Malin River Grand Canyon in Guizhou! A place highly recommended by National Geographic, absolutely stunning

National Geographic did not lie to me, I finally checked in at Malin River Grand Canyon, which is known as the most beautiful crack on Earth. During the rainy season and high water period, there are more than 70 waterfalls of various sizes along the canyon, and the spectacular scenery is beyond words. Xingyi in Qianxinan is also a seriously underrated travel destination. Not only because of its rich landscapes but also because these scenic spots are concentrated and very convenient to visit. With the Qianxinan high-speed rail about to open, I strongly recommend adding this place to your travel list. This weekend, I’m starting my trip to Qianxinan, hiking through Malin River Grand Canyon. Nearby, Yuntun Ecological Sports Park pleasantly surprised me with its overall vegetation coverage of up to 95%. Hiking inside is a perfect place to breathe fresh air and relax. If you happen to be traveling in Xingyi, this place might be even better for exploration. 🚗 Transportation: You can arrive by plane or train, but renting a car for self-driving is highly recommended. Driving from Guiyang to Xingyi, you will pass the Huajiang Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, which is worth seeing. The high-speed rail from Guiyang to Xingyi (2 hours) is about to open, a new and exciting development that I highly recommend. 🏡 Accommodation: It’s best to stay in the city center for convenience. 🍚 Food: Here you can enjoy sour bamboo shoot beef/fish hotpot, Xingyi lamb noodles (highly recommended), chicken rice balls, and other delicacies. [Malin River Grand Canyon] Tickets: 70 RMB per person; sightseeing elevator: 30 RMB one way, 40 RMB round trip. ✅ Recommended hiking route: Dachaiwo - Old Bridge photo spot - Dachaiwo ticket gate - Wanma Benteng Viewing Platform - Sea Lion Bridge - Broken Bridge - Sea Lion Hall - Sky Pavilion - Huanglong Waterfall - Shuanghong Bridge - Xiaoqingshan. This route is suitable if your stamina is limited. If you have better stamina, you can hike from Shuanghong Bridge to the other side of the canyon passing viewing platforms 1, 2, and 3, Monkey Cave, Echo Wall, Earth Pond, etc., making a loop before returning (note that the return route has many uphill steps). 🌈 Hiking highlights: ▪ Wanma Benteng Waterfall is a must-see. ▪ Sea Lion Bridge is also a distinctive scenic spot. ▪ The Huanglong Waterfall viewing platform is worth stopping to admire. ▪ Earth Pond - Monkey King Palace is also a place worth exploring. ⚠️ Notes: 1. Don’t miss the free viewing spot on the bridge at the entrance of the scenic area. 2. The entire scenic area is a hiking route, so anti-slip shoes, waterproof jackets, and trekking poles are essential. 3. There is a lot of mist in the scenic area, so protect your camera and phone well. [Yuntun Ecological Sports Park] 🎫 Tickets: 20 RMB per person; sightseeing car: 30 RMB per person. 🌈 Features: The park has vast green lawns, forests, trails, benches, and more, making it like a green paradise that you won’t want to leave. The park also has camping areas, large event zones, sports activity areas, and even deer to watch. Various recreational activities can be arranged. If you get tired, there are restaurants, barbecue areas, convenience stores, and hot spring hotels for overnight stays, making it very suitable for family trips, especially with children and elderly people.