Billion-Year Underground Wonder
200 million-year-old underground canyon with magical light and shadow!!✨
Hidden in the wilds of Nandan Mountain, Guangxi, this billion-year-old underground secret is stunning💦. The 200 million-year-old natural karst underground canyon, combined with immersive light and shadow effects, intertwines strange stones, underground rivers, and flying waterfalls to form a magical underground palace. The cave maintains a constant temperature for summer cooling, and there is also an original ecological White-Ku Yao ethnic village. Perfect for photography, family outings, and relaxation all in one place. A nanny-level guide for you to copy directly🚶🍽️🏮
📍Basic Information of the Scenic Area
Detailed address: Yaowang Tianxia Scenic Area · Dongtian Shengjing, Lihu Yao Ethnic Township, Nandan County, Hechi City, Guangxi
⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:30, last entry at 16:30
💰Ticket prices: Adults 128 RMB, children 1.2-1.4 meters 68 RMB, under 1.2 meters free; the ticket package includes the underground canyon, White-Ku Yao village sightseeing, and folk performances
🌡️Environment: The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18℃ year-round, natural air conditioning, with gentle wooden plank paths throughout, no climbing, accessible for elderly and strollers
🚗Transportation Guide
Self-driving
Navigation keyword: Yaowang Tianxia Dongtian Shengjing
3 hours from Nanning, 2.5 hours from Guiyang, all highway and paved roads, free open-air parking at the scenic area
Public transportation
High-speed rail to Nandan Station, then shared car 50 RMB/person, 40 minutes direct to the scenic area; daily urban-rural shuttle bus, 15 RMB/person, 1-hour ride
🌟Core Must-Visit Spots
1. Underground Canyon Main Scenic Area
2. 8 kilometers long, 200 million-year-old natural rock layers, with seven-color layered light projections on stalactites, a dreamlike corridor with progressive layers, unique rock textures, perfect for atmospheric photos
2. Milky Way Waterfall & Underground River Waterfall
Lighting highlights the flowing underground waterfalls, misty water vapor, you can take a small boat on the underground river to travel through the canyon and immerse yourself in the underground water flow wonder
3. Queen Mother’s Bath Pool
Natural calcified shallow pool, soft light diffuses a fairy-like aura, a popular photo spot in the entire scenic area
4. White-Ku Yao Folk Village
Clustered stilted buildings preserving complete bronze drum culture; bronze drum dance performances at 11:00 and 15:00 daily, with opportunities to experience Yao brocade weaving and traditional face painting handicrafts
5. Underground Light and Shadow Performance Show
Scheduled looping light shows interpreting ethnic legends, combining sound and light for a visually stunning experience
🗺️Two Suggested Itineraries
Option 1: 1-Day Highlights Tour (Best for weekend short trips)
Morning: Arrive at the scenic area → sightseeing bus directly to the underground canyon, visiting the light corridor, Milky Way waterfall, and Queen Mother’s Bath Pool in sequence
Noon: Lunch at Yao family restaurants around the scenic area
Afternoon: Watch folk performances and experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts in the White-Ku Yao village
Evening: Photograph the village sunset and return
Option 2: 2-Day In-Depth Leisure Tour
Day 1: Enter the park for an in-depth tour of the underground canyon and watch the light show, stroll the Yao village in the evening, stay overnight at a Yao family guesthouse near the scenic area
Day 2: Full day experiencing the complete set of folk handicrafts, visit Dongtian Jiuhai, purchase local specialties before returning
🍜Local Yao Cuisine
Bojie feast, bamboo tube steamed rice, steamed river fish, Yao family oil tea, farm chicken, wild seasonal vegetables
Average meal cost 55 RMB per person, recommended local farm restaurants at the scenic area entrance with no scenic area price markup
📸Exclusive Photography Tips
1. Best shooting time: 10:00-15:00, balanced lighting inside the cave with optimal light and shadow layers
2. Outfit: Pure white, light blue, off-white, and other light colors best match the colorful cave light effects
3. Equipment: The cave is dimly lit, use night mode on your phone, and bring a small supplementary light for better photos
💡Travel Tips & Pitfall Avoidance
1. The cave temperature is a constant 18℃, with a big difference from outside, be sure to bring a light jacket
2. The wooden plank paths are damp year-round, wear non-slip sports shoes, slippers are prohibited
3. Follow the fixed tour route throughout, do not climb over railings or leave the path
4. Do not touch bronze drums or sacrificial items in the Yao village casually, get permission before photographing villagers
5. Buy tickets online one day in advance, 20 RMB cheaper than at the window; family groups should choose multi-person packages for better value
Summary
200 million-year-old natural karst landform, magical immersive light and shadow, constant temperature cooling caves, original ecological White-Ku Yao folk culture, combining photography, family outings, short vacations, and geological sightseeing. Suitable for friends’ check-ins, family trips, and photography enthusiasts. Save this guide and set off this weekend!