[2025 Xingyi Attraction] Travel Guide for Maling River Gorge Rafting (Updated May)

🌸 Xingyi: A Karst Microcosm in May, Where Even the Air is Sweet! 🌸 This treasure of a small city in the southwest corner of Guizhou Province is home to the "Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks" certified by Xu Xiake, the "Maling River Canyon" where the earth cracked open, and the fragrant glutinous rice of the Bouyei girls. In Xingyi in May, the rice paddies are filled with water and there's a 25°C breeze. Every photo you take is a screen-saver-worthy landscape painting! 🗺️ Day 1: Peak Forest Hike + Canyon Water Fun 🌅 Morning: Pastoral Idyll of Wanfenglin Cycling 8:00 Ride a scooter into the Eight Diagrams Field. The 20,000 cone-shaped peaks in the morning mist are like giant Legos. Bouyei grandmothers squat on the edge of the fields selling hand-made jelly for CNY 5, which is sweet and refreshing! Things to do: Avoid the sightseeing bus (CNY 120/person) and explore the small paths between the fields to take "ink wash painting" photos of the peak forest, and encounter water buffaloes strolling slowly 🌾 Opening hours: All day | Free area: Field trails in Nahui Village 🌞 Noon: Winnowing Fan Feast at the Top of Wanfenglin The bamboo rice + cold Houttuynia cordata salad at Dingsu Vegetarian Restaurant has a sour soup base with fish that is so fresh it will make your eyebrows fall off! You can eat your fill for an average of CNY 50 per person. Remember to add a spoonful of local chili powder 🌶️ 🌇 Evening: Waterfall SPA at Maling River Canyon 16:00 Take the "Xiaoqingshan Entrance → Sea Lion Bridge" route. 68 waterfalls fall from the sky, and the water mist instantly cools you down! Paid items: Sightseeing elevator CNY 30 (walking is recommended), rafting CNY 180 (choose carefully as the water temperature is low in May) 💦 Hidden spot: Take great photos of "people in the middle of the waterfall" on the railing of the Sea Lion Bridge! 🏠 Accommodation: Fengxi Half-Mountain Homestay Features: Bouyei stilted building hidden on the hillside, with a terrace facing the Wanfenglin sunset. The landlady will teach you how to sing mountain songs 🎤 🌊 Day 2: Sinkhole Exploration + Castle Light Chasing 🌄 Morning: Journey Through the Rain-replenished Cave 9:00 Drive for 40 minutes to the "ancient village hanging on the cliff". Ming Dynasty blockhouse architecture + 600-year-old banyan tree. A CNY 6 ticket gets you the alien feeling of "Three-Body Problem" 👽 Things to do: Touch the rammed earth walls, fish in the rice fields (CNY 20 to rent equipment), and eat a CNY 30 wild vegetable hot pot for lunch. The daylily is so crisp it crackles! 🌤️ Noon: Gothic Romance of Jilongbao 13:00 Wanfeng Lake cruise (CNY 138/2 hours), row to the island in the heart of the lake to take photos of the "Guizhou Little Swan Castle", with Gothic spires + blue lake water, and your posts on WeChat will be flooded with questions 📍 Free spot: Take a photo of the reflection of the castle from the lakeside road! 🌙 Evening: Starlight Food in Xingguangli 18:00 The night market neon lights up! Eat CNY 10 mutton rice noodles + CNY 5 fried glutinous rice cakes, collect stamps to exchange for blind boxes, and watch a live band 🎸 Must-do: Take a photo with the interstellar astronaut NPC, and collect 5 stamps to enter a draw for a "free milk tea coupon"! 🏠 Accommodation: Ziyu KENSHO Homestay Features: Gray industrial style + Nahui River landscape pool, galaxy view from the bed in the rooftop star room, the owner is a Harvard architecture graduate! 🚨 Must-Visit List 1️⃣ Wanfenglin Sightseeing Bus: CNY 120/person, exclusive for lazy people, but walking is cheaper! 2️⃣ Maling River Canyon Rafting: CNY 180/person, MAX stimulation value but choose carefully! 3️⃣ Rain-replenished Cave: CNY 6 ticket, the king of cost performance for exploring ancient villages! 4️⃣ Jilongbao Cruise: CNY 138/2 hours, straight out of a fairy tale castle! 5️⃣ Xingguangli Night Market: Free to stroll and eat, you'll make money if you get a blind box! 🚌 Transportation Guide Airport/High-speed Rail: Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport ✈️, Guiyang high-speed rail 1.5 hrs direct 🚄 City: Wanfenglin taxi starts at CNY 25, shared ride is CNY 15 per person 🚕 Rent an electric scooter for CNY 50/day, the battery is enough to run 60 km! Lessons learned from bitter experience: There are so few bus routes that it's sad, don't count on it! 💡 Tips Avoid scams: Don't buy silverware at the entrance of the scenic spot! Look for the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop" in Nanlong Bouyei Ancient Village 🏺 Dress code: Bright long dress + straw hat, a perfect match with the peak forest! Mosquito prevention: Mosquitoes are fierce in the rainy season, bring mosquito repellent! 🍜 Foodie Frenzy 5 in a Row 1️⃣ Zouji Chicken Soup Dumplings: Salty and fresh! Glutinous rice skin wrapped in chicken soup + minced pork, one bite will make you a believer! 2️⃣ Zhengji Shuabato: CNY 3/piece for the Pro version of siu mai, thin skin filled with bamboo shoot and minced meat, dipped in vinegar is amazing! 3️⃣ Nie's Cut Noodles: Rice noodles with spicy chicken topping, you won't let go even if it's so spicy you hiss! 4️⃣ Anlong Spicy Tofu: Fried rice cake dipped in chili paste, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, so fragrant you'll stomp your feet! 5️⃣ Gangzi Noodles: Handmade noodles + crispy pork + sauerkraut soup, one bite is full of oily goodness~ 💰 Two-Day Spending List Day 1: Breakfast 10 + Lunch 50 + Dinner 80 + Transportation 40 = CNY 180 Day 2: Breakfast 10 + Lunch 60 + Dinner 100 + Cruise 138 = CNY 308 Total: Approx. CNY 488/person (budget version) 🌟 Final Temptation Xingyi in May is the gentleness of the mountain breeze kissing the rice fields, the revelry of the waterfall smashing the sunlight, and the jianghu in a bowl of jelly handed over by a Bouyei girl. There are no crowded people here, only the secret realm of the sea of clouds and the fireworks that make your taste buds dance~ 👉 Like and save this guide, and let Xingyi take over your WeChat Moments with nine photos next holiday! 🎁 I'll pick 3 lucky ones in the comments to send a [Xingyi Specialty Gift Pack]!

Xingyi is a hidden gem in Guizhou that has given us so many surprises ❤️. Not only does it have beautiful scenery comparable to Yunnan, but it also has hidden luxury resorts (a paradise for hotel lovers). What surprised me most about this trip was the low level of commercialization, which preserved the most original natural beauty. I brought my parents to visit, and they were full of praise! If you want to find a secluded place away from the hustle and bustle during the Labor Day holiday, Qianxinan is definitely your best choice~ 📝｜3-Day and 2-Night Tour Route in Qianxinan｜ • ⭕️Day 1: After arriving in Xingyi in the morning, head straight to the "Wonder of the World" 【Wanfenglin Grand Canyon】. More than 6,000 mountain peaks rise and fall, with Buyi villages dotted among them. Shuttle through it in a sightseeing car, just like walking in a huge landscape painting. In the afternoon, go to 【Fangmai Si Anlong National Mountain Outdoor Sports Park】 and check in to a super special luxury tent hotel. ⭕️Day2: Anlong Fangmai Inner Tour ✔Via Ferrata: Guizhou is a must-try of the top three Via Ferrata climbing areas in the country. Challenge yourself on the cliffs, feel the excitement and heartbeat, and appreciate the unique karst landform. ✔ Kayaking: Paddle freely on the water, admire the surrounding scenery, and enjoy the fun of water sports. ✔ Off-road vehicle: Drive an off-road vehicle through the mountains, experience speed and passion, and feel the wild charm of nature. ✔Mountain Hiking: Stroll through the mountain forests of karst landforms and feel the tranquility of being alone with nature. ⭕️Day 3: Head directly to Maling River Scenic Area. The canyon rafting here is awesome and is known as the "No. 1 rafting in China"! Return in the afternoon at a suitable time. 🏠 | Accommodation | ✨The scenic area offers a variety of accommodation options, including cliffside hotels, tent hotels, and mountain forest courtyards. Cliffside hotels are perfect for couples, while tent hotels are ideal for families and parent-child travel. Our family chose a luxury glamping tent. ✔️Private courtyard with great privacy ✔️Rooms are equipped with a telescope and mountain bikes ✔️ 24-hour butler service ✔️Wake up to birdsong in the morning and fall asleep under the stars at night 💡[Travel Tips] 1️⃣ We recommend purchasing sightseeing tickets for Wanfenglin Scenic Area. You'll be exhausted if you hike. 2️⃣ Fang Mai Si's outdoor activities require advance booking. 3️⃣ Remember to bring a change of clothes for the Maling River rafting 4️⃣ Mountain weather is changeable, rain gear is essential 5️⃣ Outfit Recommendations for Photos: Hanfu/plain dresses look better in photos

Maling River Canyon, known as the most beautiful scar on earth, is located in Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, historical culture, and unique experiences. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you plan your trip: 1. Canyon Scenery Seasons: Wildflowers in spring, waterfalls in summer, red leaves in autumn, and ice waterfalls in winter. 2. History and Culture Ancient Human Sites: The canyon was once home to ancient humans, leaving behind rich historical and cultural relics. Dong and Miao Villages: Visit the ancient Dong and mysterious Miao villages to experience their culture and lifestyle. 3. Unique Experiences Boat Tour: Take a boat tour to enjoy the spectacular scenery on both sides of the canyon. Rock Climbing and Hiking: Participate in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking to challenge yourself and appreciate the wonders of nature. Rafting: Experience a one-hour canyon rafting adventure and feel the thrill of the rapids. 4. Food and Accommodation Food: Taste local Dong specialties such as sour fish soup and glutinous rice. Accommodation: Choose local homestays to enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and rivers. 5. Travel Tips Weather: Check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure a smooth journey. Best Boating Time: April to October Gear: Bring sunscreen, an umbrella, and enough water and food. Safety: Choose suitable activities based on your abilities during outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking. Environment: Keep the environment clean and dispose of trash in designated bins. 6. Best Tour Route Entrance: It is recommended to enter from the "Dachaiwo Entrance," first visit the "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping Waterfall" to feel the majestic waterfall, then return and follow the "Xiaoqingshan Exit" to view the waterfalls along the way, and finally leave from this exit. Maling River Canyon is a charming place, with both natural scenery and cultural experiences that are unforgettable. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip!

Travel Overview: Five days and four nights round trip from Shanghai to Xingyi, two adults and one child (7 years old), total cost 13,500 yuan, transportation: car rental self-driving Travel Highlights: Wake up naturally ➕ Natural Scenery ➕ Family-friendly Hotels Attractions: Maling River Canyon Scenic Area ➕ Maling River Rafting; Wanfenglin Scenic Area; Mushroom Hotel and surroundings; Xingyi National Geopark Museum; Yuntun Ecological Sports Park; Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area; Dream City Shopping Center Here is the detailed itinerary for reference: Day 1: 16:40-19:55 Direct flight from Shanghai to Xingyi (this flight time equals wasting a day, but at that time there was only one direct flight, if you don't mind the trouble, you can consider transferring) Stay at Wanfenglin Qianyan Boutique Inn in Xingyi, right in the Wanfenglin Scenic Area, very clean, and the owner is very enthusiastic. Bought the room voucher on Ctrip (958 yuan for two nights, tatami twin room, including breakfast) Day 2: Wake up naturally, drive half an hour from the homestay to Maling River Canyon Scenic Area, those born in the Year of the Dragon can get free admission with an ID card, but still need to pay for the elevator ticket. When we went, there was maintenance, and many attractions were not visible, such as the famous Ten Thousand Horses Galloping Waterfall. Although it took less than two hours to go back and forth, including walking, taking photos, and resting, the scenery of Maling River was still worth the trip for those used to seeing steel and concrete. In the afternoon, went to Maling River Rafting, the ticket office is right next to the Maling River Canyon Scenic Area, 720 yuan for two adults and one child (recommended to buy online in advance for discounts), after buying the ticket, take the merchant's van for 10-15 minutes to the rafting starting point. Here are some small tips: first, prepare a waterproof case for your phone in advance; second, prepare a set of change clothes, including underwear, items can be stored, and when you reach the rafting end point, things will be delivered by car, there are changing rooms at the end point, if the weather is hot, you can also wait for the clothes to dry by themselves, haha; third, wear sandals, slippers may be washed away by the water (saw more than one shoe in the water); fourth, if possible, store a pair of sports shoes, after rafting to the end point, you need to walk a very long muddy road + climb a muddy hill (about half an hour in total) back to the car point, elderly, weak adults, and children who don't want to walk should be cautious. Day 3: After checking out, head to Wanfenglin Scenic Area, take a tour bus to visit the loop, the driver will stop at each station for tourists to take photos. Disposable raincoats are provided if it rains. Excellent! Check into Mushroom Wild Luxury Hotel in the afternoon (see my other hotel review). Day 4: Play in the amusement park near the Mushroom Hotel in the morning (very few people on weekdays), lots of mosquitoes, be careful. After checking out, head to Xingyi National Geopark Museum (see another special review), this activity is really meaningful, the child shared it at school, and many classmates showed interest. Stay at Yuntun Wild Luxury Hotel in the evening, mainly for their Magic Castle Slide Room (not very cost-effective). Day 5: Play near the hotel (the scenic area is not finished, nothing much to play). After checking out, first went to Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area, is it man-made (not sure), very friendly to locals, seems the ticket price is only a few yuan, for out-of-town tourists the ticket price is 79 yuan each, cry! You can go or not, consider the cost-effectiveness yourself. Then head to the center of Xingyi, buy some specialties at the supermarket in Dream City (although you can buy online, it always feels more ceremonial to buy locally). Note that this area has a lot of cars and is very congested, plan your departure time well. 20:40-23:55 flight back to Shanghai. Why no food guide, because almost every day we ate fried rice with eggs, cry, is Xingyi's specialty fried rice with eggs? After coming back, I didn't want to touch fried rice with eggs for a month.

Located in Xingyi, the capital of Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, it is known as 'China's No.1 Rafting'. Maling River Canyon combines the grand, the strange, the dangerous, and the beautiful, with a valley width of 50-150 meters and a depth of 120-280 meters. The Maling River Canyon is a deep fissure in the earth formed by orogeny, with groups of waterfalls cascading down, bamboo hanging upside down, connected caves, and ancient trees and famous woods embellishing both sides, presenting a myriad of forms. Along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular waterfalls and unique landforms. the beauty and power of nature the breath and scenery of nature