Longkong Cave is located in Longkang Village, Yanshi Town, Xinluo District, Longyan City, Fujian Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a provincial-level scenic spot in Fujian, renowned as "the No. 1 Cave in East China" and "Guilin in the Cave." The core of the scenic area is a karst cave landscape formed during the Paleozoic Era about 300 million years ago, making it one of the largest and best-preserved caves in Fujian Province. The total area of Longkong Cave is approximately 54,000 square meters, with an interior area of 29,000 square meters and a depth of about 3.3 kilometers. It consists of three levels (upper, middle, and lower), three entrances, and one underground river. The highest point inside the cave reaches 36 meters, and the widest part exceeds 50 meters. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 18°C, making it suitable for visits in all seasons. The scenic area features natural karst landforms as its core attraction, with stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone drapes in various shapes, combining grandeur, strangeness, seclusion, and elegance. It is a karst tourist destination that integrates natural sightseeing, science education, and leisure vacation.
History and Culture
Longkong Cave has a long history of development. It was discovered by local people as early as the Tang Dynasty and became a well-known natural attraction in western Fujian during the Song Dynasty. Numerous literati and poets visited and left inscriptions, making it an important carrier of karst landform culture in western Fujian. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a popular site for local residents to pray and sightsee. Stone carvings and inscriptions from the Ming and Qing periods still remain inside the cave, recording historical changes and folk tales.
Longkong Cave is rich in western Fujian folk culture. According to legend, a dragon prince once lived and cultivated here, hence the name "Longkong Cave" (Dragon Cave). This legend has been passed down through generations in the Longyan area and has become a unique cultural symbol of the scenic spot. In modern times, as an important natural and cultural resource in western Fujian, the cave was officially opened to tourism in 1988, was designated a provincial-level scenic spot in 2003, and received the national AAAA-level tourist attraction rating in 2010. It has gradually become a tourism landmark of Longyan and a well-known cave destination in the border region of Fujian, Guangdong, and Jiangxi.
Major Attractions
Welcome Gate
The entrance to Longkong Cave, a naturally formed cave gateway about 10 meters high and 8 meters wide. It is the first landscape visitors encounter, with natural rock textures on the walls resembling a screen, symbolizing a welcome to guests. It is a popular photo spot.
Stone Snake
Located just inside the Welcome Gate, this natural karst formation is about 6 meters long and resembles a coiled giant snake, with a clearly defined head and body. Formed by calcium carbonate deposition over thousands of years, it is one of the cave's iconic likeness stones.
Umbrella Cave
Named for its ceiling karst formations that resemble an open umbrella, with drooping stone drapes about 3 meters in diameter. The overall shape is smooth and expansive, with layered rock textures, making it a distinctive small cavern.
Snail Cave
Centered around a giant stalagmite about 4 meters high, shaped like a snail, pure white and smooth, formed by dripping water. It is a classic karst formation in Longkong Cave.
Crouching Dragon Cave
The core cavern of the middle level, about 80 meters long and 30 meters wide. The ceiling formations resemble a crouching dragon, appearing majestic and grand. The space is open, with numerous stone pillars, making it one of the largest scenic areas in the cave.
Underground River
Running through the bottom level of the cave, with a total length of about 1,200 meters. The water is clear and maintains a constant temperature year-round. Visitors can take a boat ride along the winding river, with karst landscapes reflected on both banks. It is the only water-based tour area in the cave.
Dragon Egg Stones
A group of round calcium carbonate deposits along the underground river, varying in size and resembling dinosaur eggs. The largest has a diameter of about 1.5 meters. These are rare spherical karst formations with high ornamental and scientific value.
Sky-Piercing Pillar
The tallest stone pillar in Longkong Cave, standing 36 meters high with a diameter of about 2 meters, connecting the ceiling and the floor. Formed over hundreds of millions of years by dripping water, it is the iconic core landscape and the most impressive karst formation in the cave.
Suggested Tour Route：
Scenic Entrance → Welcome Gate → Stone Snake → Umbrella Cave → Snail Cave → Crouching Dragon Cave → Underground River → Dragon Egg Stones → Sky-Piercing Pillar → Scenic Exit
Travel Tips：
The full tour takes about 2–3 hours. The boat ride on the underground river takes about 15 minutes – plan your time accordingly.
The paths inside are mostly flat but some sections can be slippery. It is recommended to wear comfortable, non-slip flat shoes.
The cave maintains a constant 18°C. In summer, bring a light jacket to avoid catching a chill from the temperature difference.
The underground river boat ride is a must-try experience, offering close-up views of the karst scenery along the banks.
Rest areas are available inside the scenic area; you can replenish water and snacks during breaks.
For families with children, please keep children under close supervision at all times, avoid touching rock walls, and stay away from the river edges.
Important Notices：
Climbing on rock walls or striking stalactites and other karst formations is strictly prohibited; violators will be penalized according to scenic area regulations.
Smoking and open flames are forbidden inside the cave; strictly follow fire prevention rules.
Do not stray from the designated tour routes or enter undeveloped areas.
Cave lighting is designed for landscape viewing; do not stare directly at bright lights for prolonged periods.
While on the underground river boat, remain seated, hold the handrails, and do not stand or reach into the water.
Pets are not allowed inside the cave tour area.
Littering is prohibited; please carry waste to designated trash bins.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From downtown Longyan, take Provincial Highway S203 for about 48 km (approximately 1 hour). Free parking is available at the scenic area.
Public bus: Take the passenger bus from Longyan Bus Station to Longkang Village, Yanshi Town (6 departures daily, about 1 hour 10 minutes). Walk 500 meters to the entrance.
Tourist shuttle: During holidays, a direct tourist shuttle bus from downtown Longyan to Longkong Cave is available.
Opening Hours：
Open year-round. Regular hours: 8:00–17:30 (last ticket sale at 16:30). During statutory holidays and summer peak season, hours are adjusted to 7:30–18:00 (last ticket sale at 17:00). No regular closure days for maintenance.
Ticket Price：
50 RMB per person.