Qianxinan

Qianxinan is fairly cool in summer, with a noticeable temperature difference between morning and evening.

Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is a good place to slow down and travel at an easy pace. Prices here are relatively friendly. You will find peak-forest landscapes once described by Xu Xiake, as well as broad, impressive canyons and lakes, making it suitable for summer escapes and relaxed trips.

• Wanfenglin Scenic Area: One of China’s more representative karst peak-forest landscapes, with more than 20,000 cone-shaped peaks stretching across the area and Buyi villages scattered among them. You can take a sightseeing bus for distant views of the Bagua Fields, or rent a small electric scooter to ride between rice paddies and village roads and enjoy the countryside scenery.
• Maling River Canyon: Often called “the most beautiful scar on Earth,” this canyon has more than 100 waterfalls pouring down its cliffs. Focus your visit on the core section of Tianxing Gallery. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a raincoat so you can experience the canyon mist up close.
• Wanfeng Lake: The largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with many islands and a reputation as a “paradise for wild fishing.” You can take a boat to visit Jilong Castle and the Small Three Gorges. The lake scenery has more depth around sunset.
• Qinglong Twenty-Four Bends: This is a well-known wartime road, with 24 sharp bends winding up a 60-degree steep slope. Visitors need to take a sightseeing bus up the mountain. From the viewing platform at the top, you can overlook the full road layout and visit the War of Resistance Museum to learn about its history.
• Fenglin Buyi: An immersive scenic area themed around Buyi culture, set against mountains and water, with a simple, traditional architectural style. At night there are folk performances such as the intangible cultural heritage molten-iron fireworks show, and it is also a good place to take photos in ethnic clothing.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xingyi and get a feel for local city life

After arrival, check in, then visit the Qianxinan Prefecture Museum in the afternoon to learn about Yelang culture. In the evening, go to the Jiexin Garden Pedestrian Street Night Market in the old town to try local snacks such as shuabatou and chicken tangyuan, and experience the everyday atmosphere of old Xingyi.

• Day 2: A slow-paced visit to Wanfenglin

In the morning, take a sightseeing bus up to a higher viewpoint for a panoramic view of Wanfenglin and the Bagua Fields. In the afternoon, rent a small electric scooter and ride through the rice paddies of Xianahui Village, visit popular cafés, or try catching fish in the rice fields. At dusk, go to Fenglin Buyi to watch the molten-iron fireworks performance.

• Day 3: Canyon waterfalls and lake scenery

In the morning, head to Maling River Canyon and hike along the cliffside boardwalks to see the many waterfalls inside the canyon. In the afternoon, drive to Wanfeng Lake, take a boat tour, and visit Jilong Castle. Afterward, you can wait for sunset on the lakeside lawn.

• Day 4: Wartime road and return trip

If time allows, drive to Qinglong County to visit the Twenty-Four Bends and experience the terrain and scale of this wartime road. Alternatively, go to Yuhuangding to watch the sunrise over a sea of clouds, then begin your return journey.

Must-Try Local Foods in Qianxinan

Qianxinan cuisine often uses mountain and wild ingredients, blends ethnic flavors, and has a clear sour-spicy profile. Overall, prices are relatively affordable.

• Xingyi Lamb Rice Noodles: A common local breakfast made with lamb-bone broth. The soup is clear in color but rich in flavor, served with a secret sauce, pickled radish, and mint. It is fresh and aromatic with little gamey taste.
• Chicken Tangyuan: Unlike the more common sweet tangyuan, these glutinous rice balls are filled with savory chicken and served in chicken broth. They are soft, chewy, and flavorful.
• Wanfenglin Egg Fried Rice: Made with free-range eggs and corn rice, then stir-fried over high heat with fermented chili and crispy pork lard bits. The grains stay dry and separate, with a strong wok aroma.
• Buyi Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish: Flavored with locally fermented sour bamboo shoots and cooked with fresh river carp or rice-field fish. It is sour, spicy, appetizing, and the fish is tender and well seasoned.
• Anlong Cold Cut Rice Noodles: Thin yet elastic rice sheets are mixed with pickled vegetables, fish mint, and chili oil. The flavor is sour, spicy, and refreshing, making it especially suitable for summer.

Where to Stay

• Inside Wanfenglin Scenic Area: There are many guesthouses to choose from, with countryside and peak-forest views right outside the window. This area suits travelers who want to get up early to see morning mist and experience rural scenery. Room rates are higher in peak season, so booking ahead is recommended.
• Downtown Xingyi (Jushan Square/Old Town): Close to Jiexin Garden Night Market and the museum, with plenty of dining options, convenient transport, and good value for money. It suits travelers who care about food, shopping, and easy self-driving departures.
• Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area: You can stay in guesthouses inside the scenic area. Some accommodations include admission tickets and sightseeing bus transfers, and it is also more convenient for watching folk performances at night.

Transport and Practical Travel Tips

• Transport options: Qianxinan’s attractions are fairly spread out, so self-driving is relatively the most convenient option. If taking the 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 “enter at Dachaiwo and exit at Xiaoqingshan.” It is mostly downhill stairs overall, and you can take an elevator for the final section to save energy. If traveling with elderly people or children, choose the “enter at Xiaoqingshan and exit at Xiaoqingshan” route, using the elevator both ways.
• Weather and clothing: Weather in Guizhou changes quickly, and the mist inside the canyon is obvious. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a raincoat. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so even in summer it is worth bringing a light jacket.
• Avoiding peak crowds: Wanfenglin and Maling River are busy during the summer peak season. Enter before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to reduce queuing and crowding; the light is also better for photos.