Tianhetan

The "Miniature Huangguoshu" of Guiyang

1.Located in Shiban: Town, Huaxi District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, Tianhetan Scenic Area is a condensed masterpiece of the region's famous Karst landscapes. Situated approximately 25 kilometers from the city center, this 15-square-kilometer scenic spot is widely praised as the "Miniature Huangguoshu Waterfall" and a "Karst Water Town Cave Paradise". While it does not hold UNESCO World Heritage status, it is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and forms a vital part of Guizhou's "golden karst tourism line" alongside the nearby Huaxi Park and Huangguoshu Waterfall.

The scenery here unfolds like a classical landscape painting. The area is renowned for its unique concentration of diverse geological features within a compact area, including travertine shoals, cascading waterfalls, emerald pools, and a complex system of water and dry caves. For travelers, Tianhetan offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, serving as a cool "natural oxygen bar" during the summer months and a vibrant photographic destination year-round.

A Geological Wonder: The Dual Cave System

2.The defining feature of: Tianhetan is its "Water and Dry Cave Interconnected System." The geological evolution of millions of years has carved out a subterranean wonderland that visitors can explore by both boat and foot.

• 3.The Water Cave (Dragon Palace): The highlight of any visit is the boat ride through the flooded karst cave. As you drift through the darkness, stalactites hang like crystal chandeliers from the ceiling. The experience culminates in a dramatic exit where the boat emerges from the cave mouth right beneath the roaring waterfalls, offering a scene reminiscent of a mythical dragon's palace.
• 4.The Dry Cave: Connected to the water system, the dry caves offer a walking path through intricate rock formations, where cool breezes provide a natural escape from the summer heat.

Scenic Highlights

Beyond the caves, the surface landscape is equally mesmerizing.

• 5.Longmen Waterfall (Dragon Gate Waterfall): This is the largest waterfall in the cavern system, standing over 50 meters high and 40 meters wide. It pours down from the cave roof with thunderous power, often creating rainbows in the mist. It is said to resemble the Dragon King spitting pearls, a sight that is particularly spectacular during the rainy season.
• 6.Travertine Shoals (Water Stone Forest): The riverbed here is formed by calcified deposits (travertine), creating a "water-top stone forest." Visitors can walk along boardwalks or step directly on the gentle shoals where water flows over the rocks like a meticulously tended bonsai garden.
• 7.The Heaven Pool and Whirlpool: The scenic area features the emerald "Heaven Pool" (Tianchi), the lowest point of the water system, and the mysterious "Whirlpool" (Xuantang), where the water rotates eternally, believed in local folklore to be the Dragon King stirring the sea's eye.

Cultural Heritage and Legends

Tianhetan is deeply rooted in the culture of the local Buyi and Miao ethnic groups. Historically, the area was known as "Tianhe" (Sky River), and legends abound regarding the Dragon King who hid in these caves to protect the mortal realm. The local Buyi people have lived along these riverbanks for generations, farming and holding sacrificial ceremonies to the Dragon King for good harvests.

Today, the scenic area preserves this cultural vibrancy. The surrounding villages maintain traditional architecture like stilted houses (Diaojiaolou) and practice ancient crafts such as wax printing (batik) and silver smithing. During major festivals like the "Tangguo" Festival or the Miao New Year, the area comes alive with "Blocking Way Wine" ceremonies, singing, and the rhythmic beats of the Lusheng dance.