Experience Guizhou's gifts

Day 6: Xiaoqikong

Nestled in the emerald mountains of Guizhou's Qiannan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Libo is a stunning natural retreat.

The Xiaoqikong (seven small arches) Bridge, built in 1835, is a highlight in the area. Follow the river upstream to encounter the cascading Laya and spectacular 68-step waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery.

Libo's unique terrain, mainly mountainous plateaus, is a wonderland of karst landscapes, featuring peak forests, limestone caves, stone forests on water and underground rivers.

Setting this area apart are its waters and dense forests — particularly the one-of-a-kind water forest, recognized as one of China's top 10 most beautiful forests by Chinese National Geography. A walk through the water forest reveals a magical scene of trees embedded in stones rising from the water, their roots extending deep into the riverbed below.

There are many accommodation options near Libo Ancient Town, and the area is a hub for local delicacies where you can try the beef rice noodles for breakfast before setting out.

Day 7: Huangguoshu Waterfall

Located 128 kilometers, a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Guiyang, Anshun is home to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall, Guizhou's most iconic tourist destination. Stand beneath the waterfall to feel the refreshing mist envelop you.

On the way to the waterfall, you might pass the Baling River Bridge, one of the tallest of its kind worldwide, and the soon-to-be taller Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge. Driving on the highways through Guizhou's mountains and valleys, you'll feel the allure of this "museum of bridges".

Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest in China at 77.8 meters tall and 101 meters wide. The best time to visit is from June through October. At the base lies Rhinoceros Pool, where rainbows appear, most frequently in summer, amid the waterfall's spray, shifting and transforming as you move.

Behind the waterfall is the famous Water Curtain Cave, made famous by the 1986 TV adaptation of Journey to the West. The 134-meter-long cave has six windows through which visitors can marvel at the cascading water. Inside, you'll find five chambers, three cave springs and two cave waterfalls. At sunset, stand by the windows for a breathtaking view of Rhinoceros Pool, where rainbows mingle with clouds and mist, an experience known as the "Water Curtain Cave inner view sunset".

The Huangguoshu National Park is vast, with the main waterfall taking about two hours to explore. Bring a raincoat to enjoy the grandeur or traverse the Water Curtain Cave for adventure.

While in the area, be sure to try Anshun's culinary specialty duoduo rice tofu hotpot, featuring rice tofu simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. Staying in downtown Anshun is recommended for better lodging options and convenient access to the scenic area.