
Tianxiandong Cave is located on the banks of the Yongning River in Naxi County, close to National Highway 321 and 19 kilometers from downtown Luzhou. The caves where the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady practiced cultivation are located in the front, and the caves where the ancient people of Yelang lived in are located in the back. The scenic area features a typical Danxia landform, with a forest coverage rate of 90%. With its vibrant red Danxia cliffs and lush green jungles filled with bamboo, it is known as a "fairyland on earth."
The scenic area consists of three parts: the Buddhist pilgrimage site at the north gate, the Yelang Grand Canyon at the south gate, and the rural Man City in the middle. It includes dozens of attractions such as Tianquan Temple, Ledao Ancient Town, Anti-Japanese War Primary School, Linguang Waterfall, Huangjuetan Waterfall, the No. 1 Scholar's Mother Sacrifice, and Zhu De's Elimination of Tyrants.
A 2,700-meter-long tourist plank road has also been built in the scenic area, which has become a unique scenic spot for tourists to explore and enjoy the scenery.
Summer is the best time to escape the heat. You can pick loquats in May and kiwis in September.
Recommended play time: about half a day
58 yuan/person
Peak season: 8:30-17:30
Off-season: 9:00-17:00
Tianxiandong, located in Sichuan, is known for its impressive natural landscape, featuring karst formations and lush forests. It is historically significant as a spiritual site with deep connections to local traditions and culture, often visited by those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Tianxiandong is located in the southwestern part of Sichuan. The best way to reach the site is by taking a taxi or private car from nearby cities such as Chengdu or Ya'an. Public transportation options are limited, but taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient for direct access.
Tianxiandong is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or online via local tourism websites.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons, especially weekends and holidays. It is advisable to book tickets a few days ahead for a smooth visit.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to fully explore Tianxiandong, including walking around the trails, visiting the caves, and enjoying the scenic views. If you plan to engage in cultural activities, it may take a bit longer.
Guided tours are available, usually in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be arranged in advance for international visitors. Audio guides in multiple languages can be rented on-site as well.
Start by walking along the main trail, which takes you past the karst formations. Then visit the caves before heading to the riverside areas. End your visit by exploring the local cultural experiences if available.
Night visits are not commonly available at Tianxiandong. However, during festivals or special occasions, light shows or cultural performances may be organized, so it’s worth checking ahead.
The area tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially outside of peak tourist seasons. Weekends and holidays can see more visitors, so it’s better to visit early in the morning during these times.
Basic facilities such as public toilets, rest areas, and small shops are available at the entrance. There are also food stalls offering local snacks and refreshments, as well as water stations along the trails.
The main trails at Tianxiandong are moderately challenging, so some areas may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children will enjoy the nature walks, though supervision is recommended near the cliffs and caves.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash is also commonly used, especially in smaller shops or food stalls, so it's best to carry some cash as well.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes are available at most local restaurants, but halal food options may be limited. It's advisable to check with restaurants in advance if you have dietary restrictions.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels in the nearby towns of Ya'an and Chengdu. For a more authentic experience, you can also find boutique stays close to the scenic area.
Souvenir shops around Tianxiandong offer local crafts, handmade pottery, and Sichuan spices. Traditional Chinese art and small carvings are also popular items to bring back.
Taxi, private car, or bus services are the best transportation options. If continuing towards Chengdu or Ya'an, buses or ride-sharing services like Didi are also convenient choices.