Located in Lichuan City, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, Tenglong Cave is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 69 square kilometers (core area 10 km²). As China's largest explored cave system stretching 59.8km, its entrance measures 74m high and 64m wide - spacious enough for 20 helicopters side by side. Integrating mountains, water, caves and forests, it's renowned for its grandeur, wonder, thrill and serenity, hailed as "The World's Premier Cave".
History and Culture
Formed approximately 150 million years ago during the Jurassic period, Tenglong Cave exhibits typical karst topography. Neolithic relics found inside prove human activity in ancient times.
Qing Dynasty's "Lichuan County Annals" documented the cave. In 1985, a Sino-British expedition conducted scientific surveys, unveiling this underground wonder.
Lichuan is home to Tujia and Miao ethnic groups. The cave integrates rich minority culture, showcased through the grand Tujia song-and-dance performance "Beautiful Yishui River".
Main Attractions
Main Cave
This 8km-long cave divides into dry and water sections. The dry part contains 5 peaks, 10 halls and over 150 branches, reaching 235m high and 174m wide. The water section is an underground river accessible by boat.
Wolong Swallows River Waterfall
At the cave entrance, the Qing River forms a 50m-wide, 30m-drop waterfall before disappearing underground, creating the spectacular "Dragon Swallowing River" phenomenon.
Laser Show
Asia's largest cave laser show utilizes modern audiovisual technology against natural cave formations for a breathtaking experience.
Tujia Cultural Performance
The 1,000-seat cave theater presents daily "Beautiful Yishui River" performances showcasing Tujia history and folk customs.
Cuisine
Lichuan Yam
A local specialty with delicate texture and rich nutrition, prepared in soups, stir-fries or cakes as healthy cuisine.
Tujia Cured Meat
Made from local pork through traditional salting and smoking, this reddish, flavorful meat can be steamed, fried or used in hot pot.
Hezha
A traditional Tujia dish of unfiltered soybean paste cooked with vegetables, known for its creamy texture and nutritional value.
Nearby Cuisine
Area restaurants serve authentic Tujia dishes like pickled peppers, oil tea soup and corn cakes at reasonable prices.
Ticket Information
Admission: 180 yuan (peak season Apr 1-Oct 31), 150 yuan (off-season Nov 1-Mar 31), including shuttle, laser show and cultural performance. Discounts for students/seniors with ID.
Opening Hours
Open daily 8:30-17:00 (extended to 17:30 peak season). Laser shows at 10:30 & 15:00; cultural performances at 11:30 & 16:00.
Recommended Itinerary
Full-day tour: Morning waterfall visit and cave exploration; Lunchtime laser show; Afternoon cave sights and cultural performance; Evening return. Allow 5-6 hours total.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Enshi via G50 Expressway (~1.5 hours)
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Enshi Bus Station (~2 hours)
- High-speed rail: To Lichuan Station, then ~20-minute taxi
Must-see Attractions
- Main Cave: World-class karst wonder of nature
- Wolong Waterfall: Unique hydrological phenomenon
- Laser Show: Asia's largest cave multimedia spectacle
- Tujia Performance: Authentic ethnic cultural experience
Travel Tips
- Bring jackets for ~10℃ temperature difference indoors
- Wear non-slip shoes for wet cave paths
- Check performance schedules for optimal planning
- Photographers should bring tripods for cave formations
- Respect ethnic customs during performances
Precautions
- Watch your step in dimly lit cave areas
- Avoid touching stalactites and other formations
- No littering to protect the environment
- Follow staff instructions and stay in permitted areas
- Those with heart conditions or hypertension should assess their limits
- Protect electronics from cave humidity