Located 3km west of Luanchuan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, Jiguan Cave is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO Global Geopark. This large limestone cave stretches 5,600m, with 1,800m developed for tourism covering 23,000㎡ across eight sections. Maintaining a constant 18°C, it's hailed as "No.1 Cave in North China." Formed in the early Cambrian period about 600 million years ago, it's a rare karst landscape in northern China with exceptional scientific and aesthetic value.
History and Culture
Named for its rooster-comb-shaped entrance (documented in Qing Dynasty's "Luanchuan County Annals"), the cave was discovered and developed by villagers in 1992, opening to the public in 1993. In 2012, it was jointly designated a UNESCO Global Geopark with Laojun Mountain.
Ancient artifacts including Song Dynasty coins and Ming Dynasty porcelain shards prove historical human exploration. Local folklore features myths like "Golden Rooster Herald Dawn."
Scientifically, the cave perfectly records North China's paleoclimate changes and geological evolution, with comprehensive chemical deposits earning it the title "Underground Karst Museum."
Main Attractions
Jade Pillar Pool
The first chamber (1,600㎡) features crystal-clear water reflecting dozens of stalactites, including the 38m-tall, 3m-diameter "Sky-Supporting Pillar."
Colorful Palace
Known for vibrant stone curtains and flags, calcium carbonate formations glow red, yellow, and white under lights. The highlight is the 12m "Seven-Story Pagoda."
Layered Curtain Palace
Named for ceiling-hanging stone curtains resembling imperial drapery, it boasts China's largest cave waterfall - the 28m-high, 13m-wide "Carp Leaping Dragon Gate."
Underground River
This 450m subterranean river offers boat rides past stalagmites and columns, enhanced by lighting for a mystical atmosphere.
Jade Pool Palace
The most magnificent section features a 300㎡ pool with stalagmite reflections and colorful lights creating a fairyland. The "Jade Trees and Gem Flowers" formation of dense cave flowers is particularly stunning.
Cuisine
Luanchuan Tofu Banquet
Made with local spring water and premium soybeans, this banquet offers dozens of tofu preparations (braised, pudding, dumplings) at cave restaurants.
Acorn Jelly
A Luanchuan specialty, this smooth-textured summer delicacy is served with garlic sauce and chili oil by vendors near the entrance.
Wild Mountain Vegetables
Local wild mushrooms and edible plants like fiddleheads and hedgehog mushrooms are served cold, stir-fried, or in soups with unique flavors.
Local Delicacies
Luanchuan County (10-minute drive) offers Western Henan specialties like mutton soup, paste noodles, and corn porridge.
Ticket Information
Admission: 90 yuan (peak season April 1-October 31), 65 yuan (off-season). Cave boat ride 20 yuan extra. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.4m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 8:00-17:30 (peak season), 8:30-17:00 (off-season). Cave tour takes 1.5-2 hours; allow half-day for full visit.
Recommended Tour Route
Main entrance → Jade Pillar Pool → Colorful Palace → Layered Curtain Palace → Underground River (boat) → Jade Pool Palace → Stone Forest → Immortal Gathering Palace → Exit. Guided one-way route only.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Zheng-Luan Expressway to Luanchuan exit, then 3km west on Luanzhou Avenue
- Bus: Luanchuan County Bus No.3 to scenic area
- High-speed rail: To Luoyang Longmen Station, then transfer to Luanchuan tourist shuttle (~2 hours)
- Air: Nearest airport is Luoyang Beijiao (~2.5 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Jade Pillar Pool: Marvel at the 38m "Sky-Supporting Pillar"
- Colorful Palace: Admire the multicolored "Seven-Story Pagoda"
- Layered Curtain Palace: Experience the 28m "Carp Leaping" waterfall
- Underground River: Boat through mysterious subterranean waterways
- Jade Pool Palace: See the exquisite "Jade Trees and Gem Flowers"
Travel Tips
- Wear anti-slip shoes for wet cave paths
- Bring light jacket for summer temperature drops
- Photographers may bring tripods (no flash)
- Follow guides for geological insights
- Combine with nearby Laojun Mountain for 2-day trip
- Visit mornings to avoid holiday crowds
Precautions
- Do not touch stalactites/stalagmites
- No smoking or littering
- Steep sections challenging for mobility-impaired
- Heart patients should limit exposure
- Stay on designated paths
- Seek staff assistance if feeling unwell