The approach to Tianlongshan Grottoes passes through a wooded gorge that is pleasant to walk for its own sake, independent of the caves. The path follows a stream through oak and pine forest for about a kilometre before climbing to the cave level on the cliff face above. In late October the deciduous canopy turns — the oak forest is particularly good, with deep reds and oranges — and the walk attracts as many autumn-colour visitors as cave-art visitors at that time of year.
The round trip to the caves and back takes about two hours at a relaxed pace. Combining it with a visit to the nearby Longshan Grottoes makes a full half-day in the western hills around Taiyuan, best done by taxi or hired car from the city since public transport connections are infrequent.