Yunnan Jiuxiang Caves: China's Largest Karst Cave Museum

Yunnan Yiliang Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Area, themed around 'caves', boasts hundreds of caves of various sizes. Its vast scale and numerous caves make it the largest cave museum in China. Above ground, admire the Stone Forest; underground, explore Jiuxiang. The beauty of the Stone Forest lies in its peaks, while the beauty of the caves lies in their valleys. After marveling at the Stone Forest, naturally, you should visit the caves. Originating from ancient dolomite formed 600 million years ago, the karst limestone landscapes of the caves and the Stone Forest are distinctly different. Upon entering the Jiuxiang Scenic Area, you first take a sightseeing elevator down to the bottom of the Yin Cui Gorge, a 35-meter drop that is both thrilling and breathtaking. Then, you board a boat to navigate the narrow gorge, where the diverse stalactites and stalagmites on both sides are mesmerizing. The layered stalactite formations resemble terraces, and under the colorful lights, they are stunningly beautiful. The scenic area is lush with vegetation. In addition to the magnificent underground caves, there are also majestic mountains and gorges. Must-see attractions include Yin Cui Gorge, Jing Hun Gorge, Xiong Shi Hall, Male and Female Waterfalls, and Shen Tian. It is undoubtedly a must-visit spot around Kunming.