Natural ACs: Explore Guangdong's coolest caves

As temperatures rise across Guangdong, the province's caves offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Cool year-round, these underground worlds combine dramatic karst landscapes, boat tours, and adventure experiences. Here are some of the province's top cave destinations for a summer cool-down.

Lianzhou Underground River, Qingyuan (连州地下河景区)

Known as the "No. 1 Underground River in Guangdong," Lianzhou Underground River is one of the province's most famous karst attractions. Formed about 250 million years ago, the cave stays much cooler than the outside air, making it a popular summer retreat.

(Photo: Lianzhou Underground River)

A signature experience here is the land-and-boat tour. Visitors first walk through spectacular stalactites and limestone chambers, then board a boat for a cruise along the 1,500-meter underground river, where illuminated rock formations are reflected in crystal-clear water.

Opening hours: 9:00–17:00

Ticket: 120 yuan

Address: Dadong Village, Dongbei Town, Lianzhou, Qingyuan (清远市连州市东陂镇大洞村)

Baojinggong Tourist Attraction, Qingyuan (宝晶宫旅游景区)

Baojinggong is an ancient limestone cave formed more than 200 million years ago. Spanning four interconnected levels, it features more than 100 scenic spots showcasing spectacular karst formations. One of its most remarkable features is the two "seasons" inside the cave: the upper cave stays around 24°C year-round, while the lower cave remains at about 18°C.

(Photo: Baojinggong Tourist Attraction)

Adventure seekers can also try a 520-meter cave via ferrata route with suspension bridges, zip lines, and climbing sections, or experience Guangdong's first lake bungee jump at the resort.

(Photo: Baojinggong Tourist Attraction)

Opening hours: 8:30–18:00 (last entry at 16:30)

Ticket: From 76 yuan (cave admission only; adventure activities require separate tickets)

Address: No. 1 Baojinggong Avenue, Yingcheng Sub-district, Yingde, Qingyuan (清远市英德市英城街道宝晶宫大道1号)

Lingxiaoyan Scenic Area, Yangjiang (凌霄岩风景区)

Hailed as the "No. 1 Cave in Southern China," Lingxiaoyan Scenic Area reaches nearly 120 meters high and is divided into three levels, each featuring dramatic limestone formations shaped over millions of years.

(Photo: Guangdong Yangjiang Fabu)

A 400-meter underground river winds through the cave, where visitors can enjoy a boat tour past illuminated rock formations and their reflections in the water. Along the way, they can also see ancient cliff inscriptions preserved inside the cave.

Opening hours: 8:30–17:00

Ticket: 45 yuan

Address: Helang Town, Yangchun, Yangjiang (阳江市阳春市河朗镇)

Panlong Cave Scenic Area, Yunfu (蟠龙洞风景名胜区)

Panlong Cave extends 528 meters through winding, dragon-like passageways, with an upper cavern, a central gallery, and an underground river. Inside are crystal-white stone flowers, stalactites, and other limestone formations shaped over thousands of years.

(Photo: Yunfu Fabu)

Opening hours: 8:30–17:30 (last entry 17:00)

Ticket: 35 yuan (weekdays); 40 yuan (weekends and holidays)

Address: No. 75 Panlong Road, Gaofeng Sub-district, Yuncheng District, Yunfu (云浮市云城区高峰街道蟠龙路75号)

Ancient Buddha Cave Scenic Area, Shaoguan (古佛洞天景区)

Ancient Buddha Cave is a hidden karst wonder where the temperature inside remains between 18°C and 20°C year-round. The cave is filled with stalactites, stone curtains, and rare marine coral fossils dating back hundreds of millions of years. Family-friendly outdoor activities are also available in the scenic area during the summer vacation.