Zhijin Cave:

Here's a practical guide for visiting Zhijin Cave:
⛰️ 1. Key Park Information:
1. Status & Features:
- A UNESCO Global Geopark and China's 5A-level scenic area, hailed as the "King of China's Karst Caves" and "Encyclopedia of Karst Landforms".
- Features pristine cave formations with subtle lighting design highlighting natural wonders (e.g., "Conqueror's Helmet", "Silver Rain Tree", "Lingzhi Mountain").

2. Opening Hours:
- Day tour: 08:00-17:30 (5 time slots: 08:00-10:00, 10:00-12:00, 12:00-14:00, 14:00-16:00, 16:00-17:00)
- Night tour: 19:00-20:30 (less crowded with unique atmosphere)
- Today's update (Aug 5): Day tickets sold out, only night tours available.

3. Ticket Prices:
- Peak season (summer): Entrance ¥110 + Shuttle ¥20 + Safety kit ¥10 = ¥140/person
- Discount tickets: ¥30 for children/students/seniors (includes shuttle)
- Important: Tickets must be purchased 1-15 days in advance via official channels (WeChat: "Zhijin Cave Scenic Area" or "Travel Guizhou", Ctrip, etc.). No on-site sales!

⚠️ 2. Reservation & Crowd Control (Summer Priority!)
1. Capacity Limits:
- Daily limit: 20,000 visitors. When 70% capacity (14,000) is reached, crowd control measures activate, possibly temporary closure.
- Late arrivals must repurchase tickets - arrive strictly during reserved time slot.

2. Booking Tips:
- Prioritize morning slots (better light, fewer crowds) or night tours (avoids heat/peak hours)
- Bring original ID (children need reservation QR code) for entry.

🥾 3. Essential Visiting Tips:
1. Attire & Gear:
- Warmth: Constant 10-16°C inside - bring light jacket (coats rentable at entrance: ¥20)
- Traction: Wear anti-slip shoes (past incidents of slippery falls requiring stretchers)
- Extras: Hat/raincoat for dripping water; bring snacks/water (no shops inside)

2. Route & Duration:
- Standard route: Visitor Center→Lion Greeting→Mushroom Cloud Hall→Pagoda Forest Palace→Moon Palace→Mountain Range→Exit (~3.4km)
- Time: Official 2hrs, but allow 4-5hrs for photos/exploration (recommend half-day)
- Guides: Free audio via WeChat or hire guide (~¥200/group)

3. Eco Rules:
- No trash bins - carry out all waste with personal bags
- Few toilets (sewage harms ecosystem) - use facilities before entering

🚌 4. Transportation & Accommodation:
1. Getting There:
- Drive: ~1.5hrs from Guiyang with parking available
- Public transport:
- Guiyang Jinyang Station→Zhijin Cave direct bus (¥45, ~2hrs)
- High-speed rail to Qianxi Station + transfer bus (¥35)

2. Recommended Stays:
- Luxury: Zhijin Hotel (Pingyuan Ancient Town, includes shuttle)
- Budget: Huaduli·Zhijin Inn/Guanzhai homestays (¥100-200/person)

🍲 5. Nearby Attractions & Food:
1. Combined Tours:
- Zhijin Grand Canyon: 3km away, natural bridges & underground waterfalls (2hrs visit, combo tickets available)
- Pingyuan Ancient Town: Ming-Qing architecture, free entry, great night views
- Alternatives: Wujiangyuan Hundred-Mile Gallery, Jiudongtian (if Zhijin tickets sell out)

2. Must-Try Foods:
- Authentic Kung Pao Chicken (origin dish), Zhijin sizzling pot, "Water Eight Bowls", rice balls
- Recommended: Xinyuan Restaurant, Yang's Rice Balls (Guanzhai)

❌ 6. Pitfalls to Avoid:
1. Beware scammers offering "discount tickets/queue jumps" near entrance
2. Avoid unlicensed taxis! Use official cabs/ride-hailing/shuttles
3. No signal inside - download offline maps or travel with companions

📅 Itinerary Suggestions (1-2 Days)
- Day Trip: Zhijin Cave (AM) → Grand Canyon (PM) → Pingyuan Ancient Town (dinner+night views)
- 2-Day Trip:
Day1: Cave + Canyon (stay at Zhijin Hotel)
Day2: Wujiangyuan Gallery/Baili Azalea (scenic sans flowers in summer)