Park of China
Overview
| Designation | National Park of China (second batch) AAAAA tourist attraction |
| Province | Guizhou |
| Location | Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun, Guizhou |
| Latitude, longitude | 26.1, 105.9 Google Maps |
| Highlights | Caves |
| Area | 60 km² |
| Nearby cities | Anshun (Guizhou), Guiyang |
| Nearby sites | Huangguoshu Waterfall 25km, Zhijin Cave 67km, Red Maple Lake 68km, Maling River 143km, Pingtang Scenic Area 146km Search nearby |
| Themes | Cave, Karst, Waterfall, Hidden River, Rafting & boat trips |
About
The Dragon Palace scenic area in Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun, Guizhou, covers 60 km² in four parts: the central Dragon Palace caves, Xuantang, the Youcai River and Mahuangqing.
Longgong (Dragon Palace) is a water cave in karst country: an underground river runs through a chain of chambers, and visitors see them mostly by boat. The central area also has Tianchi pool and the Dragon Gate Waterfall, with Xuantang and Guanyin Cave nearby.
It is in the second batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1988.
Main sights
Underground river: the water cave of the central area; boats leave from Tianchi pool at the entrance and follow the river through several chambers lined with stalactites and stalagmites.
Dragon Gate Waterfall: falls through an opening in the cave roof into a pool inside; the flow is greatest in the wet season.
Xuantang: a nearly round pool whose water slowly turns of its own accord.
Guanyin Cave: a large cave with a shrine to Guanyin.
Travel tips
Getting there: Dragon Palace is in Zhenning county, Anshun, about 30 km from the city centre. Anshun has a high-speed rail station (Anshun West) and road links from Guiyang; the ride from Anshun takes about an hour.
Main sights: the main attraction is the Dragon Palace cave, which is toured by boat on an underground river; the other areas are the Dragon Gate Waterfall, Xuantang, Youcaihu and Mahuangqing.
Route: see the Dragon Gate Waterfall first, then enter the cave by boat; there are walkways and viewing platforms. The other areas need separate walks, and most visitors see only the central area.
Time: half a day for the central area; a full day for all of them.
Nearby: Huangguoshu waterfall is not far, and the two are often combined into one or two days.
Season: open all year; the cave is cool in summer, and the waterfall is more impressive when water is high in spring and summer.
Where to stay: there are hotels near the site, or in Anshun city.
Caution: the cave is damp and steps are slippery; follow staff directions on the boat and wear non-slip shoes.
Photo credits: The Dragon Gate Waterfall at Longgong: FN-082 (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Nearby
| World Heritage | Libo and the Zhangjiang River 208km, Tusi Sites 212km, Huanjiang Karst 236km, Shibing Karst (Yuntai Mountain) 250km |
| National parks | Huangguoshu Waterfall 25km, Zhijin Cave 67km, Red Maple Lake 68km, Getu River Caves, Ziyun 78km |
| AAAAA attractions | Qingyan Ancient Town Scenic Area 84km, Baili Azalea Scenic Area 128km, Wanfeng Forest Scenic Area 155km |
| AAAA attractions | Qianshan Xiushui Tourist Scenic Area 17km, Hongshan Lake 19km, Yunfeng Tunpu Scenic Area 30km, Jiuzhou Ancient Town 31km |
| UNESCO Global Geoparks | Xingyi UNESCO Global Geopark 149km, Leye-Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark 198km |
| Cities | Guiyang 99km |
| Historical sites | Former Third Front Guizhou Fighter Aircraft Assembly Plant 11km, Ninggu Site 16km, Anshun Wu Temple 17km, Chuandong Site 27km |
| National geoparks | Xingyi National Geopark 149km |
| Nature reserves | Yachang Orchids National Nature Reserve 150km |
| Historic towns | Jiuzhou Town 31km, Tianlong Town 39km |
| Historic villages | Yunshantun Village 30km |