Qiannan

Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou combines karst scenery, a radio telescope and diverse ethnic cultures. It is a good destination for escaping the summer heat, exploring nature and experiencing local traditions. Here are some ideas for a trip to Qiannan:

• Libo Xiaoqikong: Highlights include Wolong Pool, the 68-tier Waterfall and the Water Forest, with clear water and scenery dominated by shades of blue and green. Entering through the west gate and leaving through the east gate gives you a mostly downhill route that is easier on foot.

• China Sky Eye (FAST): Located in Pingtang County, this is the world's largest single-dish radio telescope. All electronic devices must be stored before entering the scenic area, after which a shuttle bus takes you up the mountain. Film cameras are available to rent for photos, and the site is also a good place to learn about astronomy.

• Yaoshan Ancient Village: This Baiku Yao community is just 5 km from Xiaoqikong. Visitors can see a cluster of 300-year-old granaries, learn about the traditional paste-resist dyeing craft recognized as intangible cultural heritage, and watch traditional bronze drum dances.

• Duyun Qin and Han Film Studio: One of southwestern China's larger Qin- and Han-themed film studios, this site was used to film productions including The Untamed and Joy of Life. It is a good place to explore in hanfu, with free historical-costume performances in the afternoon and illuminated scenery at night.

• Luodian Daxiaojing: Known for its caves and karst landscapes, Daxiaojing has no general admission fee. You can take a bamboo raft along the emerald-green river. More than a hundred caves and sinkholes are scattered around the area, which remains largely unspoiled.

• Maolan National Nature Reserve: With its old-growth karst forest and caves, this reserve is well suited to hiking. Walk through woodland, observe the local ecology and explore caves in a natural setting.

Classic 3-Day Highlights Tour

Ideal for first-time visitors to Qiannan with limited time, focusing on natural scenery and astronomy.

• Day 1: Arrive in Pingtang County and visit the China Sky Eye science education site. Store your electronic devices, climb to the viewing platform to look down at the giant dish, and visit the astronomy experience center in the afternoon. Spend the evening stargazing in Astronomy Town.
• Day 2: Drive to Libo, about 2.5 hours away, to visit Libo Xiaoqikong. Enter through the west gate and visit Wolong Pool, Cuigu Waterfall, the Water Forest and the ancient Xiaoqikong Bridge in that order.
• Day 3: Visit Yaoshan Ancient Village in the morning to learn about Baiku Yao culture. Have lunch in Libo town before heading home.

Relaxed 5-Day In-Depth Tour

Ideal for travelers who prefer a slower pace, are traveling with older adults or children, or want a closer look at local ethnic cultures.

• Day 1: Arrive in Duyun and start at the Qiannan Prefecture Museum to learn about local ethnic cultures. In the evening, visit Shiban Street Night Market to try beef in fermented shrimp broth and chongchong rice cakes.
• Day 2: Visit Duyun Qin and Han Film Studio to explore its period sets. Head to Xishan Bridge in the afternoon and stay for the night views, taking in the atmosphere of city life in Duyun.
• Day 3: Travel to Libo and spend time exploring Libo Xiaoqikong. Stay overnight in Libo town or Mengliu Folk Customs Town.
• Day 4: Hike in Maolan Nature Reserve in the morning, then visit Yaoshan Ancient Village in the afternoon to try the traditional paste-resist dyeing craft.
• Day 5: Head to Pingtang or Luodian, take a bamboo raft ride along the river at Luodian Daxiaojing, then head home.

Quiet 2-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Escape

Ideal for travelers seeking peaceful mountain scenery away from the crowds.

• Day 1: Head to Sandu Shui Autonomous County and explore centuries-old villages such as Gaodong Village or Zenlei Village. Learn about the Shui people's Duan Festival traditions and stay in a village guesthouse.
• Day 2: Visit Yueliang Mountain to see its dragon-scale rock formations, with the option of camping in the mountains. Alternatively, head to Guilan Shui Township for waterfall abseiling, paddleboarding and nature walks.

A Taste of Qiannan

Qiannan's food often features sour, spicy, fresh and foraged flavors, drawing on Buyi, Miao and Shui culinary traditions.

• Beef in Fermented Shrimp Broth: Small local river shrimp are fermented to make a tangy, aromatic hotpot broth. The beef absorbs the broth as it cooks, becoming tender and flavorful with a refreshing tang.
• Libo Sour Soup Fish: The broth is made with fermented local tomatoes and chopped chilies, with freshly killed fish added to the pot. It has a sour, spicy flavor and remains savory even after prolonged simmering.

• Libo Sour Soup Fish: Made with fermented local tomatoes and chopped chilies, the broth is sour, spicy and savory. Freshly killed fish is added to the pot, making this a popular local specialty in Libo.

• Dushan Pickled Vegetables: Crisp and tangy with a hint of sweetness, this local specialty can be eaten on its own or served with other dishes.

• Duyun Chongchong Rice Cakes: These traditional rice cakes are steamed in wooden steamers until soft, fluffy and slightly sticky. Served with soybean flour and traditional brown sugar, they have a gentle sweetness.

• Buyi Five-Color Rice: Glutinous rice is colored with natural plants such as maple leaves and red-blue grass. Naturally colorful, soft and sticky, with a fragrant rice aroma, it is often served at summer picnics and festivals.

Accommodation and Transport Guide

• Where to stay:
  • Libo: Stay in Mengliu Buyi Folk Customs Town near Xiaoqikong's east gate, or in Libo town. Both offer plenty of dining options and are convenient bases for getting around.
  • Duyun: The Dashizi and Shiban Street areas have convenient transport links, with city attractions and restaurants nearby.
  • Pingtang: Astronomy Town and Kedu Town are close to China Sky Eye, making them useful bases for an early visit.
• Getting there: High-speed trains serve Duyun East Station and Libo Station. You can also fly to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport or Libo Airport, which has fewer flights, then continue by high-speed train or rental car.
• Getting around: Qiannan's attractions are spread far apart, so driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver makes it easier to adjust your route. Scheduled buses connect the county towns, but roads to some scenic areas are mountainous, so drive carefully.

Practical Tips

• Sky Eye security checks: Phones, cameras, smartwatches and all other electronic devices must be stored before visiting China Sky Eye. Film cameras can be rented on site for photos. Do not bring electronic devices into the site.
• Ticket reservations: Xiaoqikong and China Sky Eye can be busy during peak season and holidays. Buy tickets in advance through their official WeChat accounts to avoid being unable to enter on arrival.
• Clothing and gear: Mountain temperatures can vary considerably between day and night, so bring a light jacket. Mosquitoes and other insects are common near the water at Xiaoqikong, so insect repellent is useful. Scenic areas have many boardwalks and steps; wear comfortable athletic shoes with good grip.
• Respect local customs: Follow local customs when visiting ethnic villages. Do not touch ritual objects without permission or enter private areas.