Zhijin Cave: A Detailed Travel Guide

Known as "China's most beautiful tourist cave," Zhijin Cave is best visited between March and May when the temperature is pleasant.

★Transportation
- By car: From Guiyang, it's about a 1.5-hour drive via expressway. Navigate to "Zhijin Cave." Guiyang → Zhijin Cave South (10 km tourist road) → Zhijin Cave parking lot (10 yuan/parking space). The total distance is 96 km.
- By high-speed rail: Take the high-speed train from Guiyang North to Qianxi Station (approx. 30 mins, approx. 39 yuan). Turn left out of the station and walk 10 mins to Qianxi Shuangqiao Bus Station. Take a bus to Zhijin Cave (1 hr, 30 yuan).
- By bus: Take a bus from the old bus station in Guiyang's Yunyan District to Zhijin Cave (approx. 1.5 hrs, approx. 45 yuan).
- Sightseeing buses are available inside the scenic area. The Zhijin Cave entrance ticket usually includes the sightseeing bus fee.

★Tour Route
After entering the scenic area, take the sightseeing bus to the Zhijin Cave entrance. There's only one main road inside the cave. Follow the signs or the crowd. Recommended sightseeing order: Sun and Moon Shining Together → Hanging Pipa → Snow on Green Pine → Perfectly Round → Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law → Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity → Bawang Helmet → Ganoderma Lucidum → Universal Salvation → Silver Rain Tree → Beautiful Landscape → Sister Jade Trees → Pearl in the Palm → Leizi Cave → Exit. The entire route is approx. 6.6 km and takes 2–4 hrs.

★Zhijin Grand Canyon: After visiting Zhijin Cave, take the sightseeing bus to the Grand Canyon exit (touring in reverse is easier). Take the Golden Valley Sky Ladder down to the bottom of the valley. Walk along the underground river towards the entrance or take a boat (10 yuan/person). This takes 2–3 hrs.

★Local Snacks
- Zhijin Laoguo, - Kung Pao Chicken, - Buckwheat Jelly, - Glutinous Rice Balls, - Zhijin Shuibawan

★Accommodation
- Guesthouses near the scenic area: Convenient location with many restaurants nearby offering local snacks. Some guesthouses offer transportation to the station or the scenic area entrance. Inquire in advance.
- Resort hotels: For a more comfortable stay, choose a resort hotel near the scenic area. These offer star-rated amenities, complimentary breakfast, and beautiful surroundings.
- Zhijin County: Further from the scenic area, but with more accommodation options and a wider price range.

★Costs
- Tickets: Adult tickets purchased on the platform are 110 yuan/person (including sightseeing bus and insurance). A combined ticket for Zhijin Cave and the Grand Canyon is 200 yuan/person.
- Food: Snacks cost 20–50 yuan/person. Restaurant meals cost 40–80 yuan/person.
- Accommodation: Guesthouses cost 100–200 yuan/person. Resort hotels or better accommodation options cost 200–400 yuan/person.
- Other: Photographer services inside the scenic area with framed photos cost 30 yuan/photo.

★Tips
- The temperature inside the cave is low, averaging 10–16°C. Bring a jacket.
- Wear comfortable athletic shoes, as there are many stairs and the ground can be slippery inside the cave.
- There are no restaurants or convenience stores inside the cave. Bring your own snacks and water.