Highlight

Untouched natural scenery far from tourist crowds.

Unique Guizhou karst landscapes — explore majestic caves and crystal-clear, gem-like streams.

Moderate difficulty, beginner-friendly adventure.

Tour schedule

09:30 – Hotel pickup in downtown Guiyang.

10:30 – Arrive at Lotus Cave (莲花洞) and begin your caving adventure.

The hike up and down, plus cave exploration, takes about 3 hours.

13:30 – Head to Monkey Valley (猴子沟) for a refreshing stream trek and play in the water (approx. 2-3 hours).

16:30 – On the way back, stop to see the impressive Longli Grand Bridge (龙里特大桥).

17:30 – Optional dinner in Longli County — try the local specialty meat patty chicken (肉饼鸡).

19:00 – Return to Guiyang. (If you skip dinner, arrival will be earlier.)

Itinerary

Lotus Cave

Famous for its unique karst landforms and geological wonders.

The cave entrance sits just below the mountain’s summit, reached by following a footpath from the base — a climb of over 1,000 steps.

Inside the cave, stalactites, stone curtains, and stone draperies can be found throughout. In the hidden river section, centuries of dripping water have shaped stalactites into formations resembling lotus flowers — the origin of the name Lotus Cave (莲花洞).

Monkey Valley

In the forest, it’s wonderfully cool and shaded, with almost no direct sunlight — a leisurely walk-and-play experience. The water here is truly ice-cold, the kind that chills you to the bone. Don’t believe it? Come and try for yourself!

But a friendly reminder — don’t catch a cold while you’re at it.

After about 30 minutes of walking, you’ll reach “Blue Tears”. Apart from a few slippery spots, the trail is generally easy, with waterfalls and pools to enjoy along the way.

At the end of the stream, an unexpectedly crystal-blue pool comes into view — like a fallen river of stars, or the tears of a fairy. Locals say it’s a natural wonder created by mineral deposits and light refraction, visible in its purest form only during the dry season. 💙

Beyond the Blue Tears pool lies Swallow Cave (燕子洞), a mysterious karst cave where the stalactites take on fascinating and unusual shapes.

Longli river Bridge

On the way back, you can stop to visit the Longlihe Bridge, the world’s largest-span cable-stayed bridge over a high-mountain gorge. Spanning 1,260 meters, it stretches across the Duohua Grand Canyon, with the tower tops rising about 400 meters above the canyon floor, and the bridge deck itself standing about 280 meters above the bottom.

It is precisely this kind of miraculous infrastructure that has transformed Guizhou, lifting it out of poverty and allowing its stunning landscapes to be discovered by the world.

What to Bring & Important Notes

Fitness Level: Suitable for beginners with moderate fitness, but not recommended for those with serious knee or heart conditions.

Footwear & Gear: Wear non-slip hiking shoes; hiking poles are recommended for stability.

Clothing: Quick-dry or waterproof clothing; bring a change of clothes and a small towel.

Water & Snacks: Carry enough drinking water and some high-energy snacks.

Weather Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and light raincoat in case of sudden showers.

Water Safety: Be careful on slippery rocks in the stream; avoid diving or jumping into unknown waters.

Cave Safety: Follow the guide’s instructions; watch your step on uneven terrain; avoid touching cave formations.

Connectivity: No mobile phone signal in Monkey Valley — inform friends/family in advance.

Trash-Free Travel: Take all litter with you; help protect the pristine environment.

Longli Lotus Cave Exploration and Monkey Valley River tracing