The top choice for family trips! Complete guide to parent-child summer escape in Liupanshui

China's Cool City Liupanshui 3-day 2-night summer escape guide, a 19°C summer awaits you!

Escape the heat, embrace the coolness—this southwestern small city hides the most pleasant moments of summer.

While most cities are in "barbecue mode," Liupanshui in western Guizhou, with an average summer temperature of 19.7°C, becomes a pure land in the scorching summer.

As the only city awarded the title "China's Cool City" by the China Meteorological Society, Liupanshui is not only a summer resort but also a tourism paradise combining alpine grasslands, canyon wonders, ethnic culture, and culinary experiences.

Preparation Before the Trip

Liupanshui's highest altitude is 2900.6 meters, and the lowest is 586 meters, with a distinct vertical climate. The temperature difference between day and night is large. For summer travel, it is recommended to prepare:

Clothing: short-sleeve T-shirts, light jackets (essential), sun-protective clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Accessories: sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear (mountain weather is changeable)
Others: mosquito repellent, common medicines, camera (the scenery is too beautiful not to take photos)

Transportation

Airplane: Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport, about 15 km from the city center.
High-speed rail: Liupanshui Station (in the city), Liupanshui East Station (high-speed rail station, about 20 km from the city), Panzhou Station (convenient for going to Wumeng Grassland).
City transportation: bus (1-2 yuan, supports QR code payment), taxi (starting fare 6 yuan), car-sharing.

3-Day 2-Night Essential Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Town Experience and Cultural Exploration
Morning: After arriving in Liupanshui, it is recommended to stay at a hotel near Shuicheng Ancient Town. After dropping off your luggage, start exploring this ancient town founded during the Yongzheng period. With bluestone roads, Ming and Qing architecture, and small bridges with flowing water, it perfectly blends history and modernity. Don’t forget to visit the Third Front Construction Museum to learn about the city’s industrial history.

Noon: Taste Liupanshui’s signature dish—Shuicheng Griddle Pot in the ancient town. Recommended to try local roasted potatoes, stinky tofu, and beef, dipped in special chili powder, spicy and delicious.

Afternoon: Head to Minghu National Wetland Park, an oasis in the city. The park has excellent air quality and lush plants, perfect for walking and bird watching. Rainbow Bridge is a great photo spot.

Evening: Continue dining in Shuicheng Ancient Town, try the Shuicheng mutton noodles. The ancient town at night under the lights has a unique charm.

Day 2: Grassland Festivities and Cloud Walking

Morning: Depart early for Wumeng Grassland (ticket 30 yuan). This is one of the highest grasslands in Guizhou, with an average summer temperature of only 19°C. The grassland is vast with herds of cattle and sheep.

Morning: On the grassland, you can experience horseback riding (about 50 yuan/half hour), camping, and enjoy natural wonders like sea of clouds and Buddha’s light. If lucky, you may see wild chive flowers blooming from June to August, with purple flower seas and white windmills creating perfect photo backgrounds.

Noon: Have a simple meal inside the grassland scenic area or bring your own food for a picnic.

Afternoon: Visit Yushe National Forest Park (ticket 20 yuan). It preserves a complete subalpine original forest system and is a natural oxygen bar. It is recommended to take the forest train (35 yuan) to travel through the forest sea and admire rare plants like Davidia involucrata and yew.

Evening: Return to the city and enjoy local specialty Cichong chicken hotpot, with tender chicken, flavorful tofu, spicy yet fresh.

Day 3: Yi Ethnic Culture and Canyon Wonders

Morning: Visit Haiping Yi Ethnic Cultural Town. This Yi village has thousands of households, with simple folk customs full of original ethnic charm and culture. You can watch the intangible cultural heritage Bell Dance performance and taste freshly roasted Yi-style Tuo Tuo meat.

Noon: Taste Yi ethnic specialty dishes in the town.

Afternoon: Visit Beipanjiang Grand Canyon and Beipanjiang Bridge. This bridge is the "world’s highest bridge," with the deck 565 meters above the river, quite spectacular. You can choose to take a boat tour (98 yuan/person) through the canyon to admire the karst landform cliffs and caves.

Evening: End the trip and prepare to return.

Recommended Specialty Foods

Liupanshui offers a rich variety of foods, here are must-try specialties:

1. Shuicheng Griddle Pot: Liupanshui’s signature dish, grilling various ingredients in a clay pot, paired with special chili powder, spicy and delicious. Recommended restaurants: Yuankun Griddle Pot, Jin Sanmei Griddle Pot.

2. Shuicheng Mutton Noodles: Made from local black goats, with fresh soup and smooth rice noodles. Recommended restaurants: Chang Huitou Mutton Noodles, Yuankun Mutton Noodles.

3. Panzhou Ham: salty and rich flavor, delicious when sliced and steamed or stir-fried.

4. Yi Ethnic Foods: Tuo Tuo meat, roasted Wuyang potatoes, roasted eggs.

5. Snacks: Steamed glutinous cake (soft and sweet dessert), Qiao Liangfen (sour and spicy jelly), Rosa roxburghii juice (sweet and sour, rich in vitamin C).

Practical Information

Best travel time: June to September is the best period for summer escape.
Accommodation recommendations:
City: Panjiang Yage Hotel (five-star), Times Holiday Hotel (cost-effective)
Wumeng Grassland: Gu Aimon Tent Hotel (high-end wild luxury tents)
Budget reference (3 days 2 nights, per person):
Economy: 800-1000 yuan
Comfort: 1200-1500 yuan
Special Tips:
Some attractions require advance booking (e.g., horseback riding on the grassland)
High-speed rail tickets offer discounts on some attraction tickets
UV rays are strong in plateau areas, pay attention to sun protection

Liupanshui, a city blending natural beauty and cultural heritage, is waiting for your exploration. Plan your trip well and start your Liupanshui independent travel journey!