Having passed by Moon Hill without even a stop for us to take photos, our tour bus reached Ju Long Tan, our fourth destination on the tour's itinerary. Actually, this place is located 6km south of Yangshuo County between The Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill. So we actually went from Banyan Tree to Moon Hill, then made a U turn to Ju Long Tan.
Our tour guide told us that our fifth and final destination, Exotic Stone Palace was located just next to Ju Long Tan so this would actually be our last stop.
This tall structure with sculpture of dragons climbing up the pole to reach the pearl greeted us at the entrance. We were asked to have our photos taken for free with this structure in the background.
So I happily went to have my picture taken, but guess what? After we came out of the Ju Long Tan cave, we were asked to pay (I could not remember how much) for our photos! Free my foot! Jam, his friend and I refused to pay. Why should we? I could easily ask Jam to take my photo standing beside that dragon structure for free! In fact, we could easily take each other's picture so there's no reason to pay somebody to take our photos for us!
I also snapped a picture of this building on top of that flight of stairs. Wonder what do the Chinese words mean? Can you help me out here, Jam?
I just thought the plants cut in the shape of love at the middle of the stairs were pretty interesting.
Following the tour guide, we reached a nice looking gazebo with roof shaped like pagodas by the pond.
I thought the gazebo really stood out!
We soon reached the entrance of the cave. The interesting part about this Ju Long Tan is that you need to enter by way of a boat! This is because it is surrounded by water!
I do not really know why it is called Assembling Dragon Cave. Perhaps the grotesque peaks outside the cave are like dragons jumping over the clouds. Or the varied appearance of stalactites in the cave are like teasing water dragons.
I took a picture of the stalactites above my head as I sat in the boat.
Once we reached inside, we got out of the boat and beautiful sights greeted us!
There was a lot of water all around and the reflection of those stalactites on the water was mesmerizing. Of course the colourful lightings helped to bring out the beauty of this cave and transformed it into some sort of wonderful fairyland.
I have to admit taking photos in this dark cave was a huge challenge and many of the photos I took had to be deleted.
There were actually many names for all the different rock formations. Among them were Dragon Daughter Meeting Guests, Peach Banquet, Concubine Bathing, Peacock Show, Bright Moon Above The Sea, Inverted Snowdrops and A Phoenix Drinking Dewdrops just to name a few.
I did not bother as after seeing so many different names, I was not even interested any more!
But I did capture Bright Moon Above The Sea, which was that last photo in my previous post on Moon Hill.
Didn't quite look like a moon to me, but well it was just a name given to a hole in the wall!
Now, what does this look like to you?
Rather ugly looking, no? In fact, without the colourful lights, all these stalactites and stalagmites would seem pretty ugly. Or maybe I just do not know how to appreciate them!
Oh, here's another hideous one!
Does it look like a scene from the movie "Aliens"? Haha!
OK, I guess this one was not that bad!
Can you make out those words? I think it's Wonders In Stone Forest, or something like that!
After spending about 40 minutes touring the cave, we queued up for the boat to take us out. Near the exit, we alighted from the boat and saw these two signboards on the wall.
We were about to touch a dragon! Well, if touching a dragon's head can make me rich, why not? And if touching the dragon's behind can ensure good health for me, why not?
Of course, it's not a real dragon. Because real dragons do not exist except in old, ancient Chinese folklores! Maybe the Chinese stumbled upon skeletons and bones of dinosaurs and assumed they were dragons!
We walked down that flight of stairs, touching the dragon from its tail end all the way to its head! Now that was fun! If I get rich in a few months time, I will let you all know! Haha!
After exiting from Ju Long Tan, we entered the Exotic Stone Palace next door. I did not take any photos here as I did not stay long. There were all types of stones and souvenirs being sold here. It is a place where the tour guide makes lots of commission from our purchases and I don't intend to buy anything!
With the tour ended, we went back up the tour bus which would take us to our hostel in Yangshuo.
And so, here's the million dollar question - Did we pay the tour company? To know the answer to that, don't miss my next post coming right up!
FIRST COMMENTER
I like the reflection of those stalactites on the water too! MARVELOUS! :D I don't like others XD
Nice caves! Of course the lightings enhanced the beauty. Thanks for sharing.
After all the places you were taken to, I want to think you paid your dues. :p
Psst.. dragons DO exist. In fact, they are higher level than humans and belong to the very luxurious and rich realm. Just like God, just because we don't see dragons doesn't mean they do not exist. Similarly with ghosts and spirits.
good morning foong!
i like this part of your adventure...so much nice photos! everything's so nice!!
i bet you enjoyed this part too much!
wow it's so colourful inside.. the last time i entered a cave was in Korea.. dont know what cave edy.. lol.. nice pics =)
kenwooi.com
touching the dragon everywhere.. makes me think of molesting it.. lol.. =P
kenwooi.com
My guess is you didn't pay the tour company. =p
The lighting does warm up the place a lot compared to the one without colourful lighting.
Wah, you must be rich, prosperous, healthy, happy, energitic and lucky after touching the dragon. Have I missed out something?
interesting photos there.
made me remember about my trip to mulu last time. but of course, it's a bit different in the sense that mulu caves are lighted by yellow lights only. still, i was so amazed i could still continue bragging about how beauuuuuuutiful it is. definitely top of my list if you're visiting sarawak.
but then again, somehow china gives me this impression that they're so good in manipulating cheap stuff to make everything looks impressive, and i still doubt the quality no matter wat...
senghoo, congrats, you are FC here today! Yes, the reflection on the water is nice : )
happysurfer, haha whether we paid our dues or not, I shall reveal in the next post!
Wow! You believe in the existence of dragons? I don't know but I still think it's a creature created by man's imagination! : )
ayie, good morning, oops, afternoon! Really? The photos are nice? I deleted so many photos because it was so difficult taking pictures in the dark! : )
kenwooi, yes it's colourful because of the artificial lights, which I do not think is very natural, although it's beautiful to the eyes.
Molesting the dragon? haha!
shingo T, thanks for guessing! Will reveal in my next post! : )
molly, if only I can have all that after "molesting" the dragon! haha!
medie007, you are right there! Jam told me the Mulu caves are more beautiful and natural without the artificial colourful lights! I hope to visit Mulu caves one day! : )
yeah... taking photos inside the cave is challenging... nice photos
oh my, i have goose pimples looking at the pics inside the cave....MARVELOUS!!!!!!!!.........
Or is it "Egg that assembles (or attracts) Dragons"? because the first picture showed a few dragons trying to grab a "ball"? :p
This could be your last stop? Yeah! Most likely since the tour company is such a cheater! :(
But the hey...at least they didn't skip this place too right? :)
The first picture is really awesome. The statue depicts a few dragons tussling among themselves trying to grab the fire ball! :)
Have to pay for the photos? What the heck? OMG! Who gets to keep the money then?
Hmmm...I tried to read the words...but too bad my Mandarin sucks! :p
Hmmm....I think a lot of TVB dramas were actually shot using this Gazebo? It looks so familiar! ;p
Ouh...so you guys have to enter via boat? Now that is interesting! :p
The lightings really help I must say. :) But the formation itself is a sight to behold. Awesome!
War...so many names? Who on earth gave these weird names to the stones? LOL:D
I agree foong, without the lights...they look...like....er....nothing? Hahaha :D
Yeah! That red on looks like an Alien egg waiting to burst up! Run everyone! :D
Wow! You got to touch the dragon's head and buttock aye! So are your richer now? :p
like the love-shaped plant. the formation of the stalactites and stalagmites amazed me.
From me to you, suejean =)
yeah, I agree. I was half suspecting an alien dragon lurked beneath, waiting to pounce on you and the tourist!
I do (believe in the existence of dragons). Believe me, my source is very reliable.
Wow, with all that lighting the place sure look magical.
wish I could touch the dragon from head to toe..
wow...1st time seeing this kinda colorful stalactites...gorgeous indeed! :D
I'll never pay for those photos! Never!
just funny how they made the cave so colorful, it's ok but i prefer the natural beauty of the cave with a normal light
my my, this is a lovely place to be. the unique curves are absolutely beautiful. :D
wow the stalactites look so amazing....
and Chinese architectures are really unique.... but i wonder what's the difference between Chinese architectures and japan architectures...
by the way foong, im not familiar with that H1n1 song, "Nobody" is an ultimate smash hit here in Phil. although it was with Korean language,, maybe because of the public demand "wondergirls" made an english version too
ooops before i forgot, im done voting fro MC's Obsessed, she's currently on the fourth spot
wah, if can get rich, i'll smother myself all over da dragon. ;)
Haha... Some Chinglish here...
marvellous ler....that sculpture carved from stone...geng ler.
sumore the lights in the cave....damn kao nice...msia shud do that in batu cave or gua kelam.
the dragon sculpture very impressive. wah, need to pay for photos one ah? so bad one...
It looks like Alien Egg! Beautiful photos! I love the 'colour' of the cave! :)
You want to the dragon's lair!
As a tourist, you are expected to pay for everything.
Take a picture with a cute kid or beautiful girl also they make you pay!
If I want to take a picture of the food sold I have to buy it. :P
And they are not shy to shout to the crowds and embarrass you if you refuse to pay. :(
To avoid malu and trouble, I have to pay. :((((
Wow...is it true that dragon exist? The cave looks beautiful because of the colourful lights.
m-knight, thanks! : )
manglish, really that good? Well, I think it looks even better if you see it there yourself! : )
tekkaus, Egg That Assembles Dragons? Sounds funny to me! Haha! Btw, that ball is actually a pearl, I mean not a real pearl, but signifies a pearl.
If the tour skip this place also, I don't think we will be the only ones complaining!
We were asked to pay when we went to collect our photos. Since we didn't pay, we didn't get our photos.
Thanks for trying to read those Mandarin words! : )
Who knows, TVB may have shot some scenes here! The gazebo looks familiar but I think there may be a lot more of such gazebos spread all over China! And TVB can also create a replica of the gazebo on their set.
Ha! That looks like an alien egg, right?
If after "molesting" the dragon, I am supposed to be richer, I certainly don't see any signs of it at the moment! LOL!
SJ, yes, I like the love shaped plants too! : )
a common singaporean, you have a very active imagination. I only imagined alien monsters bursting out of the egg, not alien dragons! LOL!
happysurfer, really? Well, I guess everyone has his/her own beliefs. Some people don't even believe in God, don't talk about dragons! : )
lina, well it looks like a fairyland! : )
wenn, haha! Fly over there and touch the dragon! But I don't take these things seriously : )
annant, it's first time for me too, though I've seen it in photos before : )
eiling, yes does not make sense to pay for them!
ayie, the colourful lightings make it more beautiful to look at, but yes,I agree natural is better : )
levian, yes they are beautiful! : )
bluedreamer27, I do not know how to describe the difference between Chinese and Japanese architecture, but if I look at it, I can identify if it's Chinese or Japanese! : )
"Nobody" is a smash hit in Philippines? Wow! Not bad for the Korean girls! You can watch the H1N1 song here : )
And thanks for voting for MC! I hope she goes to No.1! : )
J2Kfm, if really can get rich, people will be lining up to touch the dragon and that place will probably be the biggest tourist attraction in China! : )
khengsiong, haha, yes! : )
vialentino, maybe we can also do that in our caves here, but not everyone likes the artificial lightings. Some prefer the more natural ones without any lighting effects.
gabriel, I like the dragon structure but I will not pay for the photos! : )
robo, thanks! Yes, the lighting really helps to make it beautiful : )
eastcoastlife, ooh! Looks like you have bad experiences in China! Yes, I agree tourists need to pay for everything and they will try to milk all the money possible from the tourists!
Before taking pictures of people, we need to make sure beforehand if we are allowed to take their pictures without paying them.
There was once we visited a woman's old ancient house in an old village and when I paid her 1 yuan for taking photos of her house, she grumbled loudly that it was too little! Well, luckily I didn't know what she grumbled about at first since my Mandarin was not good. She's lucky I was willing to fork out that 1 yuan, cos I didn't think it was mandatory for me to pay her anything!
As for taking pictures of food sold, I don't give a damn! I'm not paying whether they like it or not : )
After viewing these photos I realized my parents also had been here as well
willie, I have no idea! But day-dreamer seems to believe that it does! : )
borneo falcon, really? I guess tourists visiting Yangshuo would normally visit this cave : )
Nice photos :)
the cave is breath taking..
so pretty!!
The cave picts are impressive. Sharp! :)
And what a penipu eh...telling you guys the pict is free but later says the opposite.
Real interesting lighting in the caves....nice photos!
Wah 74 comments edi!!
Guess what? I went to Bad Ass coffee edi muahahahahhaha!
http://www.mariucasperfume.com/2009/09/bad-ass-coffee.html
Thanks for the recommendation yeeha! :)
You still on holiday or went back to work edi? :)
Btw I love all the pics here esp the colourful ones! Impressive! :)
Looks like u had a wonderful vacay in China, minus all the hassles with the tour company! ;)
the lightings in the cave are colourful and incredibly stunning.
btw, are you using Photobucket to load your pics Foong? it takes too long to load or perhaps it's just me who's encountering such probs.
Dropping by to say hi. =)
Wai Keong
nothing really is impressive other than the cave with colorful lighting.. and if not with the lighting i guess the cave is just another boring place..
so you've touched every part and every inch of that dragon?? did you feel luck and wealth and health all with you now?? :p
yeah, guided tours are always like that.. you ended up being brought to some souvenirs shop, spent almost one third of your time there waiting for aunties and uncles to get their stuffs as if there is no tomorrow.. i really hate this actually..
so you didn't intend to buy anything, but did you finally got yourself anything from that souvenir shop?? hahaha~~ :p
hmmmm, so eager to know whether you've paid for the trip.. i guess yes?? :D
wow, cool!!! the 88th comment belongs to me!! such a auspicious number.. HUAT AH~~~ :D
little prince's mummy, thanks! : )
dolly, yes it's pretty with all those colourful lights! : )
che-cheh, thanks! Yup, they are con men! : )
pete, yes the lightings made all the difference I guess! : )
mariuca, oh you went to Bad Ass Coffee? How was it? Wait, I will go and read it at your blog in a minute!
I'm back to work already, boo hoo!
Glad you like the pictures : )
life ramblings, yes it's stunning alright : )
Yes, I'm using Photobucket. Previously using Slide but had some problems uploading my photos there so switched to Photobucket.
So for no problem for me, maybe it's the slow internet connection at your side?
wai keong, thanks for dropping by! : )
SK, I guess without lighting, the cave may not be so nice. But then that doesn't make it a boring place. Of course, it all depends on the individual. You dislike caves?
No effects felt from "molesting" the dragon so far. Haha!
It's better not to follow tours if you can go by yourself. But sometimes follow tours are cheaper and more convenient.
You purposely commented until you reached the 88th comment? LOL! Well, lucky you! : )
wahh i wanna touch that dragon lah lol :-D
i love the reflection on the water.. so beautiful!
Phew Awe..awe...awesome great shots.Thanks
The caves are beautiful!
How can those people charge you guys for the photos?! I also won't pay them. You're right. Anyone could take their own photos. Hmm...those people trying to fleece tourists.
Those words are the Chinese words for Ju Long Tan.
haha thanks for shring the video foong
now i know what youre talking about
monica, you want to "molest" the dragon too? Haha!
cheahs@n, thanks! : )
mei teng, that's why we didn't pay for our photos cos it does not make sense.
jam, oh! That's what I suspected it to be. Thanks for letting me know! : )
bluedreamer27, haha, now you know don't you? In fact, I heard of this H1N1 song when first introduced to these Korean girls : )