Tenglong Cave Scenic Area is located in Lichuan City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area covers a total area of 69 square kilometers, with a core scenic area of 10 square kilometers. Tenglong Cave is the largest known karst cave system in China, with a total length of 59.8 kilometers. Its entrance is 74 meters high and 64 meters wide, large enough to accommodate 20 helicopters flying side by side. The scenic area integrates mountains, water, caves, and forests, and is known for its grandeur, wonder, steepness, and seclusion. It is praised as the "Number One Cave Under Heaven."
History and Culture
Tenglong Cave was formed about 150 million years ago during the Mesozoic Jurassic period and is a typical karst landform. Traces of human activity from the Neolithic Age found in the cave prove that humans were active here as early as ancient times.
The Qing Dynasty "Lichuan County Annals" already contained records about Tenglong Cave. In 1985, a joint Chinese-British expedition conducted a scientific survey of Tenglong Cave, unveiling the mystery of this underground wonder.
Lichuan City, where Tenglong Cave is located, is an area inhabited by the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups. The scenic area incorporates rich elements of ethnic minority culture. The large-scale Tujia song and dance performance "Yishui Lichuan" inside the cave showcases a strong ethnic flavor.
Main Attractions
Main Cave of Tenglong Cave
The main cave is about 8 kilometers long and is divided into a dry cave and a water cave. The dry cave contains 5 peaks, 10 halls, and more than 150 branch caves. The highest point inside the cave reaches 235 meters, and the widest point reaches 174 meters. The water cave is an underground river where visitors can take a boat tour.
Wolong Tunjiang Waterfall
Located at the entrance of Tenglong Cave, the Qingjiang River forms a waterfall 50 meters wide with a drop of 30 meters here before suddenly disappearing and flowing into the underground karst cave, creating the magnificent wonder known as "Wolong Tunjiang" (The Crouching Dragon Swallows the River).
Laser Show
Inside Tenglong Cave is currently Asia's largest cave laser show venue, using modern sound, light, and electrical technology combined with the cave's natural landscape to create a stunning audiovisual feast.
Tujia Song and Dance Performance
Inside the cave is a performance hall with a capacity of 1,000 people, where the large-scale Tujia song and dance performance "Yishui Lichuan" is staged daily, showcasing the history, culture, and folk customs of the Tujia people.
Tour Route：
Recommended tour route: In the morning, visit Wolong Tunjiang Waterfall, then enter the main cave of Tenglong Cave for sightseeing; at noon, watch the laser show inside the cave; in the afternoon, continue touring the cave landscape and watch the Tujia song and dance performance; return in the evening. The entire tour takes about 5-6 hours.
Travel Tips：
There is a large temperature difference inside and outside the cave (about 10°C), so it is recommended to bring a jacket.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as some sections inside the cave are slippery.
Learn the performance times in advance and arrange the tour order reasonably.
Photography enthusiasts may bring a tripod to capture the unique cave landscapes.
Respect the customs of ethnic minorities and watch performances politely.
Notes：
The lighting inside the cave is dim, so pay attention to walking safety.
Do not touch stalactites or other cave deposits.
Protect the environment and do not litter.
Follow the guidance of staff and do not enter unopened areas.
Visitors with heart disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions should act according to their physical capacity.
The humidity inside the cave is high, so pay attention to protecting electronic devices from moisture.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Departing from Enshi city via the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway and Lichuan interchange, about a 1.5-hour drive.
Bus: There is a Lichuan Tenglong Cave tourist shuttle bus from Enshi Passenger Station, about a 2-hour ride.
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Lichuan Station, then transfer to a taxi for about 20 minutes to reach the scenic area.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, with daily opening hours from 8:30 to 17:00 (extended to 17:30 during peak season). Laser shows are at 10:30 and 15:00; Tujia song and dance performances are at 11:30 and 16:00.
Tickets：
Tickets are 172 yuan per person (including the scenic area shuttle bus).