Jiuxiang Scenic Region Travel Guide
Jiuxiang Scenic Region comprises of nine villages and is famed for its caves, mountains, rivers and minority cultures. The area boasts the largest cave clusters in China, consisting of over 100 karsts which developed over 60 million years ago.
- What is It?
- A four-kilometer stretch of ancient cave clusters.
- When to Go
- The temperate climate of Yunnan Province means the area can be enjoyed all year long.
- Nearest Town
- Yilinag is 47kms away.
- Don't Miss
- the Hunting God Festival where local people give thanks to god and pray for a good harvest; activities include wrestling, bull fighting, and traditional song and dance.
- Trivia
- China's largest blind mackerel, a precious fish with a transparent body, was found in a cave here.
The caves range dramatically in shape, form and size, presenting a unique and surreal display of nature. The region features five main attractions including Diehong Bridge, famous for its twin waterfalls and natural stone dam, and Alu Long, the site of ancient Yi cliff paintings. Aside from the caves, the natural beauty of the region is refreshing and remains, so far, unexploited.
Jiuxiang is the birthplace of the Yi people's forefathers; this deep rooted history has laid the foundation for many more generations of the minority in the area. Also an origin of human civilisation, 41 human teeth belonging to humans who lived tens of thousands of years ago were unearthed in one of the caves and more than 1,000 fossils of 10 different ancient animals have been excavated over the years.
Travel to Jiuxiang Scenic Region - Getting There
Flights from Beijing to Kunming depart daily and take 2 hours, 30 minutes. Taxis to the scenic spot are available. Alternatively minibuses run from Kunming Southern Railway Station and are cheaper.
