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Top 10 Attractions in Guizhou

Monday, July 26th, 2021

Plan your Guizhou tour? With the total area is 170,000 square kilometers, Guizhou Province, known as Qian for short, is situated on the eastern part of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in southwest China. Guizhou Province has a subtropical humid climate. The capital city of Guizhou Province is Guiyang.

The location of Guizhou Province in China

More than 15 minority groups settled in Guizhou and most of the amazing scenic areas are located in these settled minority areas. In addition to enjoying the scenery, visitors can discover the rich and varied folk cultures of the different minorities.

No. 1: Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布)

Huangguoshu Waterfall, which is also known as Yellow Fruit Tree Waterfall, is one of the largest waterfalls in China and Asia, located on the Baihe River in Anshun, GuizhouProvince.

The main waterfall is 67 meters high and 83.3 meters wide. The scene changes while you are standing in different places. There is a cave in the rare wall of the waterfall called “Water-Curtain Cave”. In Chinese, we call it “Shui Lian Dong”.

Check out my another article How to Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall for more information.

It allows visitors to not only view, but also hear and touch the waterfall. Huangguoshu Waterfall is one of few waterfalls that can be viewed from every side in the world. Huangguoshu Waterfall is a really famous attraction and definitely worth a visit.

Entrance Fee: CNY 180 (including Waterfall, Tianxingqiao Bridge and Doupotang Scenic Areas).
Opening Hours: 08:10-18:00
How to get there: There are long-distance buses from Anshun Train Station, South Station and West Station to Huangguoshu Waterfall every day.

No. 2: Qingyan Ancient Town (青岩古镇)

Qingyan Ancient Town, which is located at the south suburb of Guiyang (the capital city of Guozhou Province), is one of the four ancient towns of Guizhou. It is about 29 kilometers away form the downtown area. Bcause of its long history and strong cultural atmosphere, ingyan Ancient Town is regarded as the most attractive town of China.

Check out my another article How to get to Qingyan Ancient Town for more information.

Qingyan Ancient Town covers an area of 3 square kilometers. Qingyan Ancient Town has a well-planned architectural style, hundreds of sites of relics, and an influential local culture. As a military garrison during ancient times, Qingyan Ancient Town was built of stone.

What’s more, there are Buddhists, Nazarenes and Romanists in this town. Qingyan Ancient Town is really a good place for you to learn about Chinese ancient culture.

Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: All day

No. 3: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village （西江千户苗寨)

Miao people are everywhere in southwest China, mostly in Guizhou Province. Xijiang Qianhu (1000 Househoods) Miao Village is the largest Miao village in China. It is located on the north side of Leigong Hill, about 35 km south of away Kaili city in Guizhou Province.

Check out my another article How to get to Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village`for more information.

It is said that there are over 1,000 families with a total population of around 6,000 people living in the village, hence the name of “Qianhu” which literally means “One Thousand Families” and 99.5% of the local people are Miao nationality.

Layer upon layer of wooden-stilted houses are constructed along the slopes of the hill. The pretty Baishui River is winding past the bottom of the mountain. Wind-rain bridges link the banks of the river. It is a mesmerizing Miao village.

No. 3: FAST Radio Telescope 平塘天眼

FAST Radio Telescope (Pingtang) is located in the Dawodang depression, a natural basin, 50km southwest of Pingtang County, 160km south from Guiyang, 226 km from Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village, Guizhou Province.

It is nicknamed as “天眼 Tiuanyan” in Chinese , or the Heaven’s Eyes. It is the world’s largest filled-aperture radio telescope and the second-largest single-dish aperture, after the sparsely-filled RATAN-600 in Russia.

Mobile phones, digital cameras, smart wristbands, walkies and other electronic devices are not allowed to enter the large radio observation platform.

No. 4 Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area 荔波樟江风景名胜区

Libo Zhangjiang Scenic area is located in Libo County, 270km southeast of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, covering an area of 118.8 square kilometers. It is composed of large and small seven-holesscenic areas（Daqikong and Xiaoqikong), Shuichun River and Zhangjiang River.

The scenic area is characterized by rich and diverse karst landforms, beautiful and peculiar Zhangjiang River waterscape, flourishing and dense virgin forests, and various rare species of plants and animals. It is the first World Natural Heritage site in Guizhou province, combining the unique natural scenery with the local Buyi, Shui and Yao ethnic characteristics.

No. 05: The Dragon Palace Cave （龙宫洞）

The Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Spot (also called Longgong Cave) is 27 kilometers southwest of Anshun city en route to Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou Province.

The Dragon Palace Cave is a magnificent underground cave system with lakes, waterfalls and stalactites, covering an area of almost 60 square kilometers.

The scenic spot has four main areas, namely, the Rape Lake, the Whirlpool, the Leech Pass and the Dragon Palace itself. It is a comfortable place for people to relax because the radiation frequency in this region is the lowest in China.

Entrance Fee: CNY 150
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
How to get there: There are shuttle buses from Anshun West Station to the Dragon Palace Cave

No. 06: Chishui Danxia 赤水丹霞

Chishui Danxias is located in Chishui City in northern Guizhou Province. It is well known both at home and abroad for Chishui River War where the Red Army traversed in the road of the famous Long March.

Chishui is rich in natural resources. Chishui Scenic Spot covers an area of 116 square miles and boasts a wide variety of green forests, waterfalls, rivers and creeks, lakes and plants. Chishui city is also famous for its unique Danxia Landform.

Chishui Danxia landform has been recognized World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2010.

The abundant natural resources and the rich historical and cultural background together with the convenient traffic have made Chishui an ideal tourist attraction for visitors all over the world.

Entrance Fee: CNY 100
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30 How to get there: you can take a bus to get to the Chishui Scenic Area

No. 07: Zhaoxing Dong village 肇庆侗寨

Zhaoxing Dong village is one of the largest Dong village in China, with some beautiful Drum Towers , Wind & Rain Bridges and traditional stages. Enjoy the traditional singing and dancing performance of Dong people at night.

72 km (48 miles) south of the county town of Liping, the village is seated in a valley surrounded by green mountains. The Zhaoxing River flows through the village.

No. 09: Mount Fanjing 梵净山

Mount Fanjing, named after the “Pure Land of Brahma”, is located at the junction of three counties of Yinjiang, Jiangkou and Songtao in Tongren City, 285km northeast of Guiyang, Guizhou Province.

It is also recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site by the 42nd World Heritage Congress on July 2, 2018.

The heritage site is 402.75 square kilometers in size. It boasts rare wildlife and native forest ecosystems represented by Rhinopithecus roxellanae brelichi and Davidia involucrate Baill. With a forest coverage rate of 95%, there are more than 2,000 species of plants, 31 of which are under state protection.

Fanjing Mountain is also the site ( Daochanag) for the famous Maitreya Bodhisattva Ashtra in China.

No. 10: Maling River Grand Canyon Guizhou 马岭河峡谷

Location: in Xingyi, southwest of Guizhou Province
Uniqueness: the largest waterfall cluster in China

The Maling River Waterfall is composed of over 60 waterfalls along the Maling River Grand Canyon. The canyon is 74.8 km long with an average depth of more than 100 mand a width of 80-200

The gorge around the Malinghe River is a national scenic spot in south western part of Guizhou. It was formed during the Yanshan movement of the earth.

With fantastic views, precipices and waterfalls, the gorge is absolutely fascinating. Boat rides down the river provide great views of the beautiful scenery.15 km-long Maling River Gorge is located 10 km from Xiny. It has stunning and spectacular scenes with its limestone karst landscape and its more than 100 waterfalls cascading down to its deep valleys.

Tip: Hassle-free Escorted Guizhou

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself bus route and prefer the hassle-free guided tours, here are some options for guided tours to Guizhou:

Guizhou Tour
Guiyang Tour

Further Readings

Top 10 Attractions in Guizhou
How to Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall
How to Get to Qingyan Ancient Town
How to Get to Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village
When is the Best Time to Visit Guizhou?

Any questions, just drop a line.

Tags: Top 10 attractions in Guizhou, Top 10 destinations in Guizhou, Top 10 Places in Guizhou, Top 10 things to do in Guizhou, Top Guizhou attractions, Top things to do in Guizhou
Posted in Guizhou Travel | 4 Comments »

How to get to Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village

Tuesday, September 29th, 2020

If you are in the process of planning your Guiyang tour or Guizhou tour, a day trip from Guiyang to Xijiang 1000-household Miao Village (西江千户苗寨) is highly recommended. About 200km to the east of Guiyang, Xijiang Miao Village is located in a deep valley of Leigong Mountain National Park, about 30 km to the Leigong County, and 34km to the southeast of Kaili, the seat of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (黔东南苗族侗族自治州), southeastern Guizhou province, China.

You may take the bus from Guiyang East Bus Station for a 3-hour bus ride directly to Xijiang Qianhu (1000-household) Miao Minority Village ( Bus fare: 80 yuan); or you may first take the bus to Kaili ( two hours, 170 km ), then connect the local bus heading to Xijiang Miao Village. Guiyang East Bus Station is located about 10km to the southeast of Guiyang city center and you may take the Bus No.240 from Guiyang Railway Station to the east bus station ( 2 yuan and 40 minutes ).

There are two main entrance gates to Xijiang Miao Village ( West Gate and North Gate) and your bus will stop at the North Gate. Go to the ticketing office to buy your entrance ticket ( 100 yuan ) and shuttle bus ticket ( 20 yuan). You need to take the shuttle bus from the main entrance to the west side of the village.

Xijiang Miao Village is oft-lauded as the largest Miao minority village in the around with over 1300 Miao households and 6000 people and 99.5 of them are Miao. The Miao village is situated in the deep valley with Bai River passing through from the west to the east. Most of the old wooden stilt-houses cascade on the northern two hillsides and there are fewer houses on the southern hillsides. But at the time of my writing, new houses are being built on the southern hill slope.

The Bai River and the Ancient Street ( the main street in the village) just north of the Bai River divides the Xijiang Miao Village into two parts – the northern part and the southern part. There are seven wind and rain bridges spanning the Bai River from the No.01 Wind and Rain Bridge ( on the east side) to the No.07 Wind and Rain Bridge on the west, the photogenic spots to take some pictures. The main ancient street has been renovated with many street-front stores and restaurants.

At the east side of the main ancient street, you will find the Xijiang Miao Village Museum (09:00 – 17:30). The museum displays the history and folk custom related to Miao people in several separated rooms. One room has a TV set to play the video introducing the silver and Miao minority.

The highlight of your trip to Xijiang Miao Village is to ascend to the southern high platform on the southern hill slope to have a panoramic view of the 1000-household Miao Village perched on the two northern hill slopes above the Bai River in the deep valley. You walk to the east end of the main ancient street and take a sightseeing cart up to the southern hill viewing platform. The view is stunning – the mist, the rows of stilt houses cascade in swirl down to the valley; at sunrise, dusk or sunset, the village looks gorgeous! So staying overnight in the village is not a bad idea since most of the tourist groups are gone and tranquility returns to the village.

If you are interested in Miao’s architecture and authentic life, you may walk up the northern hill slopes to have a close-up view of the households perched above where fewer tourist groups will venture. There are also several hiking trails from Xijiang Village and you may pay a local to escort you for a leisure and adventurous hiking trip.

The performance stage in the village will put on the Miao singing and dancing performance (11:30 – 12:10 free of charge). There are also some intriguing activities related to batik making, distillery, embroidery and silver arts. At night, the mega performance known as ” Beautiful Xijiang ” will be on the stage from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm ( entrance ticket: 110 yuan ).

Where to stay?
1. Xijiang Hotel (西江饭店）: just on the west of Xijiang Museum Tel: 0855 – 3348003
2. Yelangju Inn (夜郎居): To the south of the Viewing Platform Tel: 0855 3348686
3. Hope of the Angle (好望角): Just opposite to the Performance Stage Tel: 0855 334678
4. Xijiang Tourist Information Center: Just opposite to the second wind and rain bridge Tel: 0855 3348088

Where to dine?
1. Xijiang Taste (西江味道): Mr. Qin 0855 3348100, 15985007007
2. Bai River Eco Food House (白水河生态食庄): Just located by the first Wind and Rain Bridge Tel: 0855 18385711480

Now follow me to have a glimpse of Xijiang Miao Village.

The Bus 240 going from Guiyang Railway Station to Guiyang East Passenger Bus Station where you can buy your bus ticket for Xijiang Miao Village.

Arriving at the North Gate to Xijiang Miao Village and you will be welcomed by the Miao ladies, old and young clad in their traditional dresses with silver ornaments.

The Entrance to Xijiang Miao Village.

The main ancient street cutting the village into two parts.

The third wind and rain bridge span the Bai River.

The Wind and Rain Bridge in Xijiang Miao Village

The Bai River cuts through the Miao Village.

Continue to stroll along the main street flanked by the two- or three- story wooden stilt houses.

The Xijiang Museum on the east side of the main street.

The wooden houses on the southern side of the valley.

The Singing and Dancing Performance at the stage ( free from 11:30 – 12:10).

The Singing and Dancing Performance Xijiang

Take the sightseeing cart up to the viewing platform to have a bird-eye’s view of the houses on the northern hillsides.

the viewing platform Xijiang Miao Villiage — the viewing platform

A panoramic view of the old wooden houses cascading the steep hill slopes north of the Bai River.

A panoramic view of the old wooden houses in Xijiang — A panoramic view of the old wooden houses

Have a close-up view of the stilt houses on the steep slopes.

Have a close-up view of the stilt houses in Xijiang

The houses and the rice terraces.

Xijiang Long Table Feast

Xijiang Post Office

Tip: Hassle-free Escorted Guizhou

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself bus route and prefer the hassle-free guided tours, here are some options for guided tours to Guizhou:

Guizhou Tour
Guiyang Tour

Further Readings

Top 10 Attractions in Guizhou
How to Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall
How to Get to Qingyan Ancient Town
How to Get to Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village
When is the Best Time to Visit Guizhou?

Any questions, just drop a line.

Tags: Guiyang to Xijiang Miao Village day trip, How to get to Xijiang, How to Get to Xijiang Miao Minority Village, How to Get to Xijiang Miao Village, How to get to Xijiang Miao Village from Guiyang, How to Get to Xijiang Miao Village from Kaili, How to Get to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, How to Get to Xijiang Qianhu Village
Posted in Guiyang, Guizhou Travel, Kaili Travel | 4 Comments »

How to get to Qingyan Ancient Town

Thursday, August 27th, 2015

Plan your Guiyang tour? As the capital city of Guizhou Province, Guiyang is basically used as a transit place for further diving into the beautiful Guizhou with colorful ethnic minority diversity and sublime karst landscapes. But Guiyang itself has some interesting places which can keep you busy for a day trip. Qingyan Ancient Town, 30 km south of the city is highly recommended.

Qingyan Ancient Town was once strategically situated in a busy area that served as a trade hub for the three provinces – Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi. In Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644), the first emperor of Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to tighten control over the far-flung areas and ordered the construction of Qingyan town in 1378.

Originally it was an earth rammed town. After being repaired and rebuilt for several times, it became an stone town with stone city walls and streets. It is a typical town in Ming and Qing dynasties, a smaller Pingyao ancient city. There are four main streets – North Street, South Street, East Street and West Street crisscrossed by plentiful lanes with buildings ornately and elaborately designed and built.

What makes the town unique is the peaceful coexistence of the three religions – Buddhism, Taoism, Catholicism and Christianity. You see the intricately built temples and churches

Entrance Fee: 10 Yuan
Through Ticket: 80 Yuan
Note: The town is charged for 10 yuan; if you want to go inside some of the old buildings like the temples, churches and old structures, you need to buy a combo ticket.

How to get there?
1) Public Transport: Take the bus 203 from Guiyang Railway Station and get off at the 27th stop ( the last bus but the third stop ) of Sheng Dang Xiao 省党校, then wait and change for Bus 210 heading to the parking lot close to the West Entrance to Qingyan Ancient Town. After visiting the old town, exit from the west gate and take the same Bus 210 and get off at the 4th stop of Sheng Dang Xiao 省党校, wait and change for Bus 203 back to Guiyang Railway Station. Single way: one and half hour. Be ready for 2 yuan for the bus fare and no change due to the self-service.

2) Taxi: 30 km, 70 yuan single way, 1 hour.

Now follow me to have a glimpse of the ancient town.

The Bus 210 is waiting at the parking lot close to the West Entrance to Qingyan Ancient Town.

The Bus 210 Qinhyan Ancient Town — The Bus 210 Qingyan Town

Standing on the south gate and look at the restored city wall

Qingyan Ancient Town's restored city wall — Qingyan Ancient Town’s restored city wall

At the end of the South Street, you will see a magnificent Centenarian Memorial Archway of Zha Lilun. Originally set up in 1843, it is 9.5 meters high and 9 meters wide with four pillars.

Walking on the south street with stone flagged road flanked by one- or two-story wood-framed houses. Most of the street-front housed are rented for commerce – shops and restaurants.