Xingyi, Guizhou｜Complete Guide to the Karst Secret Realm Hidden in Southwest Guizhou

Xingyi, Guizhou｜Complete Guide to the Karst Secret Realm Hidden in Southwest Guizhou
🌿 Introduction: The "Forest of Peaks Secret Realm" in Xu Xiake’s Writings
Deep in the mountains of Southwest Guizhou lies a small city highly praised by Xu Xiake as “Among all the mountains in the world, only here do peaks form a forest” — Xingyi. This place combines thousands of peaks forming forests, gorges with waterfalls, lakes, and villages, adorned with Miao silver jewelry and Buyi batik, making it the most worthwhile off-the-beaten-path travel destination in Guizhou for 2025. Avoid the crowds and spend 3 days unlocking the magic of karst landscapes and vibrant ethnic cultures.
📍 Must-Visit Attractions: Natural Wonders at Every Step
1. Wanfenglin: China’s Most Beautiful Cone-Shaped Karst
Highlights: 20,000 cone-shaped peaks rise like bamboo shoots after rain; in spring, rapeseed flower seas and bagua-shaped rice paddies create stunning pastoral scenes; in autumn, golden rice waves complement the peak forests.
Recommended Activities: Cycling: Ride along the river from Nahui Village to General’s Bridge, passing through Buyi villages and encountering farmers working in the fields.
Viewing Platform: The “Stars Surrounding the Moon” platform offers panoramic views of the peak forest; capture the “Golden Mountain in the Sunlight” glow at dusk.
Tips: During peak season (March-October), enter before 8 AM to avoid tour groups; electric scooters available for rent inside the park (50 RMB/day).
2. Maling River Canyon: Earth’s Most Beautiful “Scar”
Highlights: Over 100 waterfalls cascade in the 70 km long fissure canyon; the “Galloping Horses Waterfall” is 120 meters wide, often accompanied by rainbows in the mist.
Recommended Activities: Hiking: Descend from the Dachaiwo entrance, explore the “Tianxing Gallery” via cliff-hanging plank roads, and experience the roar of waterfalls up close.
Rafting: Experience “Fissure Rafting” during the high water season from June to August, 180 RMB/person, with a total drop of 200 meters, combining thrill and scenery.
Tips: Wear non-slip shoes and bring a raincoat (due to heavy waterfall mist); elevator one-way ticket costs 30 RMB, recommended for those with less stamina.
3. Wanfeng Lake: Plateau Thousand-Island Secret Realm
Highlights: The largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with 38 full islands and 58 peninsulas scattered like stars; Jilong Castle on the water resembles a European fairy tale.
Recommended Activities: Boat Tour: Take a painted boat from Hongchun Pier (80 RMB/person), enjoy the “Water Stone Forest” in the morning mist, and capture sunset silhouettes at Jilong Castle in the evening.
Wild Fishing: Bajie Town on the west shore is a “wild fishing paradise,” fishing spots rent for 50 RMB/day, and caught fish can be cooked by local farm inns (60 RMB/person).
4. Jilong Castle: European Castle on Water
Highlights: A Gothic spire castle isolated in the lake, connected by only one bridge; drone shots resemble the “Neuschwanstein Castle.”
Tips: Afternoon tea available inside the castle (88 RMB/person); the viewing platform on the opposite shore offers the best sunset photo spots.
🍜 Food Highlights: Flavors of Southwest Guizhou on Your Tongue
1. Must-Try Snacks
Chicken Rice Dumplings: Zou Ji Chicken Rice Dumplings (Fukang Branch), chicken broth base, savory meat filling, sprinkled with sesame sauce—delicious!
Xingyi Mutton Rice Noodles: Liu Ji Mutton Rice Noodles (Old Street Branch), black goat bone broth simmered for 8 hours, with crispy sausage and spicy chili paste, a local breakfast favorite.
Shuabatou: Qianxiang Flavor Shuabatou (Dafang Store), paper-thin skin filled with bamboo shoots and lean pork, dipped in a secret sour and spicy sauce to whet the appetite.
2. Authentic Restaurants
Buyi Eight Bowls: Experience a long-table feast in Fenglin Buyi Village, featuring sour bamboo shoot fish, five-color glutinous rice, and firewood smoked bacon, all for about 50 RMB per person until full.
Wanfeng Lake Fish Feast: “Old Boatman Fish Restaurant” at Hongchun Pier serves sour bamboo shoot wild fish hotpot (88 RMB per jin), with fish meat tender enough to melt in your mouth.
🚗 Transportation Guide: 3 Ways to Reach the Secret Realm
By Plane: Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport offers direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou; taxi to downtown costs 20 RMB (20 minutes).
By High-Speed Rail: After the Gui-Xing high-speed rail opens at the end of 2025, it will take only 2.5 hours from Guiyang to Xingyi; currently, take high-speed rail to Panzhou Station, then a 2-hour bus to Xingyi.
By Car: From Guiyang via Hukun Expressway → Qingxing Expressway (4 hours), with service areas for supplies; car rental recommended in the city (150 RMB/day).
🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: Sleep Among Peaks and Fields
Luxury Experience: Peak Forest Yueshan Hotel (inside Wanfenglin Scenic Area), with peak views from the window and outdoor hot springs, off-season price about 600 RMB/night.
Cost-Effective Choice: Weilai Homestay (Nahui Village under Wanfenglin), courtyard pool + rice field views, about 150 RMB per person, owner can arrange Buyi batik experience.
City Convenience: Fukang International Hotel (Jushan Square), near the food street, twin rooms 300 RMB/night, including buffet breakfast.
📌 Travel Tips: Pitfalls to Avoid and Practical Checklist
Best Seasons: March-April for rapeseed flower seas, September-October for golden rice fields; June-August for summer rafting but bring mosquito repellent.
Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF50+), mosquito repellent, light jacket (5-8°C temperature difference between morning and night).
Cultural Respect: Do not touch Miao silver jewelry casually; Buyi “Langshao” love songs are a social custom and should not be imitated recklessly.
Festival Highlights: July Chabai Song Festival (Buyi Valentine’s Day), March-April Wanfenglin Rapeseed Flower Festival, where you can experience singing duets and pounding glutinous rice cakes.
💬 Closing Interaction
“Where is your secret realm in Guizhou? Share your travel list in the comments, and 3 people will win a hand-drawn map of Xingyi!”