In the eyes of many, Huangguoshu Waterfall and Mount Fanjing have always been the iconic attractions of Guizhou province.
It seems that apart from these, there is nothing else appealing about Guizhou.
Earlier this year, when I wrote an article about the cherry blossoms in Pingba, Guizhou, I discovered that many friends were unaware that Guizhou also has romantic cherry blossoms that rival those in Japan.
In fact, on the vast territory of China, Guizhou is a true treasure trove.
Due to its deep valleys and inconvenient transportation, Guizhou has been spared from the noise of tourists, allowing it to preserve its customs and culture to the greatest extent. It was even named one of the 52 most worthwhile tourist destinations in the world by The New York Times.
As major high-speed railways connect to Guizhou, the beauty of Guizhou is slowly being unveiled, especially along the Guizhou section of the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway. The journey is characterized by few people, beautiful scenery, rich ethnic customs, and countless delicacies.
The Guizhou section of the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway is the railway with the largest span, the most undulating terrain, and the most complex geological structure in the world. From east to west, it passes through seven prefectures and cities in Guizhou: Tongren, Kaili, Qiannan, Guiyang, Anshun, Qianxinan, and Liupanshui.
1 ▪ Tongren
You can visit Mount Fanjing, which is listed as a World Natural Heritage Site. Along the way, look for the golden snub-nosed monkeys and dove trees. As you approach the summit, take in the three wonders of Laojinding, Mushroom Rock, and Hongyun Jinding.
You can visit Yunshe Village, known as the “No. 1 Tujia Village in the World,” and explore the winding alleys and unique Tujia enclosed fire barrel houses.
You can visit the Daming Border Town, which has a history of more than 600 years, and feel the historical weight bestowed by time.
Tongren Delicacies
2 ▪ Kaili
Kaili, the “hometown of hundreds of festivals in China,” boasts a brilliant Miao and Dong culture and contemporary imprints. It is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, worthy of being called the “Pearl of the Miao Mountains.”
You can visit the world’s largest Miao village, Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village, and experience the most “original” Miao culture and the long history of the Miao people.
You can visit Xiasi Ancient Town, known as the “Little Shanghai” and the “Pearl on the Qingshui River,” and feel the unique charm of “cultural Xiasi and natural landscape.”
You can visit Jiaju Township, known as the “hometown of terraced fields,” and admire the magnificent scenery of the cascading terraced fields amidst the misty clouds.
Kaili Delicacies
3 ▪ Qiannan
37 ethnic groups, including Han, Bouyei, Miao, Shui, Zhuang, Dong, Maonan, and Gelao, have created a diverse and brilliant ethnic culture here.
You can visit Libo, enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers, see the picturesque fields, and explore the wonder and beauty of the “Green Gem” on the Earth’s waistline.
You can visit Maolan, known as the “aristocrat of landscape,” and take a look at the amazing karst landscape and the extremely rare pristine beauty.
You can visit Jinhai Xueshan, one of the “Top 10 Most Beautiful Canola Flower Seas in China,” and linger among the tens of thousands of acres of golden canola flowers and thousands of acres of plum and pear blossoms.
Qiannan Delicacies
4 ▪ Guiyang
Mountains and water are its most eye-catching attractions, but in addition to the green mountains and beautiful waters, Guiyang is also known for its leisurely and comfortable atmosphere.
You can visit Qianling Mountain, known as the “No. 1 Mountain in Southern Guizhou,” and experience the tranquility and ease of the city amidst the lush mountains and clear waters, while having a close interaction with the “mountain elves.”
You can visit the centuries-old Qingyan Ancient Town, stroll along the small paths paved with green stones, and feel a sense of time confusion.
You can visit Tianhe Tan, known as the “condensed landscape of Guizhou’s mountains and waters,” and experience the magical beauty of the landscape.
Guiyang Delicacies
5 ▪ Anshun
Anshun is a typical karst landform concentration area, known as the “Waterfall Township of China,” “Hometown of Tunpu Culture,” “Hometown of Batik,” and “Beauty of the West.”
You can visit the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia, and let the magnificent waterfall wash away all your troubles.
You can visit Tianlong Tunpu, the “Throat of Yunnan” deep in the mountains, and experience the inherited Han cultural customs and the preserved Ming Dynasty legacy of 600 years.
You can visit Longgong, known as the “No. 1 Water-Soluble Cave in China.” In addition to the four wonders inside the cave, the canola flowers blooming in early spring are also worth seeing.
Anshun Delicacies
6 ▪ Qianxinan
Qianxinan boasts beautiful mountains and rivers and rich ethnic customs. It is known as the “Southwest Barrier” and the “Key Lock of Yunnan and Guizhou.”
You can visit Wanfenglin, one of the “Five Most Beautiful Karst Forests in China,” and experience the stunning scenery that Xu Xiake described as “only here the peaks form a forest.”
You can visit the Maling River Gorge, “a beautiful scar on the Earth,” and see the flying waterfalls, hanging bamboo, and connected caves.
You can visit the “24 Bends” in Qinglong and experience the winding and magnificent feeling of “one man guarding the pass, ten thousand men cannot open.”
Qianxinan Delicacies
7 ▪ Liupanshui
Known as the “Cool Capital of China,” Liupanshui is located at the junction of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces and has rich natural resources and magnificent scenery.
You can visit Wumeng Grassland, the second-highest grassland in Guizhou. Compared to the gentleness of plain grasslands, the blue sky and green land here have a touch of rugged primitive beauty.
You can visit Tuole Village, the “Hometown of Ancient Ginkgo in the World,” enjoy the ginkgo trees throughout the village, listen to the murmuring stream, and see the endless ancient trees.
Liupanshui Delicacies
From Tongren to Liupanshui, whether it’s the magnificent green mountains and waters, the colorful ancient villages and folk customs, or the authentic and delicious specialty foods, they have all become reasons for us to fall in love with Guizhou.
In China, where there is no shortage of beautiful scenery, Guizhou is like a low-profile beauty raised in a deep boudoir, unknown to others.
If you have never set foot on the land of Guizhou, why not give yourself a ticket this year and personally experience the beauty of Guizhou!
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