Guizhou Tongren

1.Fanjingshan

Fanjingshan-Tongren's crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you breathless in every sense!This 2,570-meter-tall Buddhist sanctuary isn't just a mountain-it's a spiritual staircase between earth and heaven,where nature and devotion have intertwined for over a thousand years.

As our eco-bus climbs through lush forests buzzing with life,watch for rare treasures like the endemic Guizhou golden monkey munching on wild fruits.But the real magic awaits at Red Clouds Golden Summit-twin peaks crowned with ancient temples that seem to float above the clouds!Brave the 8,000-step "Stairway to Enlightenment" (or take the cable car) to witness sunrise views so spectacular,they're said to inspire instant enlightenment.At the summit,touch the Mushroom Stone-a billion-year-old geological wonder balancing like a giant stack of pancakes!

This sacred mountain is alive with Buddhist heritage.Hear the echoes of chanting from the Temple of the Buddha,wedged dramatically between cliffs,and see pilgrims placing prayer ribbons that flutter like colorful butterflies in the wind.Time your visit for May to walk through valleys carpeted with blooming azaleas,or come in winter when frost transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland.

Whether you're seeking adventure,spiritual renewal,or simply the world's most jaw-dropping selfie backdrop,Fanjingshan delivers miracles at every turn.

2.Jiulong Cave

Jiulong Cave (Nine Dragons Cave) in Tongren City!As we step into this 12-kilometer-long subterranean marvel,you'll discover why locals believe this is where nine mighty dragons once made their home.

Feel that refreshing cool air?The cave maintains a perfect 18°C year-round-nature's own air conditioning!Watch your head as we pass through the "Dragon Gate" entrance,where our adventure begins.Look up-those towering limestone formations have been growing at just 1 cm every 100 years for over 500,000 years!

The highlight?The magnificent Grand Hall,large enough to hold three football fields!Marvel at the "Dragon King's Throne",a 38-meter-tall stone pillar glittering with calcite crystals.Further in,the "Crystal Palace" will leave you speechless-its walls sparkle like diamonds under our special lights.Don't miss the "Underground Waterfall",where a hidden river cascades down moss-covered rocks with a soothing melody.

Legend says drinking from the "Longevity Spring" inside adds years to your life-would anyone like to try?As we exit,notice how the cave's "dragon scale" rock patterns seem to glow in the sunlight.

3.Tongren Grand Canyon

Tongren Grand Canyon-one of China's most spectacular natural wonders!Nestled in the heart of Guizhou Province,this magnificent canyon stretches over 12 kilometers,with towering cliffs,emerald-green rivers,and lush forests that will leave you speechless.

As we walk along the glass-bottomed skywalk (don't worry,it's perfectly safe!),look down-you'll see the crystal-clear river winding through the canyon like a jade ribbon,over 300 meters below us!The canyon walls rise sharply on both sides,some reaching heights of 200 meters,covered in vibrant greenery and cascading waterfalls.

Now,listen closely-do you hear that thunderous roar?That's the Dragon Gate Waterfall,one of the most powerful falls in the region,plunging 60 meters into a misty pool below.If we're lucky,we might even spot a rainbow dancing in the spray!

For adventure lovers,we'll take a boat ride through the narrowest part of the canyon,where the cliffs squeeze so tight they almost touch overhead.Keep your cameras ready-you might catch glimpses of rare birds like the blue pheasant or even a Chinese giant salamander in the pristine waters!

As we wrap up our journey,take a deep breath of the freshest air you've ever tasted-this canyon is nature's masterpiece,untouched and pure.

4.Yamu Gou Scenic Area

Yamu Gou Scenic Area-the "Soul of the Fanjingshan" region!Nestled at the foot of majestic Mount Jiajin,this 5-kilometer-long ecological paradise blends crystal-clear streams,primeval forests,and Tujia ethnic culture into an unforgettable experience.

Listen!That soothing sound you hear is the Yamu Stream-its waters so pure you can see every pebble on the bottom.Follow me across the wooden footbridges as we pass "Rainbow Falls",where sunlight transforms mist into dancing colors.Touch the extraordinary "Dragon Scale Stones"-ancient rock formations that ripple like a mythical creature's skin!

Our Tujia friends call this place "Yamu" meaning "divine valley",and you'll soon understand why.Breathe in the 60,000/cm3 negative oxygen ions-that's 100 times cleaner than city air!Watch for rare wildlife like the Chinese giant salamander or the golden pheasant as we walk through forests where some trees are over 1,000 years old.

Don't miss the Sacred Spring of the Tujia,where locals believe drinking the water brings good fortune.And look-up ahead!The "Buddha's Palm" rock appears to bless the entire valley.Whether you dip your feet in the "Fish Therapy Pool" or try authentic Tujia sticky rice cakes,every moment here feels magical.

5.Shiqian Hot Springs

Shiqian Hot Springs,a 400-year-old geothermal wonder known as "China's First Healing Spring"!As we step into this misty valley,you'll feel your stress melt away in the mineral-rich waters that have been pampering visitors since the Ming Dynasty.

Follow the soothing scent of sulfur to discover over 20 natural spring pools,each with unique therapeutic properties.The star is the "Divine Turtle Spring"-legend says a sacred turtle revealed these waters to an ancient doctor!Dip your hands in the 48°C (118°F) "Dragon's Tears Pool," where the water's perfect blend of lithium and strontium eases aches better than any medicine.

But this isn't just about relaxation-it's a cultural journey!Nearby,the Gelao ethnic village shares their tradition of "tea-bathing," where herbal infusions turn pools into healing potions.Try the evening "Moonlight Soak" under starry skies,or visit in winter when steam rises from snow-dusted pools like something from a dream!

6.Zhongnanmen

Zhongnanmen,the 600-year-old beating heart of Tongren!This perfectly preserved Ming-Qing dynasty neighborhood isn't just a tourist spot-it's where history still breathes in every cobblestone,carved doorway,and steaming street food stall.

As we pass through the massive South Gate,notice how the slanting wooden houses lean together like old friends sharing secrets.These buildings survived wars and floods thanks to their unique "horse-head walls"-those swooping rooftops weren't just pretty,they stopped fires from spreading!Here in "Money Lane",merchants once traded silver so heavy the stones still bear wagon ruts.

But Zhongnanmen isn't frozen in time-it's deliciously alive!Sniff the air for oil tea (a local Tujia breakfast) or sticky rice blood sausages sizzling at family-run stalls.Peek into courtyard workshops where artisans hammer Miao silver jewelry using techniques unchanged for centuries.Time your visit for sunset when lanterns glow gold on the Jinjiang River,and you might catch dragon boat singers practicing ancient tunes.

This is where Tongren's Han,Miao,and Tujia cultures blended into something extraordinary.Every corner holds stories-from the Opera Tower where performers still sing in Nuo masks,to hidden Revolution-era bullet marks on temple walls.

7.Red Clouds Golden Peak

Red Clouds Golden Peak (Hongyun Jinding),a 2,336-meter-tall twin-peaked holy mountain where Buddha's light shines through the clouds.This isn't just a hike-it's a spiritual ascent!

First marvel at the Mushroom Stone-nature's 1-billion-year-old masterpiece!This 10-meter-tall balancing act of two giant boulders resembles a stone mushroom growing from the cliff.Touch its weathered surface-each groove tells a story of ancient oceans that once covered Guizhou.Local Miao people believe it's a "heavenly ladder" left by deities!

Now for the challenge!We'll climb the "Stairway to Nirvana"-800 near-vertical steps carved between the twin peaks.Don't look down yet!At the summit,gasp at the Temple of the Buddha wedged impossibly between the peaks.This is where Zen masters meditated suspended between heaven and earth.Time your visit for sunrise when the entire mountain glows fiery red-that's the "red clouds" phenomenon that gives the peak its name!

8.JinDing Scenic Area

JinDing Scenic Area nestled in the heart of Guizhou Province,it is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Tongren City.Known for its majestic peaks,mystical Buddhist culture,and stunning natural scenery,this area is often called the "Roof of Eastern Guizhou."

The highlight of the scenic spot is FanJing Mountain (Mount Fanjing),a UNESCO World Heritage Site,where the iconic Red Clouds Golden Summit rises dramatically into the sky.Here,you'll find ancient temples perched on sheer cliffs,surrounded by seas of clouds that create a heavenly atmosphere.The area is also a sanctuary for rare wildlife and plants,making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Whether you're hiking through lush forests,marveling at the unique mushroom-shaped rock formations,or exploring sacred Buddhist sites,JinDing offers an unforgettable adventure.

9.Prince Stone

Prince Stone (Taizi Shi) in Tongren!Nestled in the enchanting Fanjingshan (Mount Fanjing) UNESCO World Heritage Site,the Prince Stone (Taizi Shi) is one of Tongren's most iconic and mystical natural wonders.This towering 20-meter-tall rock pillar stands like a solitary guardian,rising dramatically from the lush forests below.

According to local legend,the stone is said to be the petrified form of a crown prince from ancient times,who transformed into stone while seeking enlightenment on this sacred mountain.Its slender,needle-like shape and isolated position make it a breathtaking sight,especially when shrouded in swirling mist-creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

For the best experience,I recommend viewing it from the Temple of the Buddha on Fanjingshan's Red Clouds Golden Summit,where the Prince Stone appears as a silent sentinel against the backdrop of rolling mountains and drifting clouds.It's a perfect spot for photography,meditation,or simply marveling at nature's artistry.

10.Vermilion Town

Vermilion Town (Zhusha Guzhen) is a captivating blend of history,culture,and natural beauty.Once a thriving mercury mining hub for over 2,300 years,this ancient town has transformed into a nostalgic open-air museum,where the past comes alive in the most enchanting way.

As you wander through its cobbled streets and Soviet-style buildings,you'll feel like you've stepped back into the 1950s-1970s.The town preserves its industrial heritage with old mining tunnels,vintage propaganda posters,and even a retro "Worker's Cultural Palace" that recreates the atmosphere of China's collectivist era.Don't miss the Glass Skywalk,where you can walk above deep mining pits and lush valleys for a thrilling view!

But Zhusha's charm isn't just man-made-nature plays a starring role too.Surrounded by emerald forests and karst cliffs,the town is also home to the legendary "Danxia" red sandstone formations,which glow brilliantly at sunrise and sunset.

Local Legend:The town's name comes from cinnabar (vermilion),a mineral once believed to hold mystical powers.Ancient alchemists treasured it,and emperors used it in royal seals!

Whether you're a history buff,a photography lover,or just seeking a unique adventure,Vermilion Town offers a one-of-a-kind experience.