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Nielong Cave is located in Qingxi Village, Yangqi Town, Shangli County, Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. Located within the Yangqi Mountain Scenic Area, it is directly accessible via National Highway 319 and is 13 kilometers from downtown Pingxiang. The cave is a natural landscape dominated by karst caves, formed 180 million years ago.
According to legend, an evil dragon in ancient Poyang Lake attempted to turn Jiangxi into a swamp, wreaking havoc and harming the people. It was eventually subdued by Xu Zhenjun in a cave at the foot of Yangqi Mountain in Pingxiang, hence the name Nielong Cave. Nielong Cave is 4 kilometers long, winding and winding, with a stream flowing through it. The water follows the cave's current, and the cave's interior is connected by halls and corridors. The largest hall rises 30 meters and can accommodate nearly a thousand people. Key attractions within the cave include the "Thousand-Center Hall," "Rain on Banana Leaves," and "Boy Worshipping Guanyin." The most notable is the "Cave Heaven Waterfall," which cascades like the Milky Way into the lake, a rare spectacle among Chinese karst caves.
The Nielong Cave Scenic Area in Pingxiang City is a karst-type scenic area under the jurisdiction of the Yangqi Mountain Scenic Area. The Nielong Cave was named after Xu Zhenjun, one of the four great Taoist masters, who captured a Nielong in this cave. It is a national 4A tourist attraction.
Subtropical humid climate;
Nielong Cave is 4 kilometers long and winding, accompanied by a stream. The water follows the cave and the cave is alive with water. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
There are over one hundred scenic spots, including the Heavenly Hall, the Heavenly Book, the Boy Worshipping Guanyin, the Thousand Hills Terraced Fields, the Fallen Willows and Weeping Poplars, the Fairy Music Hall, the Poetry and Painting Gallery, the Wishing Pool, and the Huilong Hall. The Heavenly Hall, in particular, captures the beauty of the four seasons of heaven and earth, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The most spectacular feature is the Dongtian Waterfall, nine meters high and seven meters wide. The natural waterfall plunges from nine meters above into the cave pool, creating a myriad of splashes and a thunderous roar that shakes the heavens, making it a unique feature of the cave.
Recommended 2-day tour
80 yuan/person
9:00-16:00
Nielong Cave is a natural limestone cave located in the Pingxiang region of Jiangxi. It is significant for its geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed over millions of years. The cave is a popular tourist destination due to its awe-inspiring natural beauty and historical significance in local folklore.
Nielong Cave is located in Pingxiang, Jiangxi Province. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from Pingxiang city. Public transport options may be limited, so a taxi or self-drive is recommended for convenience.
The cave is open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Visiting during the cooler months of spring or autumn is also recommended.
The entrance fee for Nielong Cave is typically around ¥50–¥70 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the cave. It is advisable to check for any online promotions or ticket options available before visiting.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but if visiting during peak seasons, it may be helpful to book online to avoid long lines. Generally, booking 1–2 days in advance is sufficient.
Exploring Nielong Cave typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace of the tour and how much time you spend on photography and exploration.
Guided tours are available at Nielong Cave, and the guides typically speak Mandarin. If you require a tour in English, it is advisable to arrange this in advance or bring a translator. Audio guides may not be available.
The best photography spots are near the entrance of the cave, where you can capture the vastness of the interior. The unique rock formations inside, especially the stalactites and stalagmites, also make for excellent photos.
Start the tour at the main entrance and follow the path leading through the first cavern. Make your way deeper into the cave to explore the larger chambers. Conclude the visit by walking along the underground river path, which offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Night visits are not typically available at Nielong Cave. However, during special festivals or holidays, the cave may offer light shows or special tours that highlight the beauty of the formations at night. Check with the local tourist office for any seasonal events.
The cave can get crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available near the entrance. There may be small local shops selling souvenirs and snacks, but there are no full-scale restaurants inside the cave.
The cave's uneven terrain and stairs may make it challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It is recommended to check the accessibility of the site in advance if you have specific needs. Children may need extra supervision while exploring the cave.
Cash is commonly accepted at the entrance, though some areas may also accept mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay. Credit cards may not be widely accepted at smaller shops within the area.
There are a few small eateries and local restaurants near the entrance to the cave that offer traditional Chinese dishes. For more dining options, you can head to Pingxiang city, which has a wider variety of restaurants.
Vegetarian food options are available at some local restaurants near the cave, though vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s best to inquire with the restaurant before dining.
There are several hotels in Pingxiang city, such as the Pingxiang International Hotel and local guesthouses. These are about a 20-30 minute drive from Nielong Cave.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling items like local handicrafts, postcards, and cave-related memorabilia.
After visiting the cave, you can continue your journey by taking a taxi or bus back to Pingxiang. Alternatively, you can drive to other attractions in the region or continue on to Nanchang, which is about a 2-hour drive away.
