Qiannan City Guide: The Emerald Karst and Mystery of the Shui People

1.Introduction: The Emerald Sanctuary of the South Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, often simply referred to as Qiannan, lies in the southern part of Guizhou Province, bordering Guangxi to the south. It is a region where the rugged grandeur of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau softens into a lush, verdant paradise. Known globally for its distinct Karst landscapes, Qiannan is often hailed as the "Green Gem" on the same latitude of the earth. Unlike the barren karst found elsewhere, the karst here is carpeted in primeval forests, creating a vibrant ecosystem that teems with life. The prefecture is a cultural mosaic, primarily inhabited by the Buyei, Miao, and Shui ethnic groups, whose ancient traditions and harmonious lifestyle add a profound humanistic depth to the breathtaking natural scenery.

2.Libo: The World Heritage Jewel The crown jewel of Qiannan’s tourism is undoubtedly Libo County, home to the South China Karst World Natural Heritage site. The Zhangjiang Scenic Area in Libo is described as an "emerald" because of the stunning color of its waters.

• 3.Xiaoqikong (Small Seven Arches) Scenic Area: This area is celebrated for its exquisiteness and tranquility. The namesake Xiaoqikong Bridge, built during the Qing Dynasty (Daoguang era), is a moss-covered stone bridge that arches gracefully over the turquoise Xiangshui River. It serves as the gateway to a fairyland where water and forest merge. The 68-Tier Drop Waterfalls are a natural marvel where the river cascades over 68 distinct steps in a short distance, creating a symphony of sound and white foam that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery. Perhaps the most unique feature is the Water Forest (Shuishang Senlin). Here, trees grow directly out of the riverbed rocks. The roots of these tenacious plants cling to the stone crevices submerged in water, while their trunks rise above the surface. Visitors can walk through this submerged forest, stepping on stones and feeling the cool stream rush over their feet, surrounded by a canopy of green. The Wolong Tan (Crouching Dragon Pool) is another highlight, a deep pool with water so blue and clear it resembles a giant sapphire. A crescent-shaped dam creates a curtain of water that falls like a silver sheet, offering a spectacular visual display.
• 4.Daqikong (Large Seven Arches) Scenic Area: In contrast to the delicate beauty of Xiaoqikong, Daqikong is known for its rugged majesty and mystery. The Tiansheng Bridge (Natural Bridge) is a towering limestone arch, formed by nature itself, standing 73 meters high. It looks like a gate to a giant's palace, spanning across the rushing river. The cliffs here are steep, and the "Wind God's Cave" (Yaofeng Dong) adds a layer of thrill with its roaring air currents and echoing acoustics.

5.Duyun: The City of Tea and Bridges Duyun, the capital of Qiannan Prefecture, is a city with a relaxed pace, renowned for its tea culture. It is the home of Duyun Maojian, one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas. This green tea is famous for its "three greens and three yellows" (green leaves, green soup, green bottom; yellow buds, yellow soup, yellow leaves) and its delicate, fresh aroma. The Jianjiang River flows through the city, spanned by numerous bridges, earning Duyun the nickname "City of Bridges" (Qiao Cheng). Walking along the riverbanks in the evening, seeing the myriad lights of the Wenfeng Tower and the ancient-style pavilions reflected in the water, visitors can feel the blend of modern urban life and traditional tranquility.

6.Sandu: The Realm of the Shui People Qiannan is the only prefecture in China with a Shui Autonomous County (Sandu). The Shui people are a unique ethnic group with a mysterious culture. They possess their own written language, the Shui Script (Shuishu), which is one of the few surviving pictographic scripts in the world, often compared to the Dongba script of Naxi people. The script is primarily used for geomancy and divination and is guarded by the "Shuishu Masters." The Shui people celebrate the Duan Festival (Duan Jie), which is their equivalent of the New Year but lasts for an exceptionally long period, often spanning over a month as different villages celebrate in succession. During this time, the rhythmic beating of bronze drums and the excitement of horse racing fill the air. The Shui people’s architecture, typically wooden stilt houses called Ganlan style, and their exquisite horse-tail embroidery are testaments to their artistic heritage.

7.Pingtang: Gazing at the Universe While famous for its primitive karst landforms, Pingtang County has catapulted Qiannan into the future with the construction of FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope), the world's largest single-dish radio telescope, often called the "China Sky Eye." Nestled in a massive natural karst depression (dawodang), this engineering marvel searches the universe for secrets, creating a striking contrast between the ancient geological formations and cutting-edge astronomical science.

8.Ecological Harmony and Lifestyle: Qiannan is a place where "mountains and rivers create a symphony with the people". The region maintains a high forest coverage rate, acting as a massive oxygen bar. The climate is subtropical and humid, avoiding extreme heat in summer and severe cold in winter. This makes it a perfect destination for "summering" (avoiding the heat). The lifestyle here is slow and communal. In the ethnic villages, you can still see women weaving cloth by the river, farmers tending to their buffaloes, and elders gathering under the village drum towers. The Buyei people, known for their hospitality, often welcome guests with singing and rice wine. Their villages, often built with stone (stone houses, stone paths, stone mills), blend seamlessly into the karst landscape, creating a picture of pastoral harmony. Whether you are hiking through the primeval forests of Libo, sipping fresh Maojian tea in Duyun, deciphering the ancient symbols of the Shui people, or marveling at the vastness of the universe in Pingtang, Qiannan offers a travel experience that is diverse, profound, and refreshingly green.