Located in Caoping Township, Yangshuo, near the banks of the Li River, the Guanyan Scenic Area (冠岩景区), also known as Crown Rock Scenic Area, is a stunning natural wonder. The area is named after the Crown Rock, a small mountain that resembles an ancient Chinese crown. Hidden within this mountain is the Guanyan Cave, a marvel of nature with its intricate and deep passages.
Today, Guanyan Scenic Area has evolved into the largest comprehensive tourist resort in Guilin, offering a blend of sightseeing, conference facilities, wellness retreats, dining, and entertainment. The highlight of the area is the Guanyan Underground River, which stretches approximately 12 kilometers. The cave is vast and majestic, adorned with an abundance of colorful stalactites that create a mesmerizing spectacle.
A unique feature of the Guanyan Scenic Area is its electric sightseeing slide, the longest of its kind in the world. In 2000, both the Guanyan Cave and the electric slide earned recognition from the Shanghai World Guinness Records, solidifying the area’s status as a must-visit destination in Guilin.
Travel Information about Guanyan Scenic Area
Admission and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 60 RMB
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Caoping Township, Yangshuo County, Guilin City
Transportation: Take a tourist shuttle bus from the Guilin Bus Station to Crown Rock in Caoping.
Attraction Rating
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Excitement: ★★
- Cultural Value: ★
Highlights of Guanyan Scenic Area
Electric Sightseeing Slide
The Guanyan Scenic Area is not only famous for its impressive cave formations but also for its captivating sightseeing facilities. In late 1999, the area introduced China’s first electric sightseeing slide, allowing visitors to effortlessly enjoy the natural beauty of Crown Rock while experiencing the thrill of gliding close to the ground.
The electric sightseeing slide extends 3.2 kilometers and operates safely and reliably, with vehicles capable of climbing hills and making turns. Visitors have control over their speed, making it easy to operate and full of excitement. This unique attraction has been recognized by the Shanghai World Guinness Headquarters as the longest sightseeing slide in the world, creating a spectacular visual experience that seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, resembling a magnificent green dragon winding through nature. It has become an essential part of the sightseeing experience at Guanyan Scenic Area.
Crown Rock Cave (Guanyan Cave)
Crown Rock Cave is a unique underground wonder featuring a three-tiered system of connected water and dry caves. The winding passages of the cave showcase an array of stunning stalactites hanging from the ceilings, creating a magical atmosphere illuminated by lights that make the entire space resemble a fairyland.
The upper two levels consist of dry caves, filled with mesmerizing rock formations, while the lowest level houses an underground river stretching over 700 meters. This clear, rushing river adds a dynamic element to the cave’s beauty, making it one of the most distinctive underground river landscapes in the region.
Touring Crown Rock Cave:
Crown Rock Cave offers a captivating exploration experience through its unique underground landscape. Visitors can begin their journey by entering the cave at mid-level and taking a scenic elevator that descends approximately 30 meters. This descent feels like plunging into a mystical realm.
Once inside, guests can wander along the pathways, admiring the various stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by enchanting lighting. The adventure continues as visitors board the underground trackless train, which meanders through mysterious and ever-changing subterranean valleys, leading to the magnificent Palm Tree Hall. Here, the stunning array of stalactites creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a tropical rainforest.
After exploring the Palm Tree Hall, guests can make their way to the underground river dock. They can then embark on a serene boat ride along the approximately 1,000-meter-long dark river, immersing themselves in the cave’s hidden beauty. This combination of walking, scenic rides, and boat exploration makes for a memorable visit to Crown Rock Cave.
Xiangba Island
Xiangba Island is a picturesque small island nestled in the Li River, renowned for its lush forests and rich biodiversity. The island features over a hundred acres of camphor trees, extensive pomelo and peach orchards, and patches of pristine shrubbery. Scattered throughout this verdant landscape are several wooden buildings that blend seamlessly into the greenery, creating an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a fairyland.
Beyond its natural beauty, Xiangba Island is infused with a strong artistic spirit. In August 2000, more than 40 renowned artists from across China gathered on the island for an eight-day contemporary environmental art exhibition titled “Cultural Landscape.” This event led to the establishment of China’s first landscape art park, showcasing the artists’ works as the focal point.
In addition to the landscape park, Xiangba Island features various themed areas, including a performance zone for ethnic cultural displays, a district showcasing traditional architecture, a cluster of ceramic sculptures, and a section dedicated to creating leisure and entertainment art pieces.
Peach and Plum Garden
The Peach and Plum Garden within the Crown Rock Scenic Area is a beautiful spot known for its serene natural beauty. Here, a gentle breeze carries the delightful fragrance of blooming peach and plum trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors. The garden features stone tables and chairs, providing the perfect resting place for tourists exploring the area.
Spanning the garden are over 2,600 plum trees and more than 500 peach trees, all over 40 years old and representing a diverse array of varieties. Among these are the large water plum, yellow-skinned plum, crisp-skinned plum, flat-headed plum, and the prized vermilion plum, which is considered one of the top specialties of Caoping. The combination of vibrant blossoms and the inviting landscape makes the Peach and Plum Garden a delightful destination for nature lovers.