Guizhou strengthens protection of its karst cave heritage

Karst cave tourism gained popularity in Guizhou this summer, with experiences such as underground exploration, cliffside coffee, and cave concerts drawing growing attention.

Guizhou is home to extensive karst landscapes, with carbonate rocks covering 62 percent of its land area and 42,800 identified karst cave entrances. Many of these caves contain unique geological formations, cave organisms, and sediments that provide valuable resources for geological and biological research.

To strengthen local protection, courts in Guizhou have issued nearly 100 judicial protection orders for caves.

Guizhou is also building a more systematic management framework, having issued a provincial plan in late 2024 that calls for a comprehensive survey and classification of karst caves, with resources divided into three categories: pristine caves, caves already developed for use, and caves with environmental problems.

As cave tourism continues to evolve, Guizhou is exploring lighter, more environmentally friendly tourism models. Measures include reducing unnecessary lighting, controlling visitor numbers, isolating sensitive areas, and providing visitors with information about cave conservation.

By combining administrative management, judicial protection, scientific support, and public participation, Guizhou is seeking to transform its underground natural wonders into sustainable tourism resources while safeguarding them for the future.