Libo

The "emerald on the Earth's belt," with the blue-green water of Xiaoqikong's Wolong Pool and Yuanyang Lake, World Natural Heritage karst forest, and Guizhou's top choice for water play.

Libo is in Qiannan Prefecture in southern Guizhou Province, on the border with Guangxi. The Maolan karst forest and the Xiaoqikong area within the county are part of the World Natural Heritage site "South China Karst," and are known as the "emerald on the Earth's belt." It is Guizhou's most popular destination for water play and summer escapes. The climate is subtropical humid monsoon. From May to October the water is abundant and the mountains and water are at their greenest, with peak season especially in July–Aug during summer vacation (also the time of the heaviest rain and biggest crowds); April–May and September–October have clear water, few people and comfortable temperatures, the best value for money; from November to March the water is low, the blue-green color of Wolong Pool and Yuanyang Lake fades and the weather is cold and gloomy. There are three main sightseeing areas. First, the Zhangjiang Scenic Area, including Xiaoqikong (Wolong Pool, Yuanyang Lake, Water Forest, Laya Waterfall, the 68-Step Cascade and the Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, 1 full day), Daqikong (the natural bridge and canyon, half a day) and Shuichun River rafting (summer). Second, the Maolan National Nature Reserve (about 30 km from the county seat, hiking in primeval karst forest, 1 day). Third, Buyi, Shui and Yao ethnic villages, such as Yaoshan Ancient Village (White-Trousered Yao), plus the Zhangjiang River night view and night market in the county seat. Getting there: Libo Airport has few flights, so most visitors come via Guiyang or Guilin: the high-speed train from Guiyang North Station to Libo Station takes about 1 hour (Libo Station is about 35 km from Xiaoqikong's East Gate, with a direct scenic-area shuttle), and Guilin to Libo takes about 2 hours by high-speed train; driving from Guiyang takes about 3 hours; the county seat is about 30 km from Xiaoqikong, with buses and scenic-area shuttles. Inside the scenic area, a shuttle bus runs from the East Gate to the West Gate, and we recommend staying near Xiaoqikong's East Gate or in the county seat. We suggest 2–3 days: 1 day for Xiaoqikong, 1 day for Daqikong plus Maolan or Yaoshan, and another half day if you add Shuichun River rafting. Notes: Xiaoqikong tickets must be reserved in advance with real-name registration on the official Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area mini-program, and numbers are capped during summer vacation; there is a lot of walking in the scenic area (about 8–10 km), so wear non-slip shoes; when playing in the water, watch for rapids and slippery rocks, and swimming is prohibited at Wolong Pool and other spots; thunderstorms are frequent in summer, so bring a rain poncho; local Libo specialties include Zhangjiang fish, sour pork, tofu-pudding grilled fish and bayberries.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries