Wanxiang Cave Scenic Area in Longnan

✨ Highlights

Ancient Geological History

Formed around 250–300 million years ago, Wànxiàng Cave (万象洞) is one of the most magnificent karst landscapes discovered in Northwest China, renowned for its artistic and scientific value.

Rich Cave Chambers and Unique Formations

The cave consists of 11 developed scenic areas with over 120 notable formations, divided into three main sections: Moon Palace (月宫), Heavenly Palace (天宫), and Dragon Palace (龙宫). Inside, the cave spans up to 22.5 meters wide and 40 meters high.

Rare New Discovery

In 2007, a newly discovered chamber known as the Sister Cave (姊妹洞) was found. Formed about 50 million years ago, it remains in its early growth stage, featuring rare cave phenomena such as straw stalactites and stone flowers, offering high aesthetic and research value.

Cultural Significance

The cave houses over 100 stone steles from the Northern Zhou, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with more than 960 poems and inscriptions, earning it the title of “Underground Cultural Gallery.”

? Essential Information

?️ Main Visiting Areas

Moon Palace (月宫)

The first hall upon entering. Highlights include “Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon (犀牛望月)”, “Stone Curtain” (石帘垂布), “Five Mountains Worshiping Heaven (五岳朝天)”, and “Heaven Meets Earth” (天地交泰).

Dragon Palace (龙宫)

Reached through the “Wolong Dam (卧龙坝)”. Famous sights include “Two Dragons Crouching (二龙蟠伏)”, “Alchemy Well (炼丹井)”, “Immortal’s Bed (仙人床)”, and the cool “Wind Cave (风洞)”, known for its natural breeze.

Heavenly Palace (天宫)

Past the Wind Cave lies this vast chamber, with stalactites of various shapes sparking imagination.

The Sister Cave (姊妹洞)

Discovered in 2007, this chamber is filled with delicate white calcite formations like silk threads and jade. Highlights include “Gathering of Immortals (群仙聚首)” and “Swan Lake (天鹅湖)”.

? Practical Information

Entrance Fee

• Adult Ticket: ¥80–100 (sources vary; please confirm on-site).

Opening Hours

• Generally 08:00–18:00 or 08:30–17:30 (confirm before visiting).

Best Time to Visit

• Open year-round with a steady 14℃ inside.

• Summer and autumn are the most popular seasons.

? Transportation

By Car

Take the Lanhai Expressway (兰海高速) to Hanwang Toll Station (汉王收费站). Follow road signs to Wànxiàng Cave Visitor Center (游客中心), just 0.8 km away.

By Train

From Longnan Railway Station (陇南站), take Bus No. 9 directly to the scenic area.

By Bus

From Wudu Bus Station (武都汽车站) or Wudu East Station (武都汽车东站), transfer to local buses (Bus No. 1 → Bus No. 9) to reach the cave.

? Travel Tips

• Footwear & Clothing: The cave floor can be slippery — wear non-slip shoes. A light jacket is recommended, as it may feel cool after long stays.

• Touring Distance: Developed sections stretch about 4.5 km, requiring moderate physical effort. Some passages (like the Wind Cave) are narrow.

• Cultural Experience: Don’t miss the stone steles and inscriptions for a deeper cultural journey.

• Sister Cave Exploration: Check in advance if it’s open, as it contains rare early-stage karst formations.

• Suggested Itinerary: Combine Wànxiàng Cave with nearby attractions such as Guane Valley (官鹅沟) or Xixia Stele (西狭颂) for a 1–2 day trip.

? Visitor Notes

• Confirm ticket prices and opening hours via official channels before your visit.

• Help preserve the cave: do not touch stalactites, carve, or damage cultural relics.

• Follow photography rules (flash use may be restricted).