The Underground Grand Canyon Tourism Area is located in Yishui County, Linyi City, Shandong Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Covering a total area of 32 square kilometers, the core landscape is the 6,100-meter-long underground canyon, with 3,100 meters currently developed for tourism. Formed about 500 million years ago during the Paleozoic Ordovician period, it is a rare karst cave canyon in northern China. The scenic area is famous for its "majestic, wondrous, adventurous, and beautiful" features and is honored as "China's No.1 Underground River Drifting Cave."
History and Culture
The Underground Grand Canyon was formed during the Paleozoic Ordovician period and is a typical karst cave. Geological research shows the canyon underwent hundreds of millions of years of evolution, created by long-term erosion of limestone by underground rivers.
In the 1990s, local explorers discovered this underground wonder. After scientific planning and protective development, it officially opened to the public in 2003, becoming an important geological wonder tourism destination in southern Shandong.
Neolithic human activity relics have also been found in the scenic area, proving human presence here since prehistoric times. During the Anti-Japanese War, this was also an important activity area for the Eighth Route Army.
Main Attractions
Underground Grand Canyon
A 6,100-meter-long underground cave canyon with 3,100 meters developed for tourism. The widest part reaches 150 meters, the narrowest only allows one person to pass sideways, and the highest point exceeds 60 meters. The cave is filled with various karst landscapes like stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars, presenting spectacular scenes.
Underground River Drifting
A 1,000-meter underground river drifting project honored as "China's No.1 Underground River Drifting Cave." Visitors ride special rubber boats led by professional guides through mysterious underground waterways, enjoying unique cave landscapes along the way.
Nine-Dragon Palace
One of the most spectacular halls in the canyon, covering 3,000 square meters, named for nine giant stone pillars resembling swimming dragons. Thousands of stalactites hang from the ceiling, resembling a starry sky under lighting.
One-Line Sky
The narrowest section of the canyon with towering cliffs on both sides, the narrowest point only 0.5 meters wide, offering just a slit of sky above - the most challenging adventure route in the scenic area.
Cuisine
Yimeng Whole Lamb Soup
A traditional Linyi delicacy made with local free-range goat and various Chinese herbs, featuring milky white broth and tender meat. Available at restaurants around the scenic area, it's the best choice to replenish energy after touring.
Yishui Tofu
A Yishui specialty made with traditional techniques, featuring delicate texture and rich bean flavor. Can be served cold, stir-fried, or in soups, available at snack stalls in the scenic area.
Stir-Fried Nostoc with Eggs
A local farmhouse dish made with nostoc collected around the canyon and free-range eggs, delicious and nutritious.
Ticket Information
Peak season (April 1-October 31) tickets cost 96 yuan/person, off-season 76 yuan. Underground river drifting requires an additional ticket (60 yuan/person). Seniors over 60 and students enjoy half-price discounts, while children under 1.2 meters enter free. Guide services are available with advance booking.
Tour Route
Recommended route: Visitor Center → Canyon Entrance → Nine-Dragon Palace → One-Line Sky → Underground River Drifting → Exit. The full tour takes about 3-4 hours. The canyon maintains a constant 16-18°C year-round, suitable for visits in all seasons, but summer is ideal.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From downtown Linyi, take G25 Changshen Expressway to Yishui exit, then drive about 50 minutes
- Bus: Direct tourist buses available from Linyi Bus Station, about 2 hours' ride
- Train: Nearest station is Yishui Station, about 35 km from the scenic area
- Airplane: Nearest airport is Linyi Qiyang Airport, about 110 km away
Must-Visit Attractions
- Underground Grand Canyon: Explore northern China's longest underground cave canyon
- Underground River Drifting: Experience the thrill of "China's No.1 Underground River Drifting Cave"
- Nine-Dragon Palace: Admire the spectacular hall with nine giant stone pillars
- One-Line Sky: Challenge the canyon's narrowest adventure route
- Stalactite Wonders: Observe various karst cave landscapes
Tour Suggestions
- Wear anti-slip comfortable shoes as some sections are slippery
- The cave is cool - bring a light jacket even in summer
- Secure electronic devices during drifting
- Consider booking a guide for in-depth geological knowledge
- Simple meals available onsite, or bring light snacks
Precautions
- No smoking or open flames in the cave
- Protect geological features - don't touch stalactites etc.
- Those with heart disease or hypertension should be cautious about drifting
- Some areas are narrow - larger individuals should assess feasibility
- Follow safety rules - don't enter restricted areas