The Zhijin Cave Scenic Area in Bijie City is located in Guanzhai Miao Township, Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Zhijin Cave is a multi-layered, multi-type karst cave. It is 6.6 km long, 175 m wide at its widest point, and has a relative height difference of more than 150 m. Its total volume reaches 5 million cubic meters, and its total area is more than 700,000 square meters. The scenic area has distinctive features, characterized by being “large, extraordinary, and comprehensive.” The cave has spacious interiors and complex rock formations, with more than 40 types of karst deposition forms, and is known as a “Karst Museum.” The stalagmites, stone columns, stone buds, cave flags, and other landscapes inside the cave are diverse in shape and colorful. There are a small number of service buildings in the scenic area, such as a visitor center and rest pavilions, to meet the basic needs of tourists.
Historical Culture
The formation of Zhijin Cave went through a long geological period. About 500,000 years ago, this area was still a vast ocean. With crustal movement, the seawater retreated, and the limestone strata gradually emerged above the water surface. Through long-term dissolution and erosion by groundwater, the magnificent cave landscape of today was gradually formed.
Zhijin County, where Zhijin Cave is located, has a rich ethnic culture. Several ethnic minorities, including the Miao, Yi, and Bai, live in the area, and each has retained unique traditional customs and cultural arts. For example, the Miao people’s Lusheng dance and the Yi people’s Torch Festival enrich the cultural connotations of the Zhijin Cave Scenic Area.
The discovery and development of Zhijin Cave also has a certain history. In April 1980, a tourism resource survey team organized by the Zhijin County People’s Government discovered Zhijin Cave. After years of development and construction, Zhijin Cave gradually became a well-known tourist attraction, attracting many tourists to come and admire it.
Main Attractions
Welcome Hall
The Welcome Hall is the first large hall in Zhijin Cave. It is 173 m long, 132 m wide, and 15 m high, with an area of about 16,000 square meters. The stalactites and stalagmites in the hall have various shapes, including landscapes such as the “Stone Drum” and “Stone Column.” It is like a natural grand hall, welcoming every visitor. As soon as people enter the cave, they can feel the magic and grandeur of Zhijin Cave.
Preaching Hall
The Preaching Hall is about 180 m long, 150 m wide, and 50 m high, with an area of about 10,000 square meters. Inside the cave, there is a stalactite that resembles Sakyamuni Buddha preaching, surrounded by many stalagmites and stone curtains, as if many followers are listening devoutly. The landscapes in the Preaching Hall are lifelike, creating a solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere, making people marvel at the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.
Palace of the God of Longevity
The Palace of the God of Longevity is 120 m long, 100 m wide, and 40 m high. There is a huge stalagmite shaped like the God of Longevity, hence the name. The stalagmite is highly realistic, and beside it are some smaller stalagmites and stone columns, forming a vivid picture. Tourists can enjoy the unique karst landscape here and feel the wonder of nature.
Wangshan Lake
Wangshan Lake is an underground lake in Zhijin Cave. Its surface area is more than 30,000 square meters, and its water depth is 17 m. The water is clear to the bottom and shimmering. Some stalagmites and stone columns protrude from the water, forming beautiful reflections in the lake. Tourists can take a boat tour on Wangshan Lake, enjoy the lake scenery, and feel the tranquility and beauty inside the cave.
Travel Tips：
The temperature inside the cave is relatively low, so visitors are advised to bring a jacket to avoid catching a cold.
The ground inside the cave is slippery. Visitors should wear non-slip shoes and pay attention to safety while walking.
Following a guide can help visitors better understand the geological knowledge of Zhijin Cave and the stories behind the attractions. It is recommended to choose a tour with guide commentary.
When tasting local food, choose formal restaurants and snack stalls to ensure food hygiene.
If taking photos, do not use a flash, so as not to damage the stalactites and other landscapes in the cave.
Precautions：
Observe the various regulations of the scenic area, follow the instructions of staff, and do not enter unopened areas without authorization.
Protect the landscapes and facilities in the cave. Do not touch or damage natural landscapes such as stalactites and stalagmites.
Do not make loud noises inside the cave. Keep quiet so as not to affect other tourists’ visiting experience.
In case of an emergency, call the scenic area’s emergency rescue phone number or ask nearby staff for help.
When riding the sightseeing bus, fasten your seat belt and do not extend your body out of the window.
Suggested Tour Route：
Recommended route: After entering the scenic area, first take the sightseeing bus to the entrance of Zhijin Cave. After entering the cave, visit the main attractions in order, including the Welcome Hall, Preaching Hall, Palace of the God of Longevity, and Wangshan Lake. While touring inside the cave, you can follow the guide’s commentary to better understand the features of each attraction and the stories behind them. After visiting the attractions inside the cave, exit the cave and take the sightseeing bus back to the scenic area entrance. If time permits, you can also taste local foods such as Zhijin buckwheat jelly and Zhijin Kung Pao Chicken around the scenic area and experience the local customs. The entire tour takes about 2–3 hours.
Transportation：
Public transportation: From downtown Bijie, you can take a bus to Zhijin County. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the fare is about 50 yuan. After arriving in Zhijin County, you can take a shuttle bus to Zhijin Cave at Zhijin Bus Station. The journey takes about 1 hour, and the fare is about 20 yuan.
By car: From downtown Bijie, drive via the Xiamen–Chengdu Expressway, Zhijindong Expressway, and other roads to reach the Zhijin Cave Scenic Area. The total distance is about 120 km, and the driving time is about 1.5 hours. The scenic area has a parking lot, and parking fees are charged according to parking duration.
Opening Hours：
The Zhijin Cave Scenic Area in Bijie City is open all year round from 09:00 to 17:00 (ticket sales and entry stop at 16:00). On public holidays or during peak tourist seasons, the scenic area may adjust its opening hours according to actual conditions. Visitors can check the scenic area’s official information in advance and arrange their itineraries reasonably.
Tickets：
140 yuan per person.