Location & Access

Crown Cave sits along the middle section of Li River in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. To get there, you’ll head to Cǎopíng Township in Yanshan District. The cave is nestled amid lush hills and rice fields, making it a perfect blend of nature and adventure.

For transportation, you have two main options:

  1. Scenic Slide: Hop on a scenic slide train from the fields of Cǎopíng. This smooth ride whisks you straight to the entrance of Crown Cave while you enjoy views of rural landscapes.
  2. Hiking & Elevator: Walk up to Qingyun Ladder (a half-mountain trail) and take a glass-walled elevator directly into the cave. This route adds a bit of hiking fun before diving into the underground world.

Natural Wonders

Crown Cave is a massive 12km-long karst cave with mind-blowing sights:

  • Underground River: Wander through dark passages where a silent river flows. You’ll ride a small boat here, holding a dim lamp to spot weirdly shaped rock formations. It’s like exploring a mystery world!
  • Thundering Waterfall: Inside the cave, a giant curtain of water crashes into a deep pool. The roar is deafening, and the mist feels cool against your skin.
  • Palm Hall: This grand chamber is Crown Cave’s highlight. Imagine a cathedral-sized space filled with stalactites that look like palm trees. It’s otherworldly!
  • Curved Bridge: Stand on a wooden bridge over the underground river and listen to the water’s echo. It’s peaceful yet thrilling.

Human-Made Magic

Even though Crown Cave is natural, there’s tons of cool stuff built for tourists:

  • Electric Tram: After the boat ride, hop on a mini train that zips through a dark “Mini Three Gorges” tunnel. It’s like a rollercoaster through rocks!
  • Guinness Record: Crown Cave holds a world record for its longest scenic slide (the one from Cǎopíng). It’s officially recognized by Guinness World Records, so you’re experiencing history!
  • Light Show: Colored lights highlight the cave’s features, turning stalactites into glowing wonders.

Practical Tips

  • Facilities: Dock stations, rest areas, and clear signs make it easy to navigate. The underground river dock lets you transition from boat to tram seamlessly.
  • What to Bring: Comfy shoes (for hiking or sliding), a jacket (it’s cool inside), and curiosity!
  • Time Suggestion: Plan 3–4 hours to see everything without rushing.

Adventure Experience

Visiting Crown Cave is like stepping into a fantasy novel. You’ll slide, hike, boat, and ride all in one trip. The mix of nature’s art (stalactites, rivers) and human creativity (light shows, trams) makes it unforgettable. Plus, the mystery of the underground river—where you can’t see what’s ahead—adds an adrenaline rush.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography buff, or just looking for a unique day out, Crown Cave has something for everyone. And hey, bragging about seeing a Guinness-record-holding slide doesn’t hurt either!