Zhijin Cave, located in Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, is a high-altitude dry cave of great diversity, complexity, and scale. Inside, the karst formations are unique, vast, majestic, and breathtakingly exquisite, making it a dream destination for countless visitors.
Zhijin Cave, renowned as the “King of Karst Caves,” stands out among other famous karst caves such as Zhangjiajie’s Yellow Dragon Cave (about 100,000 sqm), Chongqing’s Furong Cave (about 37,000 sqm), and Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave (about 14,900 sqm) due to its unparalleled size and grandeur. Spanning over 700,000 square meters, Zhijin Cave is the largest of its kind, featuring 12 grand halls and 47 chambers, each adorned with unique and breathtaking formations. The cave’s largest chamber reaches an impressive width of 175 meters, while six of its halls exceed 10,000 square meters in area, highlighting its monumental scale.
The cave is adorned with a wide variety of karst formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, flowstones, and stone curtains. These formations come in unique shapes, resembling pagodas, plants, animals, and even mythical creatures, showcasing nature’s artistic craftsmanship.
Among its countless highlights, several are especially unforgettable:
- The Overlord’s Helmet (“Ba Wang Kui”) – A 17-meter-tall stalagmite shaped like a warrior’s helmet, known as the crown jewel of Zhijin Cave. Lit by orange light and reflected in the pool below, it appears both majestic and lifelike, as if the legendary warlord Xiang Yu himself had left his helmet behind.
- The Pillar of Heaven (“Qian Ceng Bao Ta”) – At the junction of the North and South Gates stands a towering stone column that seems to prop up the sky. Called the “Mainstay of the River,” it symbolizes strength, resilience, and the ability to stand tall in times of trial.
- Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law (“Po Xi Qing Shen”) – Two pine-shaped stalagmites, one stooped like an old woman and the other upright like her filial daughter-in-law massaging her back. The scene is tender, lifelike, and moving, embodying the Chinese virtue of filial piety.
- The Lingxiao Palace – A stunning stone waterfall, one of the largest yet discovered, cascading magnificently from the ceiling. Around it stand stone banners, draperies, and a majestic hall of “stalagmite soldiers,” as if a grand palace had opened its doors for a celestial council.
- Snow Pressing on the Green Pine (“Xue Ya Qing Song”) – A 20-meter-tall stalagmite shaped like a pine tree blanketed in snow, one of the cave’s signature sights. Its upright strength recalls Marshal Chen Yi’s famous poem: “Though snow weighs heavily on the pine, the pine stands tall and straight.” It symbolizes resilience, dignity, and unyielding spirit.
The spectacular karst landscapes of Zhijin Cave embody grandeur, vastness, and beauty beyond imagination. A tour through its endless halls, lasting over two hours, is an ever-unfolding journey of wonder—each chamber a new astonishment, each formation a marvel of nature.
It’s no surprise that Zhijin Cave is honored as the “King of Caves.” As the saying goes: “After Huangshan, no other mountains; beyond Zhijin Cave, no other caves.” The reputation is well deserved.
Practical Tips to Visit Zhijin Cave
Zhijin Cave is located in Guanzhai Miao Ethnic Village, Zhijin County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province. The cave is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province.
Bijie City has a total of 9 railway stations and 1 airport. 2 stations are located in Zhijin County, only serving normal trains. The closest high-speed rail station to Zhijin Cave is Qianxi Railway Station, about 45 km away.
Footwear: The cave has stairs and a small section of uneven paths, and the ground can be wet and slippery. Anti-slip footwear is recommended for safety and comfort.
Clothing: The cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C (61°F). However, the humidity and cool air can make it feel chilly, so it’s best to carry a light jacket.
Food and Drinks: There are no dining options or shops within the cave, so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to stay energized during your visit. If you forget to bring snacks, there is a convenience store at the cave exit where you can purchase refreshments.
Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/08/28/zhijin-cave-the-king-of-karst-caves-in-china/
Source: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/guizhou/zhijin-cave.html
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