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Screw Shell is an interesting natural and geological attraction, offering opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation. Recommended activities include:
The Luosiku Scenic Area, located 15 kilometers west of Duyun City at an altitude of 1,738 meters, is a sister mountain to Doupeng Mountain and is named for its resemblance to a giant snail. Luosiku boasts overlapping peaks and crisscrossing canyons, boasting over 2,000 hectares of virgin and secondary forests. The mountaintops encompass 1,500 hectares of grassland, creating alpine grasslands reminiscent of the " vast sky and boundless wilderness " of the Great Wall.
As many as 31 rivers and streams flow through the mountains , including the majestic Tianluoshui Waterfall, which rises over 100 meters, the treacherous Yangjiachong Gorge, which is over 300 meters deep, and the thunderous Sifangtan Alpine Waterfall. Furthermore, there are ancient castle ruins, seas of clouds and mountain waves, a vast hunting ground, rare animals such as black bears, marmots, and musk deer, and rare medicinal herbs such as Gastrodia elata and Ganoderma lucidum.
Luosikou is also the birthplace of Duyun Maojian tea. Walking through the mountains, you'll notice the unassuming, low-lying shrubs along the roadside are actually famous tea trees. Almost every household brews a large pot of tea as a daily drink, so you can ask for a cup when you pass by.
In spring, you can watch tea picking in the tea mountains, in summer you can watch waterfalls and play in the water, in autumn you can camp on alpine grass mats and count the stars, and in winter you can take beautiful photos of ice and icicles.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
free
All day
Screw Shell is a rare natural phenomenon in Guizhou, renowned for its distinctive spiral shell formations. The site holds geological and ecological importance, providing insight into the region's ancient past and unique environmental conditions.
Screw Shell is located in Guiding Yinzhai, Guizhou. It can be reached by taxi from the nearest city center, or you can drive directly. Public transport options might be limited, so it's advisable to check local travel guides.
The site is open year-round, with operating hours typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor exploration.
The entrance fee for Screw Shell is typically low, around 20-30 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and there is no need to book tickets online.
No, advance booking is not necessary for Screw Shell as tickets can be purchased at the entrance. There are no significant crowds during the weekdays, so you can simply show up.
Exploring Screw Shell typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend hiking, photographing, and learning about the geological significance of the area.
The main highlight is the collection of screw-shaped shells, which are unique to this region. The surrounding natural landscape also provides scenic viewpoints for photography and relaxation.
Guided tours may be available at the site, typically in Mandarin. It is advisable to check with local operators in advance if you require a guide in other languages.
The best viewpoints are near the main shell formations, where you can capture both the unique spiral shapes and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light offers the best photography opportunities.
The recommended route is to first visit the main shell formation area, then take a leisurely walk around the park to explore other geological features. End the visit with a relaxing time by the natural pools or resting areas.
There are no night visits or light shows available at Screw Shell, as it is primarily a daytime attraction.
The site is generally not crowded, but weekends and public holidays can see more visitors. Weekdays, especially in the mornings, are the least crowded times to visit.
The site offers basic amenities such as public toilets, resting areas, and small kiosks for refreshments. There are no major food vendors inside the park, so bringing snacks or a picnic is recommended.
Screw Shell is accessible for children and elderly visitors, but some areas may have uneven ground, making it more challenging for those with mobility issues. Visitors should use caution in certain sections.
Cash is the primary form of payment at Screw Shell, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly accepted at most sites in Guizhou.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the park, but local restaurants in Guiding provide a variety of meals, including Guizhou specialties such as sour fish soup and rice noodles.
Vegetarian food options are generally available in the nearby town of Guiding, with local eateries offering vegetable-based dishes. Halal food options might be limited in this region, as it is not a predominantly Muslim area.
There are several hotels in Guiding, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. For more luxurious stays, consider options in nearby cities like Duyun, which is about an hour’s drive away.
Other nearby attractions include the Shuanglong Cave and Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Both sites are within a few hours’ drive and make for great additions to a day trip in the region.
Souvenir shops near the site offer items such as locally made handicrafts, textiles, and small souvenirs related to the geological formations. Hand-carved items and ethnic jewelry are popular buys.
After visiting Screw Shell, the best way to continue your trip is by taxi or private car. You can also take a local bus or drive to nearby towns such as Duyun or continue exploring Guizhou.
