Qianxinan

Qianxinan is centered around Xingyi, where peak forests, gorges, lakes, ancient villages and world-class bridges are found close together. The climate is generally comfortable and travel costs are affordable. The routes below suit first-time visitors as well as travelers who want to explore more deeply.

• Wanfenglin: Xu Xiake once praised these mountains, writing, “There are so many mountain peaks under heaven, but only here do the peaks form a forest.” Take a sightseeing bus for views of the Bagua Fields and rice paddies, or rent an electric scooter to ride through Xia Nahui Village and experience the rural life of the Bouyei people.

• Maling River Gorge: Known as “the most beautiful fissure on Earth,” the gorge has more than a hundred waterfalls cascading down during the high-water season. You can enter from Chaichaiwo and leave from Xiaoqingshan, or take the sightseeing elevator to reduce the amount of walking. The gorge walkways can be quite slippery, so take care to avoid slipping.

• Wanfeng Lake: Known as the Pearl of the Plateau, Wanfeng Lake is home to an island castle—Jilong Castle. Take a boat from Hongchun Pier to see the lake, or head to Fuyao Coffee to enjoy views of the castle at sunset and in the blue-hour evening light.

• Huajiang Gorge Bridge: Certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest bridge, it has a vertical drop of more than 600 meters between the bridge deck and the gorge. Yundu Viewing Platform is ideal for looking down over the gorge and bridge. Visit before evening for views of the landscape in the setting sun.

• Anlong Zhaodi: A century-old embankment and historic lakeside buildings create a picturesque scene. The area is quiet in autumn and well suited to walking along the embankment and taking photos. The nearby snack street retains a lively, local atmosphere.

• Zhenfeng Ancient Town: The ancient town’s quiet, simple lanes are paved with bluestone, while its traditional buildings retain strong local character. There are several shops featuring intangible cultural heritage, where you can drink tea, try Bouyei handicrafts and learn about local culture through everyday life.

Recommended Itineraries

• Classic 3-day, 2-night trip (for a tight schedule or a first visit)
  • Day 1: After arriving in Xingyi, check into a guesthouse around Wanfenglin. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing bus along Wanfenglin’s viewing route. At sunset, visit Xia Nahui Village to see the rice paddies. For dinner, try Wanfenglin egg-fried rice.
  • Day 2: In the morning, visit Maling River Gorge to see its waterfalls. Enter from Chaichaiwo and leave from Xiaoqingshan if possible. In the afternoon, take a boat around Wanfeng Lake, choosing either to photograph the exterior of Jilong Castle or to relax and take photos at Fuyao Coffee.
  • Day 3: Go to Yuhuangding (Cloud House) early in the morning for views over the sea of clouds above Wanfenglin. Then return to the city to visit Xingguangli Tourist District, or try beef with pickled bamboo shoots before departing.
• In-depth 5-day, 4-night trip (for self-drivers or travelers who prefer a slower pace)
  • Days 1–2: Follow the itinerary above, focusing on Wanfenglin and Maling River Gorge.
  • Day 3: Travel to Anlong. Visit Anlong Zhaodi in the morning, then go to Dushan National Mountain Outdoor Sports Park in the afternoon for rock climbing or via ferrata. Have dinner at Anlong Snack Street.
  • Day 4: Travel to Zhenfeng. Take a boat through Beipan River Grand Canyon in the morning and look out toward the old and new world’s highest bridges. Have Zhenfeng street-stall hot pot for lunch, then visit Zhenfeng Ancient Town in the afternoon to learn about its intangible cultural heritage embroidery.
  • Day 5: Visit Huajiang Gorge Bridge and take in the views from Yundu Viewing Platform. Then go to Xiaohuajiang Village for local farmhouse dishes before departing.

Local Specialties to Try

Qianxinan cuisine is based on mountain ingredients and combines the sour and spicy flavors common among the Bouyei and Miao peoples. Prices are generally affordable.

• Wanfenglin Egg-Fried Rice: A representative local staple made with local rice and cornmeal, stir-fried with free-range eggs, pork cracklings and fermented chili peppers. The grains remain distinct and fragrant, while pickled vegetables add a refreshing contrast.

• Bouyei Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish: This dish highlights Qianxinan’s characteristic sour flavors. The broth is made by simmering wild small tomatoes and fermented rice-water sour soup, then adding fresh fish from Wanfeng Lake and Bouyei sour bamboo shoots. It is sour and spicy, with tender fish.

• Zhenfeng Oil Glutinous Rice: A local breakfast with intangible cultural heritage significance. Glutinous rice is stir-fried in pork lard until glossy, then served with crispy pork bits, pork belly and spicy chicken. It is savory, rich and satisfying without being greasy.

• Xingyi Mutton Rice Noodles: The broth is made by simmering local black goat bones, giving it a clear color and rich flavor. Blanched rice noodles are topped with sliced boiled mutton and a house sauce. The prominent savory sauce makes this a common local breakfast choice.

• Jinzhou Shuatou: These traditional steamed dumplings are named for their resemblance to the head of a bamboo scrub brush. They have thin wrappers and a filling of pork, bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms. Served with chicken broth and dipping sauce, they combine crisp-tender texture with savory fragrance.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Getting there and around: Flights can go directly to Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport, while high-speed trains reach Xingyi South Station. Taxis are convenient for short trips after arrival, but the attractions are spread far apart, so renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is more suitable.
• Where to stay:
  • Around Wanfenglin: Ideal for travelers planning to watch the sunrise or those who prefer a quiet place to stay. Guesthouses are available around Xia Nahui Village and Shang Nahui, with views of the peak forest and rice paddies. Prices range from CNY 150 to CNY 600.

• Xingyi city center: Best for visitors who want to explore night markets and try local food. Snacks are concentrated around Jushan Square and the Old Town Central Garden. A taxi from the city center to Wanfenglin takes about 20 minutes.

Travel Tips

• What to wear: Temperatures vary noticeably between morning and evening in the mountains, so even in summer it is a good idea to bring a light jacket. The walkways at Maling River Gorge are often damp and slippery, so wear comfortable, slip-resistant sports shoes. High heels are not recommended.
• Weather and sun protection: Guizhou has strong UV rays, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun. Weather can change quickly, so carry a folding umbrella or raincoat. The high-water season runs from June to September, when the waterfalls at Maling River are at their most spectacular. If heavy rain is forecast, entering the gorge is not recommended.
• Advance ticket reservations: For popular attractions such as Wanfenglin and Maling River Gorge, it is best to reserve tickets in advance through official channels and avoid scalpers. A one-way ride on the Maling River sightseeing elevator costs CNY 30 and can save you from walking up more than 500 steps.
• Photographing Jilong Castle: You can see the full castle from the lakeshore or Fuyao Coffee; there is no need to enter the castle.
• Sea of clouds at Yuhuangding: Viewing is usually best between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m. after rain clears, when a sea of clouds is more likely to appear. If there is heavy fog that day, the view may be obscured.