Qiannan Attractions - Things to Do

Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in south-central Guizhou Province, is inhabited by more than 37 ethnic groups, including Han, Miao, Buyi, Shui and Yao. It boasts a lot of karst stone forests, canyons, primitive forests, waterfalls and many other unique natural scenic spots. Its charming waters and mountains together with strong ethnic minorities' flavors make this region greatly attractive.

The capital city Duyun lies in the south of Qiannan, which is the south gateway from Guangxi to Guizhou. Near to the sea and the tropical zone, it is considered an ideal summer resort. Jianjiang River, the headstream of the Qingshuijiang River, meanders through downtown Duyun. Centering on the Jianjiang River, the Jianjiang River-Doupengshan Mountain Scenic Area has been established.
 

The scenic area comprises four scenic areas, including Doupengshan, City of Bridges, South Line and the lower reaches of the Jianjiang River. Doupengshan is renowned for primitive forests, rare animals, streams and canyons, pools and waterfalls; City of Bridges, actually refers to Duyun City, where the nine headstreams of the Jianjiang River meet and more than 100 bridges can be found; the South Line Scenic Area mainly shows karst caves, ancient tombs and ancient bridges; and the lower reaches of the Jianjiang River sit many villages of ethnic minorities.

To the southwest of Jianjiang River-Doupengshan Mountain Scenic Area sits the famous Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area in the southwest of Libo County. Covering an area of 273 square kilometers (105 square miles), Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area is a vast forest unique in Karst landscapes and water views. It is composed of Daqikong Scenic Area, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, and Shuichun River Scenic Spot.

Ancient Bridge, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

In the southeast of Libo County lies the state-level Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation. It is a rarity of primeval subtropical forest in Karst topography in China, where numerous plants and animals live. Waterfalls, lakes, karst caves and hills of this conservation enhance its beauty.

The characteristic of the traditional Karst topography is stone desertification. Though it created some famous attractions, such as Yunnan Stone Forest and Huangguoshu Waterfall, it is still very hard for the poor soil covering on the stones to provide an adequate breeding ground for the vegetation.

However, in the southern suburb of Libo County, Guizhou Province, an attraction called Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation is so different, since the forest coverage rate reaches 91.59 percent. And at present, it's a very rare primeval subtropical forest of Karst topography in China, even in the world. Therefore, some scientists are interested in this place and also many tourists would like to explore this natural Karst forest.

Additionally, the villages of ethnic minorities are well worth visiting, such as Baimang Buyi Village around Duyun, Yinzhai Buyi Village in Guiding County, and Yaolu Yao Village in Libo. In Baimang, you can go to visit the ruins of Luosike Ancient City built on the Mt. Luosishan. With a very good preservation of wild plants, the Guanyinshan Mountain and the Wengchenghe River in Yinzhai are two must-see attractions. Yaolu, located in Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation, is renowned for the culture of Yao people.