Dejiang Karst Cave: The Underground Paradise of a Hermit Elder

📍Location
Dujia Village, Gonghe Town, Dejiang County, Tongren City (Navigate to "Dejiang Giant Karst Cave", 3-hour drive from Guiyang)

✨ Why It's Stunning Despite Few Visitors:

🌍 **Billion-Year Geological Wonder**: The cave is adorned with rare giant stone curtains, coral-like speleothems, and an underground river. Under the glow of lights, it feels like stepping into the underground palace from *The Lost Tomb*. Some areas require crawling through, maxing out the adventure vibe.
🏡 **Real-Life "Shangri-La"**: Inside lives Master Tian, a septuagenarian who spent 20 years building walkways and installing lights at his own expense, transforming the wild cave into a livable "cave home"—complete with a stone bed, kitchen, desk, and even a potted garden.

🚶♀️ **Immersive Experience (Tested Firsthand)**
🔮 **Three Fantastical Sights**:
1. **Crystal Galaxy**: Millennia-old crystal clusters hang from the ceiling of the underground river, shimmering like a starry sky when lit by a flashlight (requires a guide to access side tunnels).
2. **The Elder’s Hidden Tea Room**: Sip wild vine tea in Master Tian’s "cave living room" while listening to his tales of fending off looters and protecting the cave.
3. **Heart-of-the-Earth Wishing Pool**: A turquoise pool at the cave’s base reflects stalactite forests. Locals toss coins for wishes, said to be incredibly auspicious.

🌿 **Beyond the Cave**:
📸 **Dujia Village Terraced Fields**: In late July, the emerald rice fields frame the cave entrance perfectly—hike 10 minutes along the ridge for surreal photos.
🍲 **Tujia Long Table Feast**: At "Aunt Tian’s Kitchen" in the village, try firewood-fermented sour fish and glutinous rice fern cakes for just ¥30/person, savoring authentic mountain flavors.

⚡ **Must-Know Tips**:
🚗 **Transport**:
- Guiyang North Station → Dejiang Station (1.5h by high-speed rail), then carpool to Dujia Village (¥40/person, ~30 mins).
- 🅿️ Drive to "Dejiang Giant Karst Cave"—free gravel parking at the endpoint.
💰 **Costs**:
- Cave maintenance fee: ¥20/person (paid directly to Master Tian).
- Guide fee: ¥50/group (ideal for 3-5 people).
⚠️ **Safety**:
- ✅ Pack anti-slip water shoes (cave floors are wet) and a headlamp (side tunnels are unlit).
- ❌ Avoid undeveloped areas solo; caution in rainy season (underground river may swell).
🏡 **Stay**:
- 🛖 **"Hidden Hut" Homestay**: Run by Master Tian’s son, with floor-to-ceiling views of the cave entrance. Fall asleep to frog songs under starry skies (¥150/night, breakfast included).

💡 **Why It’s Worth the Trip?**
Unlike commercialized caves like Zhijin, here you’ll find **no railings or loudspeakers**—just billion-year-old silence broken by dripping water and an elder’s lifelong dedication to his "underground utopia." A geologist’s dream, a photographer’s goldmine, and a living lesson for kids on passion and perseverance!