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Explore the Jiuxiang Cave system, take a boat tour inside the caves, visit the Jiuxiang Scenic Area for stunning natural views, and hike to the surrounding hills for panoramic vistas of the caves and landscape.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Township, Yiliang County, Yunnan Province. Located along the prime tourist route from Kunming to Stone Forest, Jiuxiang is a scenic spot dominated by its karst caves and is a nationally designated key scenic spot. A popular saying among tourists in Yunnan is: "See the Stone Forest from above, and explore Jiuxiang underground." While the beauty of the Stone Forest lies in its peaks, the beauty of Jiuxiang lies in its valleys. The Jiuxiang karst caves, originating from ancient dolomite rocks dating back 600 million years, comprise hundreds of caves of varying sizes, earning it the nickname "The Town of Karst Caves."
In Jiuxiang, you'll see caves within caves, rivers within caves, and even skies within caves. This is evident in the folk saying, "Jiuxiang has ninety-nine caves, and counting them all would make you old." Many tourists lament, "If you don't visit Jiuxiang, your trip to Yunnan is in vain."
In the movie "The Myth", the scene where Jackie Chan and Kim Hee Sun fly around in the mausoleum was filmed here.
Jiuxiang boasts dense forests, covering 62.3% of its area, and is rich in rare plant and animal resources. The Zhangkoudong ancient human settlement site represents a unique Paleolithic culture in southern my country and is known as "a unique wonder of Jiuxiang."
It is recommended to travel during the dry season from November to April. The rainy season is from May to October, so you should bring rain gear when traveling.
About 3 hours
90 yuan/person
09:00-18:00
Jiuxiang is known for its impressive limestone cave formations, discovered in the 1970s. It holds cultural and natural significance due to its stunning geological features and biodiversity.
Jiuxiang is located in Kunming, Yunnan Province. It is best accessed by taxi or private car from Kunming city center, which is about a 1.5-hour drive away. Public buses also serve the route to the Jiuxiang Scenic Area.
Jiuxiang is open year-round, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from March to October when the weather is more pleasant and the caves are less humid.
The entrance fee for Jiuxiang Scenic Area is approximately 80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket counter on-site.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays). Booking a day or two in advance is usually sufficient.
To fully explore Jiuxiang, including the caves, walking trails, and scenic areas, expect to spend about 3-4 hours.
The must-see highlights include the Jiuxiang Cave system, the stunning stalactite formations, and the impressive underground river. Don’t miss the scenic viewpoints and the cable car ride over the area.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available, and audio guides in both Mandarin and English can be rented for a more informative experience.
The best photography spots include the viewpoints over the Jiuxiang Cave entrances, the cave interior with its impressive formations, and the surrounding hills with a panoramic view of the entire scenic area.
Start with the boat tour inside the caves, followed by walking through the stalactite formations. Then, explore the surrounding natural scenery and take the cable car for a bird’s-eye view of the area.
Currently, Jiuxiang does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours are available during peak seasons for a more in-depth exploration of the caves.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially outside of the peak summer season.
Basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available throughout the site. There are also souvenir shops selling local crafts and snacks.
While the main areas are accessible, some of the hiking trails and cave tours may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors due to steep terrain and uneven paths. The boat ride inside the caves is more accessible.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at Jiuxiang. Cash is still commonly used at smaller vendors, but credit cards are rarely accepted.
There are a few local restaurants near the entrance serving traditional Yunnan cuisine, including rice noodles, hotpot, and grilled meats. More dining options are available in Kunming city.
Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants. Halal food options are limited but can be found in Kunming, especially near the Muslim Quarter.
There are some guesthouses and budget hotels around the Jiuxiang Scenic Area, but for a wider selection, you can stay in Kunming and take a day trip to the caves.
Nearby attractions include the Stone Forest, which can be combined with Jiuxiang for a full day of sightseeing. Also, the Dianchi Lake area is within a short drive.
Souvenir shops at Jiuxiang sell local handicrafts, such as handmade jewelry, ethnic textiles, and small carved figurines representing the Yunnan culture.
From Jiuxiang, taxis or buses are the best options to continue your trip to nearby attractions like the Stone Forest or back to Kunming city center.
