Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong) 荔波樟江景区Lìbō Zhāngjiāng Jǐngqū

Why go to Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong)

A national scenic area of roughly 270 sq km in southern Libo, made up of the Xiaoqikong and Daqikong areas, the Shuichun river gorge and the Zhangjiang river belt. Karst forest closes in around turquoise pools, lakes, waterfalls and rapids along the Zhangjiang, and the area is part of the Libo Karst cluster of the South China Karst World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2007. Most visitors spend their time in Xiaoqikong, a compact, walkable valley, with the canyon of Daqikong as a quieter extra.

The story

Xiaoqikong takes its name from a stone bridge with seven arches, built in 1835 in the Qing dynasty, that once carried the trade road from Libo towards Guangxi. A local legend says a Yao man built it for his Buyei sweetheart Laya, and the waterfall beside it bears her name. Buyei, Shui and Yao villages lie in and around the area, so the forest sits within a living farming landscape.

What to see at Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong)

• Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge 小七孔古桥: The seven-arch stone bridge of 1835 at the head of the valley, covered in vines and ferns above a green pool; the scenic area is named after it and it makes a gentle start.
• Laya Waterfall 拉雅瀑布: A waterfall about 30 m high and 10 m wide a short walk beyond the bridge, with spray that cools the path in summer.
• 68-Level Falls and Water Forest 六十八级跌水与水上森林: Some 68 small falls and cascades step down a gorge about 1.6 km long, leading on to the Water Forest, where trees and shrubs grow out of shallow, clear water.
• Wolong Pool 卧龙潭: An emerald-coloured pool on the Wolong River, a quiet place to pause before the walk back.
• Daqikong 大七孔: The second section of the scenic area, a river canyon with a large natural stone arch bridge; quieter than Xiaoqikong and usually added by those with a second day.

How to visit Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong)

Start at the old bridge at the head of Xiaoqikong and follow the valley past Laya Waterfall and the 68 cascades to the Water Forest and Wolong Pool, using the park shuttle for the longer stretches. The valley walk fills a long day, so it works as a single day trip from Libo. Add Daqikong, or a night in Libo, if you want to see it unhurried.

How to get to Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong)

High-speed trains from Guiyang North reach Libo station in about an hour to an hour and a quarter; from there the Xiaoqikong gate is about 10 km, roughly 20 minutes by shuttle bus or taxi. Libo town is about 30 km from the gates, and driving from Guiyang takes several hours.

Where to stay

Base yourself in Libo town, about 30 km and 40–50 minutes from the gates, where meals and transport are easiest; an overnight stay lets you reach the park early.

What to eat

• Fish stuffed with chives 鱼包韭菜: A Shui festival dish of fresh fish filled with chives and herbs and then steamed or braised; mild, fragrant, and the one to try if you only want a single local speciality.
• Sour-soup fish 酸汤鱼: River fish in a tangy broth soured with fermented tomato and chilli, served in the Buyei and Shui style of southern Guizhou.
• Five-colour sticky rice 五色花米饭: Glutinous rice dyed with plant juices, a Buyei festival food that is soft and lightly sweet-scented.

Tips for visiting Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong)

• Entry is by advance online booking, and tickets can sell out in holiday periods; book several days ahead and carry your passport for the real-name check.
• Park shuttles link the longer distances. Paths can be steep and slippery after rain, and the Water Forest is usually crossed on foot through shallow water, so wear shoes that can get wet.
• Arrive early for the quietest light and fewest crowds; July–August and national holidays are busiest.

Nearby

• FAST Radio Telescope (China Sky Eye) 中国天眼 100 km
  The world's largest single-dish radio telescope, set in a natural karst bowl

Also within 30 km: Yaoshan Ancient Village, Libo 瑶山古寨 (under 10 km), Yaowang Tianxia 瑶望天下 (20 km), Geyasigu Baiku Yao Folk Park 歌娅思谷 (30 km), Yunguantian 云观天 (30 km).

On the map

Open Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong and Daqikong) on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.