Qiannan

Qiannan is cool in summer, but you should bring a light jacket for mornings and evenings in the mountains.

Qiannan Prefecture in Guizhou combines the mountain-and-water scenery known as the “emerald on the belt of the Earth” with world-class astronomical facilities. The average summer temperature is about 20°C, making it suitable for escaping the heat, enjoying the water, and taking mountain trips. The itinerary below can be used as a reference for exploring Qiannan.

Must-visit highlights

Qiannan’s attractions are quite far apart and can generally be divided into three types: natural landscapes, astronomy and science sites, and ethnic villages.

• Libo Xiaoqikong: Often called the “emerald on the belt of the Earth,” this area features sights such as the 68-level waterfall and the blue-green waters of Wolong Pool. It is recommended to enter from the west gate and leave from the east gate, using the sightseeing bus between stops. The full visit takes about 5 hours.
• China Sky Eye: Located in Pingtang County, this is the world’s largest single-dish spherical radio telescope. Electronic devices are not allowed in the scenic area. Visitors must store them before taking a shuttle bus up the mountain. It is a good place to learn about astronomy and experience a major scientific research project up close.
• Yaoshan Ancient Village: A village inhabited by the Baiku Yao people, about 5 kilometers from Xiaoqikong. You can watch bronze drum dances, visit a group of 300-year-old granaries, and learn about the Yao intangible cultural heritage craft of paste-resist dyeing. The overall pace is relaxed.
• Luodian Dajing and Xiaojing: A free karst landscape area with clear waters, caves, and sinkholes. You can tour by bamboo raft, with clumps of fish-tail bamboo lining both banks. The route is gentle and requires no climbing, making it suitable for seniors and children as well.
• Duyun Qin-Han Film and Television City: One of the larger Qin- and Han-themed film studios in southwest China. Several productions, including *The Untamed*, were filmed here. You can wear Hanfu for photos, and there are free costume performances in the afternoon. It is suitable for a relaxing half-day visit.

Classic 5-day, 4-night itinerary

This route covers Qiannan’s main natural attractions and technology sites. The pace is fairly moderate and is suitable for self-driving or hiring a car with a driver.

• Day 1: Arrive in Duyun and experience everyday life in the “city of bridges”
  • Morning: After arriving in Duyun, visit the Qiannan Prefecture Museum to learn about local prehistoric civilization and multi-ethnic culture.
  • Afternoon: Visit Qin-Han Film and Television City, where you can change into Hanfu and take photos.
  • Evening: Go to Shiban Street Night Market for dinner. Try local flavors such as chongchong cake, grilled small tofu, and beef with shrimp sour sauce.
• Day 2: Duyun → Libo Xiaoqikong (about 2.5 hours)
  • Full day: Explore Libo Xiaoqikong in depth. It is recommended to enter from the west gate and visit Wolong Pool, Yuanyang Lake, the Water Forest, and Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge in order, with a focus on the water scenery.
  • Evening: Stay in Libo County. You can stroll around Libo Ancient Town and try Yaoshan sour soup fish.
• Day 3: In-depth Libo visit → Pingtang (about 2 hours)
  • Morning: Visit Yaoshan Ancient Village to learn about Baiku Yao customs.
  • Afternoon: Drive to Kedu Town in Pingtang County and stay in the Astronomy Town.
  • Evening: Enjoy the town’s starry-sky-themed atmosphere and save your energy for visiting China Sky Eye the next day.
• Day 4: Pingtang Sky Eye → Luodian Dajing and Xiaojing (about 2 hours)
  • Morning: Visit the China Sky Eye scenic area for an astronomy education experience and to feel the impact of this major research facility. Note that electronic devices are not allowed inside.
  • Afternoon: Head to Luodian Dajing and Xiaojing. Take a bamboo raft to enjoy the clear waters and cave scenery, and experience the rural karst landscape.
  • Evening: Stay in Luodian County, or return to Duyun.
• Day 5: Relax around Duyun → Return trip
  • Morning: Go to Luosike for an easy hike and mountain views, or take a restorative walk along the Jianjiang River.
  • Afternoon: Buy local specialties such as Duyun Maojian tea and Dushan pickled vegetables before leaving.

Must-try local foods

Qiannan cuisine is mainly sour and spicy, with Dushan shrimp sour sauce and pickled vegetables being especially representative.

Accommodation and transport tips

• Where to stay:
  • Downtown Duyun: Consider staying near Dashi Zi or Shiban Street. Transport is convenient and there are many dining options, making it suitable for the start or end of the trip.
  • Libo County town: Convenient for visiting Xiaoqikong and Yaoshan Ancient Village. There are many hotel options, and prices are usually more reasonable than inside the scenic areas.
  • Kedu Town, Pingtang: Close to China Sky Eye, making it easier to enter the site early. The nearby Astronomy Town has supporting facilities that are gradually improving.
• Transport options:
  • Long-distance transport: You can take a high-speed train to Duyun East Station, or fly to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport and rent a car for a self-drive trip.
  • Local transport: Attractions in Qiannan are far apart. For example, China Sky Eye is about 2 hours by car from Xiaoqikong. Self-driving or hiring a car with a driver is recommended, as public transport connections are not very convenient.

Practical tips

• Sky Eye security check: Mobile phones, cameras, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside the China Sky Eye scenic area and must be stored at the entrance. Film cameras can be rented on-site for photos, at about 30 yuan per photo.
• Book in advance: Xiaoqikong and China Sky Eye receive many visitors, so it is recommended to buy tickets in advance through their official WeChat accounts to avoid being unable to enter at the last minute.
• What to wear: The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains is noticeable. Even in summer, bring a light jacket. There are many mosquitoes near the water at Xiaoqikong, so prepare mosquito repellent and sunscreen in advance.
• Food note: Qiannan dishes tend to be sour and spicy. If you do not eat spicy food, clearly say “no chili” when ordering.
• Hiking gear: If you plan to hike in Maolan Nature Reserve or Luosike, wear non-slip hiking shoes or creek-trekking shoes. Mountain weather changes quickly, so carry rain gear with you.