Longgong

The Palace of the Dragon King

1.Deep within the mountains of: Guizhou lies a subterranean wonder that feels like stepping into a myth. As your small boat drifts into the darkness of the underground river, the space suddenly opens up, revealing a silver waterfall cascading from the cave ceiling and stalactites that shimmer like a crystal palace. This is the Anshun Longgong (Dragon Palace) Scenic Area, widely praised as the "Most Beautiful Water Cave in China" and the pinnacle of Karst landscapes.

2.Located in Longgong: Town, Xixiu District of Anshun City, the scenic area covers approximately 60 square kilometers. It is conveniently situated just 27 kilometers from downtown Anshun and only 30 kilometers from the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall. While Huangguoshu is defined by its thunderous outdoor power, Longgong offers a poetic, mysterious journey into the earth, celebrated with the phrase: "All Karst scenery under heaven is found in the Dragon Palace".

A World of Underground Wonders

3.The Longgong Scenic: Area is a geological masterpiece featuring the world's most concentrated cluster of water and dry caves. The park is a complex labyrinth of underground rivers, canyons, waterfalls, and peaks that offer a "dreamlike" exploration experience.

• 4.The Water Caves: The core experience here is the boat ride through the "First and Second Entrance" of the Dragon Palace. Recognized as China's longest and most beautiful water cave, the underground river stretches for 5,000 meters. Visitors navigate through five majestic cave halls where stalactites resemble dragons welcoming guests, creating a scene reminiscent of a mythological crystal palace.
• 5.Longmen Flying Waterfall: This is the largest cave waterfall in China. Standing over 50 meters high and 40 meters wide, the water pours from a hole in the cave roof, creating a roar that vibrates through the cavern. Locals compare this spectacle to the Dragon King spitting out a pearl, a sight that is particularly thunderous and impressive during the rainy season.
• 6.Guanyin Cave: For spiritual seekers, this is a must-visit. It is the largest cave Buddha hall in China, functioning as a natural temple. The main cavern houses a 12.6-meter-high statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin), attracting pilgrims who believe the site is exceptionally auspicious for prayer.

7.Mysteries of Nature: Whirlpools and Dragon Fields

Beyond the caves, the surface landscape is equally bizarre and beautiful.

• 8.The Whirlpool Pond (Xuantang): This circular pond, with a diameter of 101 meters, flows in a perpetual clockwise motion. It is a geological oddity where the water drains into a bottom funnel, creating a natural spin that local legends attribute to the Dragon King stirring the sea eye.
• 9.The Dragon Word Field: Nearby, visitors can witness the world's largest plant-based Chinese character. Farmers plant crops—rapeseed in spring and rice in autumn—in the shape of a massive calligraphic "Dragon" (龙) character, symbolizing the "Dragon soaring from the fields".

Culture and History

Developed in 1984 and rated as a National 5A Tourist Attraction, Longgong is deeply intertwined with the history of the local Buyi and Miao ethnic groups. Historically, villagers built their homes along the river and viewed the cave as the sacred residence of the Dragon King. During festivals, such as the "Soup Pot" festival, locals gather to sing, dance, and offer the "Blocking Way Wine" to welcome guests, blending the natural wonder of the Karst caves with the warm hospitality of Guizhou's minority cultures.