Get the Light at Yanjiao Village by Getuhe River｜Encounter Miracles in the Miao Village’s Firelight

🌅 Chasing the light for 3 hours, worth every surprise in the 150 RMB package ticket
As a secret spot featured by National Geographic, the “divine light” of Getuhe River truly leaves people speechless! Waking up at 5 AM in Yanjiao Village is totally worth it — by 7:30 AM, waiting at the Getuhe River ferry dock, when shooting the silhouette of “people in the divine light” against the backlight, hundreds of thousands of swallows fly out from the 116-meter-high big arch cave, their wings brushing through the beams of light like scattered gold dust.
Heavenly Light Fans (September - March): 8:00-8:50 AM go to the arch cave, sunlight streams through the cave onto the river surface, and drones can capture the stunning scene of both caves in one frame;
Earthly Light Fans (April - September): 8:30-10:30 AM rush to the Swallow Cave boardwalk, morning mist floats in the light pillars, making photos look like movie special effects.
⚠️ Avoid the pitfall: Give up on cloudy days! Check the weather forecast the day before booking your room, or you’ll make a wasted trip.
🏡 Slow Living in Yanjiao Village: Daily Life in a Miao Stilt House
It’s a 10-minute walk from the scenic area dock to Yanjiao Village, where 99% of the residents are Miao, making the place full of authentic local life:
Comfortable stay: Choose the “Grape Vineyard Mountain Villa” stilt house guesthouse, 120 RMB/night including breakfast, with a window view of the “Miao King Sword” stone mountain (a legendary village treasure), and you can fall asleep to the sound of Getuhe River flowing late at night;
Authentic fun: Spend 30 RMB learning batik dyeing with a grandma, feeling the warmth when melting wax, focusing on drawing patterns, and finally making a handkerchief that’s more meaningful than any souvenir; in the evening, visit the Ethnic Culture Square, where a 3-meter-high ox horn sculpture paired with stilt houses makes for vintage-style photos, and the bronze reliefs depicting Miao life scenes are educational;
Satisfying food: At “Rock Climbing Culture Restaurant,” must-try sour soup fish (wild fish from Getuhe River is super fresh) and five-color glutinous rice, with the ritual of drinking rice wine from an ox horn cup fully enhancing the experience. If you want a treat, head back to Ziyun County to “Niu Ziwei” for three-roast beef, where 35 RMB per person will leave you stuffed.
🧗 Must-see! The Thrilling Free Climbing by the Spider Man
Performances daily at 9:00/11:00/14:00/16:00, don’t crowd the front row! Go to the hidden spot on the right side of the cliff to clearly capture the Spider Man climbing the 108-meter cliff without protection — a 7-minute skillful ascent and descent, faintly visible in the light beams, like a warrior from ancient cave paintings. After the show, stop by the Blessing Cave to beat the drum, the echo reverberating in the karst cave is very healing.
🚗 Babysitter-level Guide (Lazy people just copy)
Transportation: 2.5 hours self-drive from Guiyang (scenic area parking 10 RMB/day), or 1.5 hours direct transfer from Anshun East Station;
Tickets: 150 RMB package includes entrance, boat, shuttle, and Spider Man show; buy in advance on the “Anlv Tong” mini program to skip lines;
Gear: Non-slip shoes are a must (boardwalks are slippery in the rainy season), bring a light jacket (big temperature difference in the mountains morning and night), 100 RMB cash is enough (small stalls don’t accept mobile payments);
Best time: May-June or September-November, avoid the rainy season, so you can chase the divine light and enjoy the green mountains.
💡 Final Thoughts
Getuhe River is not a “check-in and leave” kind of scenic spot; it’s recommended to stay 1.5 days to explore slowly: chase the light and watch the show on the first day, and relax and learn crafts in Yanjiao Village on the second day. When sunlight passes through the karst cave, the lusheng flute plays along with birdsong, and grandma hands you sour plum juice, you’ll understand why this place is called “God’s forgotten secret of light and shadow.”