Where is it?
Located in Bijie, Guizhou Province, Zhijin Cave is known as the “No. 1 Cave Under Heaven” and one of China’s largest karst caves (water-carved limestone mazes). The maze stretches 12.1 kilometers and reaches heights of 150 meters—equivalent to a 50-story building!
Did ancient people know about it?
1️⃣ 2,000-year-old secrets: Local Miao and Buyi ethnic groups once used the cave entrance for rituals. Han Dynasty pottery and ancient campfire traces have been found inside.
2️⃣ Legend behind the name: Locals believed the cave housed “glowing brocade” woven by gods—actually caused by quartz reflecting light on the ceiling!
How crazy is the maze?
1️⃣ Four-level chaos: The main cave splits into 4 stacked layers, with side tunnels branching like spider webs. Some paths are crawl-only; others drop 40 meters like cliffs!
2️⃣ Natural sculptures: 17 unique rock formations, including the “Stone Helmet” (a 15-meter stalagmite), “Silver Rain Tree” (glowing crystal columns), and fields of stone terraces.
3️⃣ Hidden rivers and echoes: Underground rivers appear suddenly—some deep enough for boats. Clap in the “Thunder Hall”, and echoes last 30 seconds!
How was it discovered?
1️⃣ 1980 treasure hunt: Villagers digging for saltpeter (used in gunpowder) stumbled into the cave’s hidden wonders.
2️⃣ Scientists shocked: In 1985, researchers brought generators to light up the cave. They gasped at ceiling clusters of “crystal grapes” (calcium carbonate balls).
3️⃣ Global fame: In 2015, it earned a Guinness World Record for its largest cave chamber. American explorers said: “It’s wilder than sci-fi movies!”
Death-defying maze adventures
▶️ Trapped in “Ghost Gate Pass”: In 1988, explorers lost for 3 days survived by drinking bat blood, escaping by following wind sounds.
▶️ Waterfall crossing: In 2006, adventurers used ropes to cross a 60-meter underground waterfall, discovering the “White Jade Palace” filled with sparkling calcite.
▶️ Drone disaster: In 2019, a cave-mapping drone crashed into a stalagmite and got stuck on the ceiling of the “Sky Palace”—still there as a “warning exhibit”!
Visitor tips
✅ Open areas: A 6.6-kilometer lit path takes 4 hours to explore, from the “Welcome Hall” to the “Moon Palace”.
⚠️ Danger zones: 85% of the cave is off-limits! A tourist once got trapped for 8 hours after climbing a fence. Humidity hits 100%—phones get drenched instantly!
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