The Land Of China -- Explore by Province

Guizhou

Guizhou province is situated in southwest China and covers 176,000 square kilometers. It has a population of about 35 million, of which 65% is Han and the rest a mixture of minorities such as Miao, Bouyei, Dong, Yi, Shui, Hui, Gelao, Zhuang, Yao, Bai, Tujia, etc.

Huangguoshu Falls

Mountains and plateaus make up some 65% of Guizhou's topography. The terrain is rugged, with karst formations, underground rivers, jagged peaks, dramatic valleys, and terraced rice fields. Guizhou, with its rich historic heritage, has spectacular waterfalls, national forests, and awesome scenery. The major cities include capital city Guiyang, Zunyi, Anshun, Duyun, Kali, and Liupenshui.

Guizhou's #1 attraction is Huangguoshu (Yellow Fruit Tree) Falls. The falls is the largest in China, measuring 74 meters tall and 81 meters wide. In the middle part of the falls, a cave arches into the cliffside and is fancifully curtained by a sheet of water. The thunder of the falls can be heard for some distance and the falls are at their most spectacular about five days after heavy rain between May and October. In addition, there are other falls in the area such as the Luositan Waterfall and the Yinlianzhui Waterfall.

Guizhou offers a diverse environment rich in natural resources and recreational opportunities. Within the "Park Province" are a variety of special places for you to explore, from Guiyang's Lake Qianling to the karst caves of Zhijin and the Miao villages and festivals in the southeast part of the province. The unique karst attractions include the Zhijin Daji Cave, the Rhino Cave in Zhenning, the Dragon's Palace in Anshun, and the Flying Dragon Cave in Xingyi.

the Zhijin Caves

In the northwest of Zhijin County lies the Zhijin Caves with majestic stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is over 30,000 square meters in area and has an average height of 50-60 meters with the highest point measuring 185 meters and the widest measuring 175 meters. Eight large scenic areas, 19 halls, and 49 chambers are open for display to the public. The cave is spacious and has clear, blue ripples of underground lakes and waterfalls. Besides, there are lots of grotesque stone towers, pillars and stalagmites in the shapes of mountain forests.

Bordering Qingzhen Pingba County, Hingfeng Lake covers an area of 57.2 square kilometers. Other scenic attractions include North Lake, South Lake, Rear Lake and many other bays and gulfs surrounded by rippling mountains and gullies. Located in the middle of the lake is an island with caves and tunnels. This island contains 192 islands and peninsulas of various sizes. North Lake Island, South Lake Cavern and Rear Lake Island are known as the 11 Three Spectaculars of Hongfeng." A new Dong nationality courtyard has been developed and Dong girls, well versed in singing and dancing extend their warmth and hospitality to you.

Dragon Palace is located in the western suburbs of Anshun city. The palace is an underground cavern with lakes, waterfalls and other scenic spots. The cave resembles the crystal palace of the Dragon King and is why it is called this name.On the right of the Dragon Gate is a 45 meter high drop. Above is Tianchi (Heavenly Pool), also known as Dragon Pool measuring over ten thousand square meters with an average depth of 43 meters. It is the source of Dragon Gate Falls and the entrance of Dragon Palace. The entire Dragon Palace is a string of beads made up of narrow paths, caves, and caverns with dripping stalactites and stalagmites in fantastic shapes and sizes.

Huaxi

Huaxi - the "gem in Guiyang" - is a natural reserve known for its crystal-clear water, grotesque stalactites (cylindrical or conical deposits projecting downward from the roof of caverns as a result of dripping mineral-rich water), and stalagmites (deposits projecting upward). Here, one can not only enjoy the Lusheng (reed-pipe) evening parties with the ethnic folks, but can also visit ancient monasteries and towers in the village of Gaopo - the highest mountainous area in Huaxi. The rituals and costumes of this community are different from the immediate Miao communities.

Kaili

Kaili is the capital of the Southeast Guizhou Miao & Dong Nationalities Autonomous Prefecture. There are many grand ethnic festivals in the region. The wooden drum dance is an important festival for the Miao of the Kaili area. In the hot summer, the Miao girls, living several miles away, will come with their parents to dance the wooden drum dance. In this wooden drum festival, while the young girls are dancing to the rhythm of the wooden drum, the young men are looking for their life partners. When the curtain of night comes down, the young women and men will express their affections for each other by antiphonal singing.

Guizhou

Minorities contribute to fascinating architecture and over 100 lively festivals a year. These include bull fights, dragon boats, horse races, and Lusheng dancing. Some villages are untouched by tourists. The minorities retain most of their unique customs and are hospitable and warm, wearing brilliant and beautiful ethnic clothing. They hold elaborate welcoming ceremonies, worship their totems, and play intriguing music while dancing graceful dances.

Examples of Guizhou Festivals and Special Events
March - Miao Flower Festival
April - Dujuan Flower Festival
May - Anshun Batik Art Festival
June - Taijang Dragon Boat Festival
July - Bouyei Chabai Musical Festival
August - Tongren Miao Culture Festival
October - Zunyi Liquor Expo.
November - Kaili Lusheng Musical Festival
December - Caohai Bird-Watching Day

Other Popular Attractions
Lake Hongfeng (Qingzhen)
Huyang River (Zhenyuan)
Tianxingqiao Stone Forest (Anshun)
Tunbao Cultural Village (Anshun)
Qianling Temple (Guiyang)