Anshun, Guizhou Province

Footprints of the Ice Age: The Stone Mortars of Guanling

📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

980m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Guanling Glacial: Potholes, located in Poji Village, Duanqiao Town, Guanling Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, is a spectacular geological wonder often referred to as a "Museum of Ancient Glaciers". Situated upstream of the Dagou River (a tributary of the Beipan River), this scenic area covers approximately 1 square kilometer at an altitude between 600 and 800 meters. It stands as a "living fossil" of the Quaternary glacial movement that occurred approximately 2 to 3 million years ago, offering a rare glimpse into the paleoclimate and geological evolution of the Guizhou Plateau.

The landscape here is characterized by the "Ice Mortar" (Bingjiu), a geological phenomenon formed when massive ancient glaciers melted. The rushing meltwater, carrying rocks and sediment, drilled into the riverbed rock like a high-pressure water gun, carving out deep, smooth pits over thousands of years. These pits, resembling stone mortars used by humans (or "immortals" in local legends), vary in size and shape, creating a surreal "River of Ice" frozen in stone. Today, the river flows through these ancient formations, creating a unique visual interplay where "potholes hold water, and water holds potholes," with emerald pools shimmering inside the stone basins,.

The core area features a "Glacial Pothole Gallery" stretching for over one kilometer along the river. Here, visitors can see the "King of Potholes," a massive pit that is a favorite spot for photography, and the "Sleeping Beauty," a rock formation shaped by glacial erosion that resembles a reclining figure. In the summer, the area transforms into a dynamic landscape with waterfalls and rushing currents cascading over the potholes, while winter reveals the intricate rock textures in the clear, shallow water. The surrounding area is inhabited by the Buyi ethnic group, whose stone-built villages and ancient bridges add a warm cultural touch to the rugged geological scenery,,.

✨ Why Visit Guanling Glacial Potholes

✦

Glacial Pothole Gallery

Explore a 1-kilometer stretch of riverbed densely packed with ancient stone potholes formed by glacial meltwater, creating a unique "Stone Mortar" landscape.

✦

King of Potholes

Marvel at the largest and most distinct pothole in the area, a massive stone basin that serves as a testament to the power of ancient geological forces.

✦

Sleeping Beauty Rock

View the "Sleeping Beauty," a natural rock formation sculpted by ice and water that resembles a woman lying in the river, adding a touch of romance to the rugged scenery.

✦

Buyi Ethnic Culture

Visit the nearby Poji Village to experience the authentic rural life, stone architecture, and ancient bridges of the local Buyi people.

✦

Seasonal Water Scenery

Enjoy the contrast between the roaring waterfalls and white rapids in summer and the serene, emerald pools reflecting the potholes in winter.

Location & Nearby

📍 Anshun, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 980m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Guanling Glacial Potholes Travel Guide

Where are the Guanling Glacial Potholes located?

They are located in Poji Village, Duanqiao Town, Guanling Buyi and Miao Autonomous County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province.

How were these potholes formed? They were formed during the Quaternary period (2-3 million years ago) by glacial meltwater carrying rocks that drilled into the riverbed, creating deep stone pits,.

What is the best time to visit? May to October is great for lush scenery and waterfalls. June to August offers the most dynamic water flow. Winter (December to February) is ideal for seeing the rock formations clearly due to lower water levels.

Is there hiking involved? Yes, visitors typically walk along the riverbanks and rocks to view the potholes. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes as the wet stones can be slippery.

What else is nearby? The area is close to the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall and the Beipan River Bridge, making it a good addition to a broader itinerary.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Guanling Glacial Potholes?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.