Where to escape the scorching summer heat? I choose Libo, Guizhou to beat the heat.

Pre-trip Preparation
- Documents: Bring your ID card, and also carry student ID, senior citizen card, etc. for potential ticket discounts.
- Clothing: Prepare waterproof jackets, hiking shoes, quick-dry T-shirts, etc., to cope with the rainy and humid mountain weather.
- Protective gear: Pack mosquito repellent, raincoats, sunscreen, etc., to prevent insect bites, rain, and UV damage.
- Other items: Download offline maps and prepare a lightweight backpack.

Transportation Guide
- Getting there: Take a high-speed train to "Libo Station"; or fly to Guiyang Airport first, then transfer to a bus (about 3 hours) directly to Libo.
- Local travel: Choose the scenic area shuttle (¥20-30/person) or rent a private car (¥200-400/day).

Attractions Introduction
- Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area: A UNESCO World Heritage Site of China's karst landscape, featuring the ancient Xiaoqikong Bridge, 68-tiered waterfall, Cuigu Waterfall, Wolong Pond, and more, hailed as "Guizhou's Little Jiuzhaigou."
- Libo Maolan National Nature Reserve: Showcases unique karst forest scenery. Visit Crab Gully for photos and crab-spotting, or hike the Qinglongtan-Crab Gully trail to immerse in nature's beauty.
- Libo Ancient Town: A charming town with Ming-Qing architectural style. Explore the Buyi ethnic night market in the evening for local folk experiences.
- Yaoshan Ancient Village: Home to China's last gun-toting tribe, serving as a living museum of the Bai Ku Yao culture. Enjoy Yao herbal baths, long-table feasts, and bonfire parties.

Accommodation Recommendations
- Luxury: Guizhou Xiaoqikong Pullman Hotel, featuring private balcony hot springs; Libo Xiaoqikong Ruijing Hotel, offering free tickets to Xiaoqikong and Daqikong, located by the Zhangjiang River near the scenic area's East Gate.
- Local charm: Libo Yaochi Homestay (Yaoshan Ancient Village branch), blending ethnic character with rustic authenticity for an unforgettable stay.
- Boutique homestay: Luanxi Yunshe Cultural Yao Bath & Hot Spring Hotel (Libo Xiaoqikong East Gate branch), where you can admire serene mountain views while indulging in private Yao herbal baths.

Food Recommendations
- Libo sour pork: Fermented pork paired with houttuynia cordata, offering a unique flavor.
- Stir-fried water fern with bacon: A local karst specialty, water fern stir-fried with cured pork for a rich aroma.
- Wild bayberry soup: Made from wild bayberries, sweet and tangy, perfect for cooling off in summer.
- Zhangjiang grilled fish: Fresh river fish grilled to golden crispiness, then stewed in a special spicy broth—deliciously fragrant and flavorful.

Itinerary Planning
- 3-day, 2-night trip
- Day 1: Arrive in Libo and head to Daqikong Scenic Area. Take a bamboo raft through the "Canyon Gate" and hike the Yaofeng Cave boardwalk. Return to Libo Ancient Town in the evening for a long-table feast.
- Day 2: Start at Xiaoqikong Bridge and explore upstream attractions like the 68-tiered waterfall, Cuigu Waterfall, Mandarin Duck Lake, and Wolong Pond.
- Day 3: Visit Yaoshan Ancient Village to join bronze drum dances, observe granary clusters, and savor the Yao King's Feast. In the afternoon, venture to Maolan Reserve for the Qinglongtan-Crab Gully hike and explore local cave dwellings.