The Stunning Luocheng Tiankeng Secret Realm! The Sky and Earth Bookstore Deep in the Jiuwan Mountains

At the edge of the 326-meter-deep tiankeng, shrouded in mist, lies a soul-stirring cloud bookstore.

Deep in the Jiuwan Mountains of northern Guangxi is Luocheng, China’s only Mulao Autonomous County. Here, you’ll find not only landscapes rivaling Yangshuo’s but also a secret realm built by heaven and man: the Cotton Tiankeng and the cloud bookstore perched atop the cliff.

Cotton Tiankeng: The Shock of Gravity

Luocheng’s Cotton Tiankeng is 326 meters deep and 305 meters long. One of its four inner walls is a vertical cliff, while the other three are covered with dense vegetation. Standing at the edge and looking down, you can almost hear the earth breathing.

Walking slowly along the cliff trail, you’ll encounter the hidden “Cloud Bookstore” nestled in the rock face. This cleverly constructed bookstore, with glass walls on all sides, seems to float amidst the clouds and mist. Sitting by the window, reading a book while overlooking the profound tiankeng, you truly experience the feeling of “the world as your pages, mountains and rivers as your words,” elevating the joy of reading.

Mulao Culture: A Living Museum

Luocheng is not only the hometown of the legendary singer Liu Sanjie but also the place where the honest Qing dynasty official Yu Chenglong began his career. After exploring the tiankeng, don’t miss the chance to try on Mulao traditional clothing and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this land.

Travel Tips

· Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Guangzhou South Station to Liuzhou, then transfer to Luocheng.
· Must-Do: Tiankeng skywalk, cliffside bookstore reading, Mulao cultural experience.
· Nearby Recommendations: Jianjiang Ten-Mile Gallery, “Not Guilin, but better than Guilin,” and Huaiqun Tianmen Mountain, where you can raft through the Tianmen.

Travel Advice

· Best Time: Autumn, when the sky is clear and the views are best.
· Accommodation: Several hotels are available in Luocheng County.
· Reminder: Be cautious in dangerous areas and always respect nature.

Between heaven and earth, books and nature meet wonderfully, expanding both your mind and vision. Brave young travelers, embark on this journey and let your body and soul travel together—this is not just a trip, but a transcendence of life.