvel at its beauty, but also understand why it is so beautiful.
Start planning your journey now
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants, we will provide you with exclusive itinerary plans and quotes within 24 hours.>>Click to contact IntoTravelChina travel consultant