I rarely use the word "awe-inspiring" to describe a place—until I came here.

In-Depth Travel Guide to Twelve Backs in Zunyi, Guizhou

1. Why Choose Twelve Backs?
‌Geological Wonder‌: Home to Asia's longest twin-river cave system (238 km), featuring the world's largest celestine cave—a true "underground museum"
‌Summer Retreat‌: Average 25°C in summer, over 80% forest coverage, with peak negative oxygen ions reaching 400,000/cc
‌Adventure Paradise‌: Unique experiences like cave via ferrata and underground river rafting
‌Untouched Beauty‌: Newly listed on the 2025 World Heritage Tentative List, still free from mass tourism

Recommended Itineraries
2-Day Highlights Tour
‌Day 1‌: Zunyi Station → Twelve Backs accommodation → Yinhe Cave Via Ferrata → Shuanghe Cave exploration → Cliffside coffee
‌Day 2‌: Qingxi Gorge cruise → Underground fissure adventure → Return

Family-Friendly Edition
Yinhe Cave mini-loop (suitable for children over 1.3m)
Underground river paddleboarding
Paleontological fossil exhibition

3. Transportation Guide
‌High-speed rail + shuttle‌: Take the direct shuttle from Zunyi Station (1.5 hours, ¥60/person), book via "Zunyi Tong" app in advance
‌Self-drive‌: ~3.5 hours from Chongqing, ~2 hours from Guiyang
‌Free shuttles‌: Frequent transfers between scenic spots

4. Food Recommendations
‌On-site‌: Shuanghe Inn Restaurant (try the sour fish soup)
‌Nearby‌: Suiyang beef hotpot (15-minute drive)
‌Local snacks‌: Zunyi mutton rice noodles, yellow rice cakes

5. Accommodation Picks
‌Luxury‌: Shuanghe Inn (national top-rated homestay with ticket packages)
‌Budget-friendly‌: Qingxi Gorge Lodge (lake-view rooms)
‌Unique‌: Cave-themed homestays (book 1 month ahead)

6. Pro Tips
‌Best timing‌: Visit after 3pm on weekdays for fewer crowds and optimal lighting
‌Gear‌: Non-slip shoes + light jacket + waterproof phone case
‌Discounts‌: 20% off for online bookings 2 hours early, 50% student discount
‌Safety‌: Assess fitness level for via ferrata; weak signals in caves

Twelve Backs perfectly blends geological marvels with outdoor adventures—an ideal "reverse tourism" summer destination.
Its 2025 World Heritage Tentative Listing has made it Guizhou's new tourism landmark.