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Duyun, the capital of Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province, is the political, economic, and cultural center of southern Guizhou. Duyun is known as the "Plateau Bridge City": nearly 100 bridges in a variety of architectural styles span the Jianjiang River, which embraces the city. These unique bridges blend classic charm with modern style, grandeur with delicate elegance, earning Duyun the nickname "Bridge Museum."
Numerous rivers converge into the Jianjiang River, the source of the Yuanjiang River, which flows through the city. The jade-like Jianjiang River, along its banks, is bathed in the chirping of birds and the blossoming of flowers, while towering green mountains create a natural environment where nature blends beautifully with nature. Duyun boasts stunning scenery, rich ethnic customs, and abundant tourism resources. In October 2001, Duyun was awarded the title of China's Excellent Tourism City, and in June 2012, it was recognized as a Global Green City, the only city in Guizhou Province to receive this honor.
Duyun has a subtropical humid monsoon climate with distinct four seasons. There is no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. There is abundant rainfall, and rain and heat occur in the same season. The three-dimensional climate is obvious. It is a rare tourist and holiday climate in China with warm winters and cool summers.
Duyun Doupeng Mountain Scenic Area
Pengshan Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Duyun City, 22 kilometers away from the urban area. It is the closest virgin forest area to the city in China. The mountain has peaks, canyons, caves, streams and waterfalls. The virgin forest coverage rate is nearly 90%. Among them, there are nearly 100 hectares of virgin ancient forests on the high mountain plateau at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The roots of the trees all grow in the cracks of the rocks. The strange sights of trees embracing rocks, rocks embracing trees, and trees building bridges can be seen everywhere.
Screw Shell Primeval Forest
The Luosikuo Primeval Forest Nature Reserve boasts over 30,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares) of primeval forest, home to a variety of trees, including pine, fir, camphor, bamboo, and water bamboo. It is home to wildlife, including tigers, leopards, bears, and marmots, and boasts over 30 streams. It serves as a natural oxygen bar and boasts pristine natural landscapes. Luosikuo, the highest peak, stands at 1,738 meters, the second highest in the city. It is often bathed in a sea of clouds that stretches for dozens of miles.
Cobblestone Street
The stone street is neither big nor long. It is a commercial street for local ethnic minorities. However, it is mostly aimed at foreign tourists for sightseeing. Most of the things sold are souvenirs and tourist supplies.
Duyun is a historical city in Guizhou, known for its Buyi ethnic culture and natural beauty. The Yinzhai village is particularly important for its cultural heritage, with traditional architecture and local customs still alive today. The area is also renowned for its scenic landscapes and biodiversity.
Duyun is located in the southeastern part of Guizhou, about 150 km from Guiyang. The most common way to get there is by bus or taxi from Guiyang, as the city does not have metro services. Once in Duyun, local taxis or walking can be used to explore nearby attractions.
There are no specific opening hours for the city of Duyun or Yinzhai village, as they are public areas. The best time to visit is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Entrance to most attractions in Duyun, such as Yinzhai village, is free of charge. However, some specific sites or tours may charge a small fee. Tickets can be purchased onsite or through local travel agencies.
Booking in advance is generally not required, except for guided tours or special events. It is recommended to book a day or two before if visiting during peak seasons or if you want a guided tour.
To fully explore Duyun and its attractions, including the Yinzhai village and the surrounding natural areas, 1-2 days are sufficient.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, with some services offering English-speaking guides. Audio guides may be available at some sites like Yinzhai village.
Night visits are not typically offered in Duyun, as the area is more focused on daytime cultural and natural experiences. However, some festivals or special events may include evening activities.
While Duyun is not a major tourist hub, it can get busier during holidays or weekends. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays outside of major holidays like National Day and Chinese New Year.
Facilities such as toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available at most major attractions. Small shops selling local goods and snacks can also be found in and around the city and tourist areas.
While most of Duyun and its attractions are accessible, some natural sites and hikes may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain. However, the town center and Yinzhai village are relatively accessible for children and the elderly.
Cash is still commonly used in Duyun, but mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and shops.
There are numerous local restaurants offering Guizhou’s famous spicy and sour cuisine, including rice noodles, hot pots, and local snacks. Many restaurants in the town center cater to tourists.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, with many restaurants offering plant-based dishes. Halal food options are also available in some parts of the town catering to Muslim visitors.
There are a variety of hotels in Duyun, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. For more luxurious accommodations, you can find options in Guiyang, which is around a 2-3 hour drive away.
Nearby attractions include the Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Zhijin Cave, known for its spectacular karst formations.
Souvenir shops in Duyun offer local handicrafts, such as embroidered textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Traditional Miao clothing and silver items are popular choices.
From Duyun, buses and taxis can be used to reach other major destinations in Guizhou, including Guiyang, the provincial capital. Trains and buses are also available for long-distance travel to other parts of China.
