Reverse travel is amazing! Hidden autumn water forest in Guizhou, very few people and great for photos

While the north enters the cold winter, the south is playing out the most splendid autumn fairy tale. This time I chose a completely reverse travel route, avoiding all popular destinations, and came to Zhangjiang in Libo, Guizhou. The result was—amazing! There’s no noisy crowd here, only the roar of waterfalls, the babbling of streams, and the rustling of colorful forests in the wind. It’s a true sensory SPA.
​​【Power Walking Mode VS Relaxed Mode: Two Ways to Enjoy Zhangjiang!】​​
​🏃🏻‍♀️ Power Walking Mode (1-day highlights version):​​
Suitable for those with limited time and good stamina. Enter the park before 8 a.m., head straight to the Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge for photos, seize the best spots while it’s less crowded. Then take the sightseeing bus to Wolong Pool and tour downstream, focusing on Wolong Pool, Mandarin Duck Lake (boating), Cuigu Waterfall, and the Water Forest. You can finish Xiaoqikong by 4 p.m., and if you still have energy, visit Daqikong to see the Natural Bridge. You’ll definitely walk over 10,000 steps in one day, but won’t miss any key spots.
​😌 Relaxed Mode (2-day leisure version):​​
This is my highly recommended way! Spend a relaxed afternoon on the first day exploring Daqikong and feeling the grandeur of the canyon. Spend the whole second day leisurely touring Xiaoqikong. You can boat on Mandarin Duck Lake for an hour, sit and daydream on the stone piers in the Water Forest, and linger in front of your favorite waterfalls. The key is to enjoy the process, not rush to check off spots. This way you can truly appreciate the tranquil beauty of Zhangjiang.
​​【📸 Photo Spot List: How to Shoot Cinematic Travel Photos】​​
​Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge​: Best times are early morning or late afternoon, avoiding noon for soft lighting. You can shoot panoramic views from the viewing platform on one side of the bridge or go under the bridge to capture reflections on the water surface, creating a full atmosphere.
​Wolong Pool​: Close to the pool, use the emerald water and colorful trees as the background, with people as accents to create the feeling of being in a painting. A wide-angle lens can capture more spectacular scenery.
​68-step Waterfall​: Walk down along the plank road, there are many spots close to the water flow. Lower your camera angle and use slow shutter speed to capture the silky texture of flowing water. People can stand on the plank road to create a contrast between motion and stillness.
​Cuigu Waterfall​: The platform in front of the waterfall is spacious, great for dynamic photos like running or spinning to make the pictures lively.
​​【🍽️🏡 Food and Accommodation Recommendations】​​
It’s recommended to stay in Libo County town, where there are many options and convenient dining. We stayed at a well-designed guesthouse that was clean and cozy. For food, Libo’s sour soup fish is a must-try, with a sour and spicy broth that whets the appetite and tender fish meat. Other local specialties include sliced meat noodles, tofu flower grilled fish, and yangmei (bayberry) soup, all affordable.
​​【Pre-trip Preparation Checklist】​​
□ ID card (needed for tickets) □ Comfortable hiking shoes (most important!) □ Windbreaker □ Rain gear (mountain weather changes often) □ Power bank □ Sunscreen □ Small amount of cash □ A relaxed heart
This autumn secret hidden deep in Guizhou is truly not to be missed! Just the blue-green river water and colorful forest alone are worth the trip. Save this guide and plan your reverse travel now!

Post by StarrySorcerer42424242 | Oct 18, 2025