Bijie, Guizhou Province

The Karst Gallery of Nine Skies: Journey through Nayong Zongxi River

📸Photography 🧗Adventure

Altitude

1,080m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Nayong Zongxi River Scenic: Area, located at the junction of Nayong County and Dafang County in Bijie City, Guizhou Province, is a magnificent natural wonder carved by the Liuchong River, a tributary of the Wujiang River. Situated at an altitude between 1,200 and 1,800 meters, this scenic area is a breathtaking comprehensive destination that integrates majestic canyons, profound karst caves, waterfalls, and deep cultural heritage. It is often hailed as a "Museum of Karst Geology" due to its pristine and diverse landscape features, encompassing the famous Jiudongtian (Nine Caves Sky) phenomenon where the river flows underground and reappears through nine natural skylights,,.

The landscape here is described as a "landscape gallery" stretching for miles. The most unique geological feature is the Jiudongtian, a 5-kilometer stretch of river that flows through a series of massive karst caves. As visitors take a boat through the dark underground river, they pass under nine huge natural "skylights" where sunlight streams down, creating a mystical interplay of light and shadow known as "cave in the sky, sky in the cave, and water merging with the sky". This section is recognized as a specific type of karst hydrogeological structure that is rare globally,,.

Beyond the caves, the Zongxi River Canyon offers stunning views where emerald waters flow between towering red cliffs, creating a vivid color contrast often compared to a painting. The ecological environment is pristine, home to wild monkeys and diverse vegetation. In spring (around April), the "Ten-thousand Mu Cherry Blossom Valley" transforms the mountainsides into a sea of snowy white and pink blooms, creating a romantic "Taoyuan" (Utopia) atmosphere alongside the river. Visitors can also marvel at geological oddities like Qianggan Rock (Gun Barrel Rock), a solitary peak resembling a spear thrusting into the sky,,.

Culturally, the area is steeped in history. It was once a vital passage on the ancient Tea Horse Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchange in the southwest. The region is inhabited by the Yi and Miao ethnic minorities, who maintain their traditional architecture, festivals, and customs. Ancient villages like Huawu and Qiangganyan preserve traditional stilted buildings and folk arts like batik and embroidery. During festivals such as the Torch Festival, the canyon comes alive with singing, dancing, and bonfires, blending the raw beauty of nature with the vibrant spirit of the local people,.

✨ Why Visit Nayong Zongxi River Scenic Area

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Jiudongtian (Nine Caves Sky)

Experience the rare geological wonder where the underground river passes through nine natural skylights, creating a surreal "cave in the sky" landscape best explored by boat.

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Zongxi River Canyon

Marvel at the "Landscape Gallery" featuring emerald waters flanked by towering red cliffs and lush vegetation, offering a visual feast of color and rugged beauty.

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Ten-thousand Mu Cherry Blossoms

Visit in spring to see the "Sea of Flowers" when vast wild cherry forests bloom, turning the canyon into a romantic white and pink wonderland.

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Qianggan Rock

View the unique solitary peak that stands like a "Gun Barrel" (Qianggan) piercing the sky, a symbol of the area's dramatic karst formations.

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Yi Ethnic Culture

Explore ancient villages and traces of the Tea Horse Road, and experience the authentic lifestyle, architecture, and festivals of the Yi and Miao people.

Location & Nearby

📍 Bijie, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 1080m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Nayong Zongxi River Scenic Area Travel Guide

Where is Nayong Zongxi River located?

It is located at the junction of Nayong County and Dafang County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province.

What is the best time to visit? The best time is from April to October. April to May is ideal for seeing the cherry blossoms and lush spring scenery. June to August is great for escaping the heat and enjoying the waterfalls and river,.

Is there a boat tour available? Yes, taking a boat through the Jiudongtian (Nine Caves Sky) section is one of the best ways to experience the underground river and skylights,.

What is "Jiudongtian"? It is a geological marvel where the river flows underground and is revealed through nine natural "skylights" or cave openings, creating a unique light and shadow effect,.

Are there hiking trails? Yes, there are plank roads along the canyon and trails leading to various viewpoints and caves like the General Cave (Jiangjia Dong),.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Nayong Zongxi River Scenic Area?

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.