Dadong Bamboo Sea

Introducing Dadong Bamboo Forest

The Dadong Bamboo Sea Scenic Area is located in the southeast of Panzhou. There are more than 30,000 acres of bamboo forest in the bamboo sea scenic area, among which the characteristic landscapes include listening to the waves in the blue sea, watching the sunrise on the cloud peak, misty waves in the Chengxi, clear springs under the bamboo, azaleas above the clouds and rare treasures in the forest.

The average forest coverage rate within the area reaches 63.8%, with the core area boasting a whopping 89.7%, earning it the reputation of both a "Sea of ​​Bamboo" and a "natural oxygen bar and summer resort." The cool, refreshing natural environment, the breathtaking bamboo sea landscape, the time-honored traditional papermaking methods, the clear and healthy bamboo root water, the fragrant and hearty bamboo root wine, and the unforgettable all-bamboo banquets make the Bamboo Sea Scenic Area a premium retreat for leisure and wellness.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical climate, no severe cold in winter and no extreme heat in summer;

Suitable for all seasons, but best visited in late spring and early autumn

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Pan County Dadong

It is a world-famous Paleolithic cultural site and also the world's largest known ancient human cave site with cultural deposits, dating back 300,000 years.

Bamboo Sea on the Clouds

The area boasts a vast bamboo sea, boasting 30,000 mu of continuous gray bamboo forest, a rare area of ​​bamboo forest in Liupanshui. The "bamboo root water" created by the bamboo sea is a naturally soft water with extremely low hardness, formed under the unique geographical conditions of the bamboo forest. This is a world-first discovery of high-quality drinking water with health benefits, including anti-cancer and cancer prevention properties.

Tickets

Adult: 40 yuan;

Free for children under 1.2m, half price for children between 1.2m and 1.4m

Attraction opening hours

8:30-17:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Dadong Bamboo Sea

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Dadong Bamboo Sea (大洞竹海) is a scenic area in Pan County (Panzhou), Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province. It comprises two parts: the bamboo forest landscape area and the Dadong ancient human site (a Paleolithic cultural site) The bamboo sea area spans over 30,000 mu (≈20 km²) of contiguous bamboo, with forest coverage ~63.8% and core area up to 89.7%. The site has been developed in recent years (opened c. 2019) to combine natural, cultural, and architectural elements, including bamboo weaving designs in architecture.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It is located in Zhuhai Town, Bamboo Sea Town (竹海镇), Panzhou (盘州市), Liupanshui, southeastern side of the city cluster in Guizhou. Getting there:

• By car / self-drive: from Pu’an High-speed Railway Station it is ~20.9 km to the scenic area.
• By bus: from major cities like Guiyang, Kunming or Liupanshui, transfer to Panzhou / local bus to Bamboo Sea town.
• By train + local transit: take train to Red Fruit (Hongguo) station, then bus to Zhuhai town / Bamboo Sea scenic area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30 daily Recommended visit time: 3–4 hours Best seasons: spring to autumn (April to October), when the bamboo is lush and weather favorable. Early morning or just after rain offers mist and dramatic lighting.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The standard adult ticket is ¥30 Sightseeing bus (internal transport) costs ¥40 Tickets can be purchased onsite or via local Chinese travel platforms (e.g. Trip.com)

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No strict advance booking is required under normal conditions. For peak times or group tours, reserving a day ahead is safer.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

About 3 to 4 hours suffices to enjoy the core attractions (bamboo forest paths, viewpoints, ancient site, etc.).

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Dog-Jumping Rock (狗跳岩) — highest point viewpoint over the bamboo sea Bamboo Sea trails: Bihai Tingtao, Yunfeng Guanri, Chengyi Wulang, Zhuxia Qingquan, etc. Bamboo Sea Temple (竹海寺) — a religious/cultural node in the forest Bamboo garden creek (竹园溪) / glass walkway / plank trails / suspension paths Ancient papermaking workshop and heritage area Dadong Paleolithic cave/ancient human site (盘县大洞遗址) inside the park

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Local guided tours (in Chinese) are available; English guides or audio guides are less evidently offered (not widely mentioned in major sources).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

From Dog-Jumping Rock overlooking the bamboo sea; Glass/plank walkways through dense bamboo forest; Morning mist in bamboo groves; Light filtering through bamboo trunks at sunrise/sunset; Overlook points on ridge edges of forest; The ancient cave-site area for contrast photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter via the main gate → walk through forest trails / plank paths → visit bamboo temple → continue to papermaking museum and ancient human site → ascend to Dog-Jumping Rock viewpoint → take scenic bus or zipline sections back to base → explore nearby bamboo crafts street before exit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No widely reported night visits or light shows; the area is best experienced during daylight. Some cultural or seasonal night events may occasionally occur, but not a standard offering.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

It is a 3A-level scenic area, so it draws visitors, especially in summer. Least crowded times: weekdays (especially mornings), off-peak months outside national holidays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include restrooms along paths, scenic small rest shelters. Scenic buses (internal transport) operate in park. Bamboo craft shops, small food stalls near entrance and in scenic area. Papermaking workshop shop, bamboo souvenirs availability.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many paths are walkable; forest paths and boardwalks are moderate. Some steep or rugged trails (to Dog-Jumping Rock) may be challenging. Scenic buses help reduce walking for some segments, benefiting elderly or children.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Major ticket counters and shops likely accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay). For small vendors deep in forest or remote paths, cash is safer to carry.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Near the entrance and base area: local restaurants serving regional Guizhou cuisine and bamboo-themed dishes. In bamboo town / shops street: snack stalls, light refreshments.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food is generally possible (stir-fried vegetables, tofu). Halal options may be limited; in Panzhou or nearby larger towns better luck finding halal restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Guesthouses and inns in Zhuhai Town / Bamboo Sea Town near scenic area. Hotels in Panzhou / Pan County for more amenities.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

The Beipanjiang Railway Bridge (North Panjiang Bridge) — one of the world’s tallest bridges, located near Liupanshui area. Nearby karst landscapes, old towns in Pan County. Waterfalls or reservoir sites connected to the bamboo area’s hydrology.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Bamboo crafts (woven bamboo products, bamboo decorative items); Paper made by ancient papermaking; Bamboo-root wine, bamboo shoot snacks, local specialty foods.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Return by road / bus to Panzhou / Liupanshui; proceed onward to Guizhou cities (Guiyang, Anshun) by highway or train. Use regional link roads to nearby scenic or ethnic minority areas.