Located in the Banan District of Chongqing, Laolong Cave (老龙洞, Old Dragon Cave) offers a unique natural experience with its stunning limestone formations and thrilling water adventures. As one of the closest natural caves to the city’s urban area, Laolong Cave attracts visitors looking for both scenic beauty and adventure. With its winding rivers, vibrant stalactites, and fascinating cave system, Laolong Cave is an ideal destination for relaxation, sightseeing, and exploring the wonders of nature.
Getting to Laolong Cave
- Address: Nanshan Mountain, Banan District, Chongqing
- By Taxi: A 20-minute taxi ride from Nanping (南坪) will take you directly to the cave entrance.
- By Public Transport: Take Line 3 of the Chongqing Light Rail to the “Sigongli” station (四公里站). From there, transfer to bus 383, which will bring you directly to the entrance of the scenic area.
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price:
- 150 RMB for two people, which includes the walking tour, kayak rental, and motorboat ride.
- Walking tour: 30 RMB per person
- Motorboat: 40 RMB per ride
- Kayak rental: 50 RMB per hour
- Discount: Groups of 4 or more receive a 60 RMB per person discount for the full tour.
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Note: Rubber boat tickets are no longer available after 5:00 PM)
What to Expect at Laolong Cave
Laolong Cave is a natural wonder shaped over millions of years, with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites that have formed into intricate shapes. The cave’s interior is breathtaking, featuring a variety of unique rock formations that resemble everything from animals to abstract figures. The subterranean river, known as the Yinhe Spring, flows throughout the cave, adding a serene atmosphere to the already stunning surroundings.
A Thrilling Adventure
The highlight of the visit is the rubber boat journey inside the cave. After a 20-minute walk, visitors reach the kayaking point, where they can paddle through the narrow, winding cave passages. The boat trip is an exhilarating experience, lasting about one hour round trip, with the added excitement of navigating through tight and narrow sections. At some points, the path feels so narrow that it seems impossible to continue- only to reveal a hidden passage just wide enough for the boat. The cave’s ceiling is home to numerous bats, adding to the sense of adventure.
After completing the kayak portion, visitors can board a motorboat for the return journey, which follows the same route. The entire trip involves a hands-on experience, as you are responsible for paddling the kayak or operating the motorboat, making it an engaging and interactive adventure.
A Serene and Isolated Experience
What makes Laolong Cave even more special is its relatively low visitor count, making it a peaceful and secluded escape from the hustle and bustle of Chongqing. During our visit, we encountered only five rubber boats, which allowed for a rare sense of tranquility inside the cave. The lack of mobile phone signal in the cave only adds to the feeling of being cut off from the outside world, making it a truly immersive experience.