Complete Guide to Walking the Earth Fissure

Guanling 2 Days 1 Night Travel Guide: Explore Karst Wonders and Experience Buyi Culture
Day 1: Canyon Wonders and Buyi Cultural Experience

Morning: Arrive in Guanling, First Exploration of the Earth Fissure

Depart from Guiyang and drive about 2.5 hours to Guanling County. It is recommended to take the high-speed train to Anshun West Station and then transfer to a bus (about 1 hour) for more convenience.
Upon arrival, head straight to Guanling Fossil Group National Geopark (entrance fee 50 RMB). This is one of the richest sites in the world for Late Triassic marine reptile fossils. The massive ichthyosaur fossil wall is breathtaking. It is recommended to follow a guide to learn about the mysteries of the ancient ocean 240 million years ago (tour about 2 hours).

Lunch: Recommended "Buyi Eight Bowls" restaurant in the county town, try specialties like sour soup fish and stir-fried cured meat with fern cake, about 50 RMB per person.

Afternoon: Traverse the Most Beautiful Earth Fissure

Drive 40 minutes to Huajiang Grand Canyon (Beipan River Grand Canyon Guanling section). It is recommended to buy a boat ticket (about 80 RMB) to drift downstream. The thousand-meter cliffs on both sides look like they were carved by knives and axes. The karst landscape combined with the rushing river creates a magnificent scene. Along the way, you can see the mysterious "ancient hanging coffin" relics (full tour about 3 hours).
Special tip: The scenery is best during the high water period from May to September. Remember to bring sun protection and non-slip shoes.

Evening: Immersive Ethnic Experience

Head to Bangui Township Dragon Fruit Base (available for picking in summer). At sunset, take photos of the spectacular sea of dragon fruit lights from the viewing platform.
Stay overnight in a Buyi ethnic village homestay (recommended "Canyon Home" in Bangui Township, about 200 RMB/night). For dinner, enjoy the Buyi Biji feast and join the bonfire party to learn the bamboo pole dance.

Day 2: Exploring Natural Barriers and a Culinary Journey

Morning: Historical Footprints in the Sea of Clouds

Get up early to visit Hongya Tianshu (free), explore this mysterious ochre rock wall relic in the morning mist. Experts speculate it may be ancient Yi script or inscriptions of Zhuge Wuhou (tour about 1 hour).
Stop to admire the view at Baling River Bridge, a world-class bridge that forms a stunning contrast with the canyon. Photography enthusiasts should not miss this.

Late Morning: Seeking the Ancient Tea Horse Road

Explore Mucheng River Scenic Area (entrance fee 30 RMB). Hike along the well-preserved bluestone ancient path, passing through tree fern forests and waterfall clusters. Along the way, you can drink freshly brewed rosehip juice at a Buyi household (hike about 2.5 hours).

Lunch: Must-try Guanling specialty "Broken Bridge Green Pepper Fish." Recommended is the sour soup hotpot at "Hu Ji Fish Restaurant" in the county town, paired with freshly made tofu pudding, about 60 RMB per person.

Afternoon: A Surprise Before Departure

Depending on your time, choose:
Cultural option: Visit Guanling Buyi and Miao Autonomous County Museum (free) to learn more about intangible cultural heritage like the "Panjiang Xiao Diao" folk tune.
Leisure option: Relax at Guanling Hot Spring Resort (98 RMB/person) and soak in natural geothermal hot springs to relieve fatigue.

Travel Tips:

Best season: April to October (take sun protection and rain gear in summer, warm clothes in winter)
Transportation advice: Renting a car in Guiyang is most convenient, or take the high-speed train to Anshun and then charter a car (about 300 RMB/day)
Must-bring items: Non-slip hiking shoes, rain gear, camera (drone use requires prior approval)
Special souvenirs: Guanling dried dragon fruit, Bobo candy, Miao silver jewelry

Cost Reference (for 2 people):

Transportation: Car rental about 400 RMB + fuel 200 RMB
Accommodation: 200 RMB
Meals: 300 RMB
Tickets: about 400 RMB
Total: about 1500 RMB

This land nourished by the Beipan River is shaped by nature’s craftsmanship and enriched with ancient ethnic wisdom. Though just two days and one night, it is enough to let you remember Guanling’s grandeur and warmth.