Liupanshui

Liupanshui is known as the “Cool Capital of China,” with average summer temperatures of around 19°C. Autumn is crisp and refreshing, making it a good time to escape the heat, enjoy the fall colors, and visit alpine grasslands.

• Wumeng Grand Grassland: This is Guizhou’s highest and largest alpine pasture, with vast meadows stretching into the distance. Wind turbines, seas of clouds, and herds of cattle and sheep can be seen across the grassland, while the sunrise and Buddha’s light are also spectacular.

• Tuole Ancient Ginkgo Village: Located in Panzhou, the village is home to more than 1,000 ancient ginkgo trees. The best time to visit is from late October to early November, when golden canopies frame the flagstone lanes, yellow walls, and gray-tiled roofs, creating a strong sense of autumn.

• Yeyuhai Tourist Resort: Featuring Yi culture, the resort has a complex of Jiuchong Palace buildings. Visitors can also ride the world’s first spiral-climbing monorail sightseeing train through the forest, camp in the woods, and experience Torch Festival activities.

• Shedu River Canyon: This karst canyon is one of Liupanshui’s natural attractions, featuring Guoquan Rock Waterfall, a cliffside glassless walkway, and caves. Visitors can also ride a bamboo raft across the jade-green river and enjoy the mist and cool air in the canyon.

• Shuicheng Ancient Town: The district is free to enter and retains the layout of the old town, with waterways running around it. Evening is a good time to stroll through the lanes, then try Shuicheng grilled hotpot and mutton rice noodles while taking in the local atmosphere.

• Guizhou Third-Line Construction Museum: Through its displays on revolutionary history and industrial heritage, the museum explains the development of this “city brought by train.” The interior retains a retro industrial style. Admission is free, and the museum is closed on Mondays.

Local Specialties to Try

In addition to enjoying Liupanshui’s cool climate, you can also get to know the city through its local food.

• Shuicheng Mutton Rice Noodles: A common breakfast in Liupanshui, this dish features broth made from local black mountain goat, smooth rice noodles, house-made red-oil chili, and pickled vegetables. It costs around 15 yuan per person.

• Shuicheng Grilled Hotpot: Ingredients such as potatoes, tofu, pork belly, and stinky tofu are grilled in a clay pot. They are served with Guizhou chili powder and houttuynia, making this a good nighttime meal. Expect to pay 30–50 yuan per person.

• Cichong Chicken Hotpot: This local specialty comes from Cichong Village in Shuicheng District. Fresh chicken is ordered and prepared on the spot, then cooked with red-oil ciba chili paste. The broth is rich, and it is especially good with buckwheat rice.

• Bean Broth Meatball Hotpot: Kidney beans are simmered into a thick broth and served with handmade meatballs and soft, glutinous potatoes. The broth is rich and mellow without being spicy, making it suitable for older adults and children. It costs 40–50 yuan per person.

• Panxian Ham and Dry-Pot Beef: Panxian ham is savory and well suited as a souvenir. Dry-pot beef is coated in a house-made seasoning and stir-fried with mint leaves, creating a spicy, aromatic dish that goes well with rice.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

This route combines urban cultural attractions, alpine grasslands, and canyon scenery. The pace is relatively relaxed and suitable for most travelers.

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Local Life
  • Morning: After arriving in Liupanshui, take a walk in Minghu National Wetland Park and observe how local residents spend their leisure time.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Guizhou Third-Line Construction Museum to learn about the city’s history. Then take the Meihuashan Cableway for views of the karst mountains and city from above.

• Evening: Head to Shuicheng Ancient Town to try Shuicheng grilled hotpot and mutton rice noodles. Stay in the urban area, in Zhongshan District.
• Day 2: Alpine Grassland Experience
  • All day: Drive yourself or hire a private car to Wumeng Grand Grassland, about 60 kilometers from the city center, or approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
  • Activities: Ride horses or fly kites across the vast alpine meadows, and see the large field of wind turbines. In good weather, go to Guanfotai to wait for the sunrise and sea of clouds.
  • Accommodation: You can stay at a grassland guesthouse or tent hotel, with a chance to see the stars at night. If you are concerned about the cold, return to the city in the evening instead.
• Day 3: Canyon Scenery or Yi Culture
  • Option A (Natural Retreat): Visit Shedu River Canyon to see the waterfall, walk along the cliffside walkway, and take a bamboo-raft ride.
  • Option B (Ethnic Culture): Visit Yeyuhai Tourist Resort, ride the spiral train through the forest, tour Haiping’s Thousand-Household Yi Village, and learn about Yi culture.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, buy Panxian ham, dried roxburgh rose, or Yan脚 noodles as souvenirs before ending the trip.

Accommodation Recommendations and Practical Notes

• Staying in the City: The old town in Zhongshan District or the area near Liupanshui Station is convenient for getting around, with plenty of night markets and restaurants nearby. You could consider Luchen Meisu, which has high room ratings, projectors, and free parking, or choose Xiangwang Guesthouse.

• Staying on the Grassland: If you plan to see the sunrise and stars, you can stay at a guesthouse inside Wumeng Grand Grassland, such as Lengshan Residence or Shifang Yunshe. Facilities are relatively basic, and nighttime temperatures are low, so confirm in advance whether thick blankets are provided.
• Staying in Panzhou: When visiting Tuole for the ginkgo trees, you can stay in Tuole Village or Panzhou, making it easier to reach the scenic area in the early morning.
• Important Notes: During the peak season in July and August, book guesthouses 1–2 weeks in advance. Some guesthouses are in the old town, where parking is limited, so confirm whether free parking is available before driving. The grassland can be cold at night, so bring a thick jacket even in summer.

Transportation and Practical Tips

• Getting There: High-speed trains go directly to Liupanshui Station. When booking, be careful not to mistakenly choose Liupanshui East Station, which is farther from the city center. Flights arrive at Yuezhao Airport, from where you can take a shared ride or rent a car to the city.
• Getting Around Locally: Liupanshui’s attractions are spread out, and there are many mountain roads, so driving yourself or hiring a private car is more convenient. Buses run from the city to Yeyuhai, but for Wumeng Grand Grassland and Tuole Village, sharing a ride is recommended.
• Clothing and Gear: Liupanshui is known for having “no three consecutive sunny days,” and the temperature difference between day and night can exceed 10°C. Keep a light jacket and a windbreaker with you. UV radiation is strong at high elevations, so also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and an umbrella.
• Mosquito Protection and Sun Protection: Take precautions against mosquitoes and other insects in heavily vegetated areas such as forest parks and canyons. Winds on the grassland can be strong, so a windproof rain jacket is recommended.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October is suitable for escaping the heat, with average temperatures of around 19°C. Late October to early November is the best time to visit Panzhou for the ancient ginkgo trees.