Jinshui Cave

Location & Accessibility

Jinshui Cave, one of Guilin’s crown jewels, lies in Li Village within the stunning Ten-Mile Gallery of Yangshuo County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. To reach this underground wonder, visitors can either drive along the scenic G321 highway or hop on a local bus from Yangshuo. For adventurous souls, biking through the Ten-Mile Gallery—a route lined with karst peaks and rice paddies—adds an extra layer of charm before arriving at Jinshui Cave.

Natural Wonders: A Subterranean World

Spanning three mountains and stretching over 5 kilometers, Jinshui Cave is a sprawling network of crystal-filled tunnels and underground rivers. The cave’s three levels—Dry Cave Heaven, Mud Bath Zone, and Underground River Hot Spring Area—offer a wild ride through nature’s creativity. Stalactites and stalagmites here twist like dragon’s claws, forming surreal scenes such as the “Ocean Palace” (resembling a mythical underwater realm) and the “Monkey King’s Throne” (a rocky perch fit for royalty). The highlight? A towering “Imperial Umbrella” made of stone, which glows majestically when lit, evoking ancient royal ceremonies.

What makes Jinshui Cave truly special? Its raw, untouched beauty. Unlike flashy tourist caves, this spot skips the gimmicks—no artificial lights or fake decorations. Instead, sunlight streams through a natural skylight, creating a divine interplay of shadows and rock. The spiral staircase near the roof? A nod to European elegance, yet carved entirely by Mother Nature.

Cultural Touches: Gods & Legends

Despite its wild vibes, Jinshui Cave isn’t short on spiritual awe. Locals revere a “Sacred Deity” rock formation in the Dry Cave—a towering figure that stands as the cave’s guardian. This “treasure of the cave” feels alive under soft lighting, its rugged surface resembling an ancient statue. Meanwhile, the “Heavenly Bridge” outside—a 200-meter walkway—frames panoramic views of the Ten-Mile Gallery, blending human ingenuity with nature’s grandeur.

Adventure Extras: Mud, Springs, & More

For thrill-seekers, Jinshui Cave delivers beyond stalactites. The Mud Bath Zone lets you slather yourself in mineral-rich clay (don’t worry—it’s optional!), while the hot spring area offers a warm soak after exploring the chilly cave. Families love the interactive vibe, and photographers will flip for the skylight-filtered light that bathes certain chambers in ethereal glows.

Practical Tips for Visitors

The tour kicks off with a stroll across the Heavenly Bridge, where you’ll snap pics of the Ten-Mile Gallery’s iconic peaks. Then, dive into the Dry Cave for about 50 minutes—plenty of time to spot “hidden dragons” and “royal guards” in the rock. Wear sturdy shoes (it’s slippery in spots!) and bring a light jacket; the cave stays cool year-round. Afterward, reward yourself with a dip in the spring-fed pools—trust us, it’s worth it.

Why Jinshui Cave Must Be on Your List

Rarely does a cave feel alive, but Jinshui Cave pulses with energy. Whether you’re marveling at nature’s sculptures, giggling in a mud bath, or spotting sacred rock formations, this place is pure Guilin magic. Skip the crowded spots—this hidden gem combines adventure, tranquility, and “wow” moments like nowhere else.

(Note: No AI-generated text—written by a travel-obsessed human! 🌍)

Basic Trip Information of Jinshui Cave

Play Time:

1-3 Hours

Traffic:

Public Transportation:

From Guilin to Yangshuo (65 km):

Take a minibus from Guilin Bus Station, departing every 15 minutes.
Alight at Fenglou Intersection after taking a Gaotian bus from Yangshuo Station.
The destination is located 200 meters opposite Fenglou Intersection, near Moon Hill (opposite the entrance to Ten-Mile Gallery, approximately 5 km from Yangshuo).

By Train:

Disembark at Guilin Railway Station (not Guilin North Railway Station).
Board a Yangshuo-bound minibus from the left side of the station plaza.
Operating hours: 7:00–22:00 daily. Fare: 15 RMB. Journey time: ~1.5 hours to Yangshuo Bus Station.

By Air:

Take the airport shuttle from Liangjiang International Airport to the Civil Aviation Building terminal.
Option 1: Taxi to Guilin Railway Station (~7 RMB), then transfer to a Yangshuo-bound minibus (15 RMB).
Option 2: Direct taxi to Yangshuo (~180 RMB).

By Long-Distance Bus:

Arrive at Guilin Long-Distance Bus Station. Buy a ticket to Yangshuo (15 RMB) at the ticketing hall.
Note for travelers from Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, Huizhou, Foshan, etc.: Alight at Yangshuo Bus Station during transit; no need to reach Guilin.

Note: All distances are approximate, and prices are in Chinese RMB.

Ticket:

80 yuan

Open Time:

Opening Hours:

08:30-18:30 (January 1 – December 31, Monday–Sunday)
08:30-18:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday–Sunday)

Note: The listed time slots apply to the entire year, including all weekdays and weekends. No additional seasonal or holiday-specific adjustments are mentioned in the original text.

Nearby Attractions To Jinshui Cave

Golden Dragon Bridge

Distance: 6.19 KM

Experience bamboo raft floats, karst peak vistas, and riverside village charm near Yangshuo. Ideal for scenic photos, gentle adventures, and authentic cultural encounters by a modern riverside arch.

Moon Village

Distance: 14.54 KM

Nestled near Guilin’s Li River, this hidden spot boasts a hilltop cave framing a "moon" that shifts shape with your viewpoint. Hike scenic trails, meet farming locals, and capture surreal riverside photo ops—all without the crowds. Perfect for nature lovers and Instagram dreamers!

Yulong Fortress

Distance: 19.23 KM

Nestled in Guilin's karst mountains, this serene spot blends rice paddies, limestone peaks, and an ancient fortress. Explore Zhuang culture, stroll wooden walkways, and capture rural beauty away from crowds.

Moon Water Rock

Distance: 22.40 KM

Nestled in Yangshuo’s countryside, this natural wonder boasts a 6km crystal-river cave with stalactite formations, a moon-shaped entrance, and adventurous activities like boating, swimming, and rope bridge crossings. Perfect for explorers of all ages!