Location & How to Get There

Longmen Water Cave is nestled near Moon Hill in Yangshuo County, Guilin, China—a region famous for its karst mountains and rice paddies. If you’re coming from Guilin city, it’s about a 40-minute taxi ride (or an hour by bus). If you’re already in Yangshuo, it’s just a 15-minute bike ride from the town center. Many tourists combine a visit to Longmen Water Cave with a Moon Hill hike, as they’re close to each other.

Pro tip: The area is surrounded by rolling limestone hills, so expect breathtaking views even before you enter the cave!

Natural Wonders Inside the Cave

Longmen Water Cave isn’t just a typical rock cave. It’s filled with glowing crystal-clear underground rivers and towering stalactites that look like frozen waterfalls. You’ll walk through narrow passages where sunlight filters in through cracks, creating a magical “dragon gate” effect (hence the name!). The highlight? A boat ride through a dark underground lake, where you’ll float silently under low ceilings of glittering rocks.

Fun fact: The cave stays cool year-round, so it’s a perfect escape from Guilin’s hot summers. Just bring a light jacket!

Cultural Touches & Local Stories

While Longmen Water Cave is all about nature, there’s a touch of local legend here. Guides often share stories about how ancient fishermen used the cave’s hidden paths to hide from storms. You’ll also spot red-lacquered pavilions built into the rock, where visitors can rest while listening to the river’s gentle echo.

Practical Stuff: What to Expect

  • Entrance fee: Around 80-120 RMB (about \(11-\)17), which includes the boat ride.
  • Toilets & shops: Available near the entrance, plus a small café selling noodles and cold drinks.
  • Footwear: Wear grippy shoes—the cave floors can get slippery!
  • Guides: Optional, but recommended if you want to learn about the cave’s history. They’re super friendly and use lots of gestures, so language isn’t a barrier.

The Full Experience: What It’s Like

Your visit starts with a short hike down stone steps, surrounded by tropical plants. Then you’ll duck into the cave’s mouth, where a wall of shimmering rocks greets you. The boat ride is peaceful, with only the sound of oars dipping into the water. Some passages are tight, so you’ll feel like you’re exploring a secret world.

After exiting, most people head to the nearby rice noodle shop for a snack or rent bikes to explore Moon Hill. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds!

Why It’s Worth It

Longmen Water Cave offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Unlike big tourist caves, it’s still relatively undiscovered, so you’ll often have quiet moments to take in the surreal scenery. Plus, the combo of hiking, caving, and river floating makes it a full-day adventure. Just remember to charge your camera—you’ll want tons of photos!

(Keywords: Longmen Water Cave, Moon Hill, Yangshuo, underground river, stalactites, boat ride, limestone, Guilin, rice paddies, karst mountains)