Qianxinan

Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is a seriously underrated treasure of a small city. With a cool climate and friendly prices, it offers both the breathtaking peak forests once described by Xu Xiake and the spectacular canyon known as “the most beautiful scar on Earth,” making it ideal for a slow-paced summer retreat.

• Wanfenglin Scenic Area: One of China’s most beautiful karst peak forests, with more than 20,000 cone-shaped peaks stretching in vast clusters and Buyei villages scattered among them. Take the sightseeing bus for an overlook of the Bagua Fields, or rent a small electric scooter to ride through the rice paddies and enjoy the pastoral scenery.
• Maling River Canyon: Praised as “the most beautiful scar on Earth,” this canyon has more than 100 waterfalls plunging down its cliffs. The core Tianxing Gallery section is recommended. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a raincoat so you can experience the roaring mist up close.
• Wanfeng Lake: The largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, dotted with numerous islands and known as a “wild fishing paradise.” You can take a boat tour to Jilong Castle (a popular European-style castle) and the Little Three Gorges. The scenery is especially beautiful at sunset.
• Qinglong Twenty-Four Turns: A famous World War II-era road, known in China and abroad, with 24 sharp bends winding along a 60-degree steep slope. You need to take a sightseeing bus up the mountain, overlook the full view from the mountaintop observation deck, and visit the War of Resistance Museum to learn the history.
• Fenglin Buyei: An immersive Buyei cultural theme scenic area set against mountains and water, with simple, traditional architecture. In the evening, there are folk performances such as the intangible cultural heritage iron-flower show, making it a great place to dress in ethnic clothing and take photos.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xingyi and Get a First Taste of Local Life

After arrival, check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Qianxinan Prefecture Museum to learn about Yelang culture. In the evening, head to the Jiexin Huayuan Pedestrian Street Night Market in the old town to try local snacks such as shuabatou and chicken tangyuan, and soak up the lively atmosphere of old Xingyi.

• Day 2: Slow Living in Wanfenglin

In the morning, take the sightseeing bus up for a panoramic view of Wanfenglin and the Bagua Fields. In the afternoon, rent a small electric scooter and ride through the rice fields of Xianahui Village, check in at popular cafes, and try catching fish in the paddies. At dusk, watch an iron-flower performance at Fenglin Buyei.

• Day 3: Canyon Waterfalls and Lake-and-Mountain Scenery

In the morning, visit Maling River Canyon and hike along the cliffside boardwalk to admire more than 100 waterfalls. In the afternoon, drive to Wanfeng Lake, take a boat tour, check in at Jilong Castle, and wait for a stunning sunset on the lakeside lawn.

• Day 4: Wartime Road and Return Trip

If time allows, drive to Qinglong County to visit the Twenty-Four Turns and feel the power of this wartime road; or go to Yuhuangding to watch a sunrise over a sea of clouds before heading home with wonderful memories.

Must-Try Local Foods in Qianxinan

Qianxinan cuisine is rooted in the freshness of the mountains and countryside, enriched by the depth of ethnic culinary traditions. It is bright with sour and spicy flavors, affordable, and delicious.

• Xingyi Lamb Rice Noodles: A favorite local breakfast. Lamb bones are simmered into a clear yet rich broth, served with a secret sauce, pickled radish, and mint for a fragrant, savory taste without any gaminess.
• Chicken Tangyuan: A savory twist on the traditionally sweet glutinous rice ball. The sticky rice wrapper encloses a savory chicken filling, served in chicken broth. Soft, glutinous, fragrant, and uniquely flavorful.
• Wanfenglin Egg Fried Rice: Free-range eggs are paired with corn rice, then stir-fried over high heat with fermented chili and crispy pork lard bits. It is full of wok aroma, with every grain dry and distinct.
• Buyei Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish: Made with locally fermented sour bamboo shoots and fresh river carp or rice-field fish. Sour, spicy, and appetizing, with tender fish that absorbs the flavor beautifully.
• Anlong Cold Jianfen: Rice sheets as thin as cicada wings, tossed with pickled greens, fish mint, and essential red chili oil. Sour, spicy, and refreshing, it is a summer heat-relief staple.

Where to Stay

• Inside Wanfenglin Scenic Area: There are many guesthouses, with views right outside the window. This area suits travelers who want to wake early for the morning mist and experience pastoral scenery. Prices are higher in peak season, so booking ahead is recommended.
• Downtown Xingyi (Jushan Square/Old Town): Close to Jiexin Huayuan Night Market and the museum, with plenty of dining, convenient transport, and good value. Ideal for visitors who enjoy eating, strolling, and setting off by self-drive.
• Fenglin Buyei Scenic Area: You can stay in guesthouses inside the scenic area and enjoy benefits such as included admission and sightseeing-bus transfers. It is also convenient for watching folk performances in the evening.

Transport and Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Transport: Attractions in Qianxinan are relatively spread out, so self-driving is the most convenient option. If traveling by high-speed rail, you can first arrive at Panzhou Station and then transfer to a bus; by air, you can fly directly to Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport.
• Maling River Canyon Route: The recommended route is to enter at “Dachaiwo” and exit at “Xiaoqingshan.” The whole route mainly goes downstairs, and you can take an elevator for the final section to save energy. Those traveling with seniors or children can choose the easier “Xiaoqingshan in, Xiaoqingshan out” route with elevator access both ways.
• Weather and Clothing: In Guizhou, “there are never three sunny days in a row.” The canyon is very misty, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes and bring a raincoat. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so even in summer, a light jacket is recommended.
• Avoiding Peak Crowds: Wanfenglin and Maling River can be crowded during the summer peak season. It is recommended to enter before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid the crowds and enjoy better light for photos.