No need to save up for a long vacation! Escaping to a small city in Qiannan for some fresh air on the weekend is so refreshing.
If you don't want to wait for a long holiday to travel far, just grab a light jacket and a power bank after work on Friday and go. These small cities in Qiannan, hidden among karst peaks, each have a unique charm. They are uncrowded, cool, and spending 2 days there will leave you feeling completely refreshed. ✨
Longli 🐑
Trip highlights
Just a 20-minute high-speed train ride from Guiyang, it's an easily accessible summer getaway.
The Longli Grassland features rolling meadows and white windmills lined up along the ridge. You can feed fluffy sheep and wait until evening to watch the orange sunset wash over the hills.
Wushan Canyon is hidden between 2 mountains, with a glass skywalk suspended on the mountainside, offering views of the emerald lake water at the bottom of the valley.
The bluestone paths of Longli Water Town wind along the river, and when the lights come on at night, the atmosphere is incredible.
2-day itinerary
Day 1: Take the high-speed train to Longli after work on Friday, explore the water town and watch the light show in the evening, and grab snacks along the way.
Day 2: Visit Longli Grassland in the morning for grass sliding and photos with the windmills, hike Wushan Canyon in the afternoon, and take the high-speed train back in the evening.
Food recommendations
Longli spicy chicken, dry-fried and flavorful with a hint of sweet fermented rice wine aroma
Refreshing and tangy pea jelly, perfect for cutting through grease and cooling down in summer
Freshly squeezed roxburgh rose juice, perfectly sweet and tart, and packed with vitamin C
Travel tips
The temperature on the grassland is 3–4 degrees lower than in the city, so bring a light cardigan even in midsummer.
The UV rays on the grassland are strong, so remember to apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Compare prices for grass sliding before booking; there's no need to rush.
Dushan ⛰️
Trip highlights
An underrated geological treasure, this small city is so uncrowded you can enjoy the entire karst spectacle all to yourself.
Tiandong is a natural karst cave where stalactites grow along the rock walls. The lights on the stalagmites make it feel like you've stepped into a fantasy underground world.
Jingxin Valley hides a cluster of century-old buildings. In summer, hundreds of acres of lotus flowers bloom, their pink and white petals set against grey tiles and upturned eaves—perfect for photos.
The stream in Jiafengyan flows down the canyon with crystal-clear green water, making it a great spot for wading and light hiking.
2-day itinerary
Day 1: Take the high-speed train to Dushan East on Saturday morning, visit Tiandong to see the cave wonders, and head to Jingxin Valley in the afternoon to watch the sunset over the lotus fields.
Day 2: Go hiking and wading in Jiafengyan in the morning, explore the old town alleys on the way back at noon, and take the high-speed train back in the evening.
Food recommendations
Dushan salted pickled vegetables are crunchy, tangy, and sweet—a great appetizer with porridge or rice.
Xiasi dry rice noodles have a rich, savory broth; add a spoonful of chili paste and you'll drink every drop.
Iced waxberry soup is sweet, tart, and thirst-quenching—a perfect treat when you're tired from walking.
Travel tips
The temperature inside the cave is about 5 degrees lower than outside, so remember to bring a light jacket.
Some trails in Jiafengyan are slippery near the water, so be sure to wear non-slip athletic shoes.
Jingxin Valley is large; if you're not up for a lot of walking, it's recommended to buy a sightseeing shuttle ticket.
Sandu 💧
Trip highlights
The only Shui autonomous county in the country, it's almost completely uncommercialized and hides the most authentic ethnic customs and lush mountain greenery.
Yaorenshan National Forest has a forest coverage rate of over 90%. Walking on the forest trails, you're surrounded by the scent of plants and damp earth, while mountain waterfalls cascade down the rock walls, spraying a cool mist on your face.
Gulu Street hosts a weekend market where you can meet locals in traditional Shui clothing selling handmade embroidery and fresh mountain produce—it's full of local life.
Zenlei Village is an ancient Shui village built into the mountainside, with terraced fields stretching to the village entrance and stilt houses hidden in the woods, quiet as if forgotten by time.
2-day itinerary
Day 1: Take the high-speed train to Sandu County on Saturday, visit Yaorenshan in the morning for fresh air and waterfalls, and explore the market on Gulu Street in the afternoon.
Day 2: Wake up early to visit the ancient village and terraced fields in Zenlei Village, have a farmhouse meal in the village at noon, and head back in the afternoon.
Food recommendations
Sandu teppanyaki sizzles with flavor; pair it with the local dipping sauce and you won't be able to stop eating.
Fish stuffed with chives is a Shui specialty, featuring tender fish meat with the fresh aroma of chives.
Litsea cubeba-flavored sticky rice is hearty and filling—1 bowl in the morning will keep you full for most of the day.
Travel tips
The weekend market is liveliest on Sunday morning, so you can adjust your itinerary accordingly.
The mountain road to Zenlei Village is winding; if you get carsick, be sure to prepare motion sickness medicine in advance.
Please ask for permission before taking photos of locals, and do not point your camera at them without asking.
Libo 🌿
Trip highlights
Known as the "emerald on the Earth's belt," it's easy to visit on a weekend now that the high-speed train is open—no need to save up for a long vacation.
The 68-level cascading waterfalls of Xiaoqikong tumble down along the trail, while the Laya Waterfall pours down from the cliff, spraying a cool mist you can feel when standing nearby. The water in Wolongtan is a brilliant Tiffany blue, as still as a gemstone embedded in the mountains.
The canyon at Daqikong is wilder, with a natural bridge spanning between 2 mountains; walking on the trail, you can hear clear echoes in the valley.
Libo Ancient Town is hung with lanterns at night and lined with snack stalls, without feeling overly commercialized.
2.5-day itinerary
Day 1: Take the high-speed train to Libo after work on Friday, explore the ancient town and have sour soup fish in the evening, and get some rest to recharge.
Day 2: Spend the whole day at Xiaoqikong. Enter from the West Gate and walk downhill to save energy, visiting Wolongtan, Yuanyang Lake, the 68-level waterfalls, and the Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge in order.
Day 3: Explore the Daqikong canyon in the morning, have a local meal at noon, and take the high-speed train back in the afternoon.
Food recommendations
Fermented tomato sour soup fish has a fresh, tangy broth that's so appetizing you could drink 3 bowls without getting tired of it.
Waxberry ice jelly is packed with toppings—it's refreshing, cuts through grease, and is perfect for cooling down after spicy food.
Zhangjiang grilled fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside; pair it with the local dipping sauce made with houttuynia for a true local experience.
Travel tips
It's recommended to wear sandals suitable for wading, as there are many shallow areas along the trail where you can play in the water.
The scenic area is very large, so be sure to buy a sightseeing shuttle ticket to save a lot of energy.
The waterfalls are more spectacular during the rainy season when the water volume is high, but remember to carry portable rain gear.