The Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area in Qingyuan City is located in Dongbei Town, Lianzhou City, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province. It is a National 5A Tourist Attraction and features both karst cave and underground river landscapes. The scenic area covers a total area of 62.1 hectares and integrates tourism, vacation, entertainment, leisure, and cave exploration. The temperature inside the cave remains around 18°C throughout the year, warm in winter and cool in summer. The underground river is 1,500 meters long in total, and the water is so clear that the bottom is visible. Its unique landscape features include caves within caves, a river within the cave, and bridges within the cave. The cave area in the scenic spot is vast, with stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations in various shapes and with exquisite natural craftsmanship, possessing extremely high ornamental value. In addition, the scenic area has complete supporting facilities, including a visitor service center, restaurant, parking lot, and more, providing convenient services for visitors.
History and Culture
The Lianzhou area, where the Lianzhou Underground River is located, has a long history and profound cultural heritage. In ancient times, Lianzhou was an important passage from the Central Plains to Lingnan. Trade was frequent, and multiple cultures blended here.
The discovery of the Lianzhou Underground River can be traced back to the early 1980s, when a local farmer accidentally discovered this magical underground world. Later, through development and construction, it gradually became a well-known tourist attraction. During development, the original appearance of the cave was preserved as much as possible, allowing visitors to appreciate nature's uncanny workmanship.
The Lianzhou Underground River also carries local folk culture. The villages around the scenic area retain many traditional customs and ways of life. While visiting the underground river, visitors can also experience a rich local cultural atmosphere.
Main Attractions
Cave Wonders
The cave wonders are the core highlight of the Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area. Over millions of years of geological processes, the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave have formed various peculiar shapes. Some look like lifelike birds and beasts, some resemble magnificent palaces and temples, and some look like graceful fairies, leaving people amazed. Among them, attractions such as "Waterfall Curtain," "Golden Rooster Crowing at Dawn," and "South Heavenly Gate" are especially vivid and realistic, as if they were carefully carved artworks by nature. Strolling through the cave, visitors feel as if they are in a mysterious underground kingdom, experiencing the wonder and beauty of nature.
Underground River Boat Ride
Taking a boat ride on the underground river is a major special experience in the scenic area. Visitors board the boat and move along the winding river course. The water is clear and cool, and the scenery on both sides changes endlessly. On the boat, visitors can closely observe the stalactites and stalagmites on the cave ceiling and walls, and hear the murmuring sound of flowing water, as if entering a quiet and mysterious world. During the boat ride, the guide will explain the formation process of the underground river and related legends, allowing visitors to increase their knowledge while enjoying the scenery.
Immortal's Fields
Immortal's Fields is a unique landscape in the cave. Here, after a long period of time, the stalactites and stalagmites have formed layer upon layer of "terraced fields," like farmland cultivated by immortals, hence the name. The "terraced fields" also collect clear water, which shimmers under the light, presenting a beautiful sight. Visitors can admire nature's wonderful creations here and feel their unique charm.
Tour Route：
One-day Tour Route: In the morning, travel from your departure place to the Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area. After arriving, take a short rest at the visitor service center and learn about the basic information of the scenic area and tour precautions. Then enter the scenic area. First visit the cave wonders, follow the designated tour route to admire the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave, and listen to the guide's explanation. Next, go to the underground river boat dock and take a boat ride on the underground river to experience its tranquility and mystery. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a restaurant inside or near the scenic area and taste local foods such as Lianzhou choy sum and Dongbei cured meat. After lunch, you can stroll around the scenic area and buy some specialty souvenirs, such as Xingzi red bean paste cakes and Dongbei cured meat, and then return.
Travel Tips：
The temperature inside the cave is relatively low. It is recommended to bring a light jacket to prevent catching a cold. Especially when taking the boat ride, the river breeze may make you feel chilly.
When touring the cave, walk along the designated route, do not leave on your own, pay attention to safety, and avoid accidents.
If you are interested in the cave landscapes, you can learn some geological knowledge and the principles of cave formation in advance, so that you can better appreciate and understand the attractions.
When tasting local food, order appropriately according to your taste and appetite to avoid waste. You can try a variety of specialty foods, such as Lianzhou choy sum and Dongbei cured meat.
If you choose to buy local specialties around the scenic area, it is recommended to buy from reputable shops and check the quality and expiration date of the products.
Precautions：
Some areas of the cave path are slippery, so watch your step and be careful not to slip.
Do not touch the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave, so as not to damage these precious natural landscapes.
Protect the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
When taking the boat ride, follow the instructions of the staff, wear a life jacket, and do not move around or play on the boat.
If you are traveling with children or elderly people, take good care of their safety and avoid them getting lost or having accidents.
Transportation：
Bus: There are buses from the bus station in downtown Qingyuan to Lianzhou City. After arriving in Lianzhou City, you can transfer at Lianzhou Bus Station to a shuttle bus to Dongbei Town. After getting off, walk or take local transportation to the Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area.
Self-driving: Self-driving visitors can enter "Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area" in a navigation app and follow the navigation prompts. Starting from downtown Qingyuan, you can reach the scenic area via roads such as the Qinglian Expressway. There is a parking lot in the scenic area for convenient parking. However, during holidays and other peak tourist seasons, the parking lot may be crowded, so it is recommended to set off early.
Tourist shuttle: Some travel agencies or tourism organizations operate tourist shuttle buses to the Lianzhou Underground River Scenic Area. Visitors can choose to take them by consulting a travel agency or booking online. This method is relatively convenient and may include services such as guide commentary.
Opening Hours：
Usually 08:30–17:00.
The scenic area may fine-tune its opening hours according to actual circumstances, such as holidays and special events. Visitors are advised to check the scenic area's official website or relevant notices before going, so as to arrange their visit time reasonably. Admission stops some time before the scenic area closes. Visitors should pay attention to the admission time so as not to delay their visit.
Tickets：
Full-price ticket: 108 yuan
Half-price ticket: 60 yuan