Complete Guide to Xiaoqikong Scenic Area in Guizhou

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (2025 Latest Edition) I. Overview Located in Libo County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site renowned as the "Emerald on Earth's Belt". Famous for its karst landscape, primeval forests, waterfalls, streams, and the ancient Seven-Arch Bridge, it's an ideal summer retreat for nature lovers. II. Preparation 1. Best time to visit: May-October (when waterfalls are most spectacular) 2. Suggested duration: 1 day 3. Ticket info: - Peak season (Mar-Nov): ¥120/person - Off-season (Dec-Feb): ¥100/person - Sightseeing bus: ¥40/person (recommended) 4. Essentials: - Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) - Non-slip hiking shoes - Raincoat/waterproof jacket (frequent mist in the area) - Water and snacks - Camera (with waterproof case) III. Transportation 1. Self-drive: - From Guiyang: ~3.5 hours (via G76 and G75 expressways) - From Libo town: ~40 minutes 2. Public transport: - Direct buses from Guiyang East Bus Station (~4 hours) - Transfer to scenic area shuttle in Libo (~30 minutes) 3. High-speed rail: - Take Guiyang-Nanning HSR to Libo Station, then bus/taxi IV. Recommended Route (East Gate entry, West Gate exit - downhill) 1. First stop: Seven-Arch Bridge (must-see) - Stone bridge built during Qing Dynasty - Best photo time: before 9am (fewer crowds, better light) - View the emerald Hanbi Pond beneath 2. Second stop: Laya Waterfall - Just 50m from the bridge - Experience the mist from this cascading fall 3. Third stop: 68-Tier Waterfall - Natural cascades along 1.6km trail - Gentle walkways perfect for photography 4. Fourth stop: Water Forest (summer highlight) - Wade through refreshing streams (water shoes recommended) - Crystal-clear water flows over rocks 5. Fifth stop: Cuigu Waterfall - Filming location for "Adventures with Bear Grylls" - Wide curtain-like waterfall from mountainside 6. Sixth stop: Mandarin Duck Lake (boating recommended) - ¥30/person/hour (2-4 people per boat) - Emerald waters with maze-like channels - Suggested boating time: 1-1.5 hours 7. Seventh stop: Wolong Pond (stunning finale) - Dreamy turquoise waters - Curved waterfall and viewing platforms - Last shuttle bus usually departs at 17:30 V. Unique Experiences 1. Yao culture: Visit nearby Yaoshan Ancient Village 2. Night tour of Daqikong (separate ticket required) 3. Local cuisine: - Libo sour meat - Zhangjiang grilled fish - Yaoshan chicken VI. Practical Tips 1. Tickets available from 7:30am - arrive by 8am to avoid crowds 2. Total walking distance 6-8km - wear comfortable shoes 3. Some water paths may close during rainy season (Jun-Aug) 4. Limited dining options - bring snacks 5. Drone use requires prior approval 6. Kids can play at Cuigu Waterfall area VII. Accommodation 1. Luxury options: - Xiaoqikong Ruijing Hotel (inside scenic area) - Libo Zhangjiang Tribe Hotel 2. Budget options: - Guesthouses near Libo Ancient Town - Mengliu Buyi Folk Village inns VIII. Nearby Attractions 1. Daqikong Scenic Area (half-day for canyon views) 2. Maolan Nature Reserve (full-day for pristine karst forest) 3. Libo Ancient Town (nighttime ethnic experiences) IX. Important Notes 1. Protect the environment - no littering 2. Swimming and waterfall climbing prohibited 3. Slippery paths when rainy - be cautious 4. Check weather - heavy rain may cause closures Follow this guide to fully experience Xiaoqikong's "super bonsai" natural wonders. For best experience, allocate 1.5-2 days to combine with Daqikong. Don't forget water gear in summer!