With the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy and the improvement of the integrated transportation network featuring air, high-speed rail, and highway services, Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zhangjiajie, has experienced a sustained surge in inbound tourism. In recent days, the Huanglong Cave Scenic Area, the core karst cave of Wulingyuan, has seen a steady stream of domestic and international visitors, with both visitor numbers and inbound tourist arrivals surging significantly.

Canola flowers are in full bloom at the Huanglong Cave Scenic Area, where visitors enjoy the beautiful spring scenery. (Photo/Li Yuanming)

In March, canola flower fields at the Huanglong Cave Scenic Area burst into bloom, attracting domestic and international tourists who have come to enjoy the spring scenery and admire the flowers. Shen Jiaxin and her family from Malaysia paid a special visit to Zhangiajie to see the scenic area and were deeply impressed by its urban and pastoral scenery and the wonders of the karst cave. "It was such a surprise to enter the cave by boat—it was just like a fairy tale. I've rarely seen such a wondrous sight before," said Shen Jiaxin. She added that Zhangjiajie's payment and tour guide systems were also convenient and well-developed, noting, "It truly boasts beautiful mountains, waters, and excellent services."

The Huanglong Cave Scenic Area features typical karst formations. In May 2025, the scenic area completed an upgrade of its lighting system and reopened to the public with a fresh look. The renovated Huanglong Cave spans 7.5 kilometers in total length, with a vertical height of up to 140 meters. Centered on the theme of "A Blessed Land" and the legend of "The Giant Salamander Transforming into a Dragon," the site transforms natural domes and rock walls into giant natural screens. By integrating lighting technology, mythical tales, and natural wonders, the area offers visitors an immersive and fantastical touring experience. Visitors can also take a ride on a green-energy sightseeing boat to cruise through the cave, passing by fantastical stalactites and stalagmites.

The spectacular Huanglong Cave has become a popular tourist destination. (Photo/Li Yuanming)

"Huanglong Cave is truly fascinating. Not only does it have beautiful legends, but the cave scenery is so captivating that I couldn't take my eyes off it," said a Russian tourist. The visitor added that China has always been her dream destination, and this trip to Zhangjiajie was a dream come true.

As inbound tourism continues to boom, Zhangjiajie has focused on meeting tourist service needs by continuously improving foreign language services and enhancing the accessibility of payment options. Tourism offerings have also expanded from the single natural landscape to a diversified mix of activities, including performances of intangible cultural heritage and folk customs, cultural creative products, travel photography, cave exploration, and study tours on geology, significantly enhancing the travel experience for international visitors. According to data from Zhangjiajie's culture and tourism authorities, as of March 18, major scenic spots in Zhangjiajie received over 290,000 international tourist trips, representing a 7.23% increase compared to the same period last year.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Xiao Juan

Chinese source: Chinanews