Jiulong Cave

Scenic Area Introduction

Stepping through the cave entrance, the summer heat of the outside world is instantly left behind. Cool air carrying the faint scent of damp earth washes over you, as if you've taken a single stride into the tranquil kingdom deep within the earth. This is Nine Dragons Cave, located 17 kilometers east of Tongren City in Guizhou Province, China—a karst cave wonder hidden within the slopes of Guanyin Mountain. Under meticulously designed lighting, seven cavern halls unfold sequentially. The most awe-inspiring sight is the towering “Nine Dragons Coiled Column,” soaring 44.71 meters high. This colossal formation stands majestically at the hall's center, its surface etched with swirling stone patterns that resemble coiling dragons. It has earned the title of “The World's Premier Column.” This evocative name stems from an ancient legend: it is said that nine divine dragons once contended for this celestial cave, their dispute raging until dawn, when they finally transformed into stone dragons coiled upon the colossal pillar. Thus, both the “Nine Dragons Cave” and the “Dragon-Scolding Stream” below the mountain gained their names.

Walking through this 2,258-meter-long “underground art palace,” each pause feels like turning a page in a miraculous book slowly written by time and water. Beyond the central pillar, the cave is dotted with hundreds of stalagmites, stone columns, and a myriad of stalactite curtains and stone flowers. Scenes like “Dragon Mouth Holding a Pearl” and “Peacock Displaying Its Feathers” come alive with vivid stories under shifting light and shadow. Beneath your feet, the murmuring underground river intertwines with distant dripping sounds, creating a profound echo that deepens the sense of mystery. This place is not only a feast for the eyes but also a sensory paradise—the cave maintains a comfortable temperature of 18-20°C year-round during summer, making it an exceptional natural “air-conditioned room.” Today, Jiulong Cave has been completely revitalized. Surrounding amenities include charming guesthouses, authentic Dong cuisine, and rich intangible cultural heritage experiences, transforming it from a mere sightseeing spot into a destination that deeply integrates natural wonders with local culture.

Address

Foding Mountain Ecological Tourism Area, Shiqian County, Tongren City, Guizhou Province.