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The Chishui River Valley Tourist Highway in Zunyi, Guizhou, is China's first river valley tourist highway and the first comprehensive, fast and slow-moving tourist corridor. Starting in Maotai Town, Renhuai City, and passing through Tucheng Town, Xishui County, the highway ends in the Chishui urban area. It includes 160 kilometers of red asphalt mountain bike trails and 154 kilometers of black asphalt motorways. The main lines are G212, S303, and G546, with a designed speed of 40 kilometers per hour and a roadbed width of 8.5 meters. The route features 12 post stations, 26 campsites, and 23 observation decks and rest areas.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
May to October is suitable for summer heat relief, and spring and winter are slightly colder.
Chishui Waterfall Scenic Area
Located in the Danxia landform area, the Chishui Waterfall is China's second largest waterfall. As you enter the scenic area, you'll admire the Danxia landform, alpine waterfalls, and bamboo forests. The Chishui Waterfall, at the bottom of the valley, is the most spectacular.
In the middle of the scenic area, there is the Zhongdong Waterfall. Many tourists will miss this place. Compared with the Chishui Waterfall, the Zhongdong Waterfall is not high, but it is more beautiful and enchanting.
Sidonggou Scenic Area
Sidonggou is comprised of four distinct waterfalls, spaced roughly evenly throughout the scenic area. Each is truly spectacular: the majestic Water Curtain Cave Waterfall, the silver-comb-like Moon Pond Waterfall, the Flying Frog Cliff Waterfall, associated with the legend of Chang'e, and the scenic area's largest, White Dragon Pond Waterfall. The area boasts breathtaking peaks and lush forests, with rare, nationally protected plants like Alsophila spinulosa and Camellia dasyphylla abundantly visible. Other Danxia wonders include the enchanting Shixiang Mountain and Duxian Bridge.
Foguangyan Scenic Area
"One mountain has four seasons, and the weather changes every ten miles" truly captures the ecological essence of Foguangyan Scenic Area. This is the best-developed, most uniformly exposed, and most distinctive Danxia landform of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods in China. The scenic area is divided into Foguangyan and Five Pillar Peaks. Foguangyan resembles a red, wordless heavenly book, cascading down a cascading waterfall, creating a truly spectacular sight. Five Pillar Peaks, formed by five tower-shaped Danxia peaks, are a breathtaking display of natural beauty and unique form.
The highway is free, but there are tickets for scenic spots along the way.
The Chishui River Valley is a historically significant region known for its natural beauty and ecological diversity. It has been an important area for agricultural development and cultural heritage for the Miao people. The river is also a vital water source for the local communities and has become a symbol of natural preservation.
Chishui River Valley is located in the northern part of Guizhou Province, near Zunyi. It can be accessed by bus or taxi from Zunyi city, approximately 80 kilometers away. The most convenient way is to take a bus from Zunyi’s main bus station, which connects to various attractions in the valley.
The Chishui River Valley is open year-round, though the best times to visit are from March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild and the landscape is most scenic. Summer months can be hot, and the area can get crowded during Chinese public holidays.
The entrance fees for Chishui’s main attractions range from 30 to 80 RMB, depending on the site. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit, though some attractions may offer online booking during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but it is recommended during the high tourist season or for special events. A day or two in advance is typically sufficient for popular sites like the Chishui Waterfalls.
It generally takes 1-2 days to explore the main attractions in the Chishui River Valley, including the river, waterfalls, and surrounding nature reserves. For a more in-depth experience, particularly in local villages, you may want to allow extra time.
Guided tours are available for the major attractions in the Chishui River Valley, and guides typically speak Mandarin. Some areas may offer audio guides, but they are mostly in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be available for larger groups or on request.
Night visits are not common in the Chishui River Valley, and light shows are not typically held. However, special cultural performances or festivals may be available during peak seasons, especially in nearby towns.
Chishui River Valley can be crowded during national holidays and weekends. The best time to visit with fewer crowds is during weekdays in the off-peak season (winter and early spring).
Facilities are available at most major attractions, including toilets, food stalls, and rest areas. Larger areas may have small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. It’s advisable to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to explore remote areas.
While some areas in the valley, such as the waterfalls and nature reserve, have uneven terrain that may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors, the main areas are accessible for families with children. Proper footwear is recommended for all visitors.
Cash is still widely used in the region, but mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming increasingly common, especially in larger towns and tourist sites.
There are several local restaurants around the Chishui River Valley serving traditional Guizhou dishes such as rice noodles, hot pots, and grilled meats. Smaller cafes may offer snacks and drinks.
Vegetarian options are available in many local restaurants, including stir-fried vegetables and tofu dishes. Halal food is less common but may be found in larger towns or specific Muslim areas.
There are several guesthouses and budget accommodations near the Chishui River Valley. For more comfortable stays, hotels in Zunyi city offer a wider range of options, from budget to mid-range hotels.
Nearby attractions include the Zunyi Conference site and the Miao villages of Zunyi, which offer an interesting cultural experience. A visit to the Zunyi Red Army Memorial is also a notable historical site that can be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops near the Chishui River Valley sell local crafts, such as Miao silver jewelry, hand-woven textiles, and traditional ceramics. Local food products, like rice cakes and tea, are also popular souvenirs.
From Chishui River Valley, you can take a bus or taxi to Zunyi city, which has train and bus connections to other major destinations in Guizhou and beyond.
