Guizhou 4-Day Classic Karst Tour: Xiaoqikong & Dragon Palace Adventure
Guizhou, located in the heart of southwestern China, is a captivating province known for its lush landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty. Though less traveled than some major cities, it offers a truly authentic and unforgettable experience for curious explorers. Guizhou is home to more than 17 ethnic minorities, including the Miao and Dong peoples, whose vibrant festivals, traditional dress, and folk music offer deep cultural insight. The ancient town of Zhenyuan blends Daoist heritage with riverside charm, while the village of Xijiang is one of the largest Miao settlements in China, offering stunning wooden architecture and colorful local traditions. Visitors can also discover the UNESCO-listed Kaili region, renowned for its rich textile and silver crafts.
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Guizhou Arrival
Guizhou Arrival – Free Activities
4-Stars Hotel
None
Day 1: Arrival in Guiyang Arrive in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province. Known as the “Forest City,” Guiyang is surrounded by verdant hills and rich cultural heritage. Your driver will meet you at the airport or train station exit and transfer you to your hotel for rest.
Optional Attractions in Guiyang:
Qianling Mountain Park: A natural retreat in the city center, home to wild macaques, serene trails, and the historic Hongfu Temple.
Jiaxiu Tower: A Ming dynasty landmark overlooking the Nanming River, showcasing classical Chinese architecture and offering insight into the city’s literary past.
Local Cuisine & Where to Try It: Head to Minsheng Road for authentic Guizhou dishes such as sour fish soup, sticky rice, and other local specialties.
Transportation Info: International direct flights to Guiyang are available from major Asian cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Nearby Cities by High-Speed Rail:
Within 1-4 hours: Chongqing, Chengdu, Guilin, Changsha, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Kunming
Within 4-8 hours: Nanning, Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an
Day 2: Guizhou
Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Morning departure from Guiyang to Libo via expressway (approx. 3 hours). Alternatively, take a high-speed train from Guiyang North to Libo Station (45 min – 1 hour), then a 15-min shuttle to the Xiaoqikong East Gate.
(Note: If you want to travel independently, we recommend that you take the high-speed rail from Guiyang North Station to Libo Station, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. After exiting Libo Station, take the scenic area through bus to the east gate of Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, which takes about 15 minutes. The through bus ticket is 10 yuan 23. You can also choose to take a taxi to the east gate of Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, which takes about 10-15 minutes and costs about 30-50 yuan.)
Xiaoqikong Highlights:
Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge: A charming arched stone bridge amidst dense greenery.
Laya Waterfall & 68-Tier Waterfall: Cascading streams set in a tropical forest.
Water Forest: A surreal landscape where trees grow directly from flowing waters. We recommend partially exploring the area on foot to enjoy the full sensory experience.
Libo Station is one of the stations of the Southern Guizhou Passenger Dedicated Line. The following areas can be reached through this station:
In Guizhou Province: Guiyang (including Guiyang North Station, Guiyang Station, Longdongbao High-speed Railway Station), Liupanshui, Zunyi, Bijie, etc.
Other provinces and cities: Chongqing, Chengdu, Nanning (including Nanning East Station, Nanning North Station), Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Mianyang, Baise, Beihai, etc.
After arriving at Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, we will visit Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, Laya Waterfall, 68-level waterfall, water forest and other attractions6. You can choose to hike or take a sightseeing bus according to your physical needs, but we recommend hiking for a while so that you can experience the beauty more closely.
Day 3: Guizhou
Xiaoqikong – Dragon Palace Cave
4-Stars Hotel
Breakfast
Begin your day at Xiaoqikong, a UNESCO-listed karst landscape in Guizhou. Hike to the Emerald Valley Waterfall, where turquoise waters cascade over layered limestone, creating a rainbow mist in sunlight. Nearby, the Wolong Pond Waterfall earned its name (“Crouching Dragon”) for its serpentine flow through moss-covered rocks. Paddle a Mandarin Duck Lake boat through a dreamlike forest stream, where ancient trees arch over crystal-clear waters, and spot rare Chinese merganser ducks—a protected species. For adventurers, join a guided “Cliff Coffee Break” at a hidden pavilion, sipping locally grown tea while overlooking the valley.
Travel to the Dragon Palace Cave, a 5A-rated wonder dubbed “China’s Underground Art Gallery.” Board a 15-minute boat ride through its 5-km underground river, where stalactites form shapes like “Buddha’s Hand” and “Dragon’s Pearl.” Marvel at the “Palace Hall”, a cavernous chamber with ceilings 50 meters high, and snap photos of the “Natural Stone Arch Bridge”—a 30-meter span carved by water over millennia. For a cultural twist, listen to folk tales about the “Dragon King”, a mythical guardian believed to reside in the cave’s depths.
Day 4: Guizhou Departure
Dragon Palace – Qingyan Ancient Town – Guiyang
None
Breakfast
Depart from your Dragon Palace-area accommodation and enjoy a leisurely 1.5-hour drive to Qingyan Ancient Town, a Ming Dynasty gem nestled among karst hills. Begin your exploration at the South Gate Tower, a stone archway offering sweeping views of the town’s red-walled courtyards and terraced fields. Wander cobblestone lanes lined with timber-framed houses, and visit the Chenghuang Temple, where locals burn incense to honor the Town God. Savor a lunch of Qingyan Tofu (fermented bean curd with chili oil) and Rose Sugar Cakes at a century-old teahouse.
Afternoon: Return to Guiyang and according to your flight time to departure. For independent travelers, Libo Station provides high-speed rail access to your next destination.
