Maolan Karst Forest Nature Reserve
茂兰国家级自然保护区
The core of a World Heritage site and the only remaining primeval karst forest at this latitude on Earth. Hike through funnel forests, caves and Yao villages for Libo's deepest natural experience.
Maolan National Nature Reserve lies in the southeast of Libo county, on the border with Guangxi. Covering about 213 square kilometres, it is the core of the Libo section of the World Heritage 'South China Karst' site. It preserves the only continuous primeval karst forest at this latitude on Earth, with trees growing on almost soil-free limestone cones and in funnels. Forest cover is nearly 90%, earning it the nickname 'green jewel on the belt of the Earth'. Unlike the sightseeing paths at Xiaoqikong, Maolan is a hiking destination. Main routes include: Funnel Forest, walking through funnel-shaped depressions between cone peaks (about 3 hours); Qinglong Pool and Qinglong Waterfall; Yaogu Buyi Village, with traditional papermaking and Nuo opera; Yao Suo and the White-trousered Yao villages; cave routes requiring a guide (Golden Lion Cave and Shenxian Cave); and a two-day traverse route. Several farmhouse restaurants and guesthouses within the reserve, such as Yaogu and Latan, let you stay a night and experience the mountain evenings. Admission is about 50 yuan. The sites are scattered, so you need a car or a chartered vehicle. For hiking routes, book a guide through the reserve's management station or a guesthouse (about 200–300 yuan per day). Getting there: from Libo county town it is about an hour's drive to the reserve entrance at Yongkang Township (Yaogu); there is no regular public transport. From Xiaoqikong it's about 1.5 hours. Notes: karst rock is sharp and paths are slippery, so wear high-top hiking boots and gloves; there is no mobile signal in the forest, so always follow your guide and never enter caves alone; in the rainy season there are risks of flash floods and falling rocks, so check the weather in advance; bring plenty of water and food, as commercial services inside the reserve are very limited; mosquitoes and leeches are common, so wear long trousers and bring repellent; collecting plants and making fires are prohibited in the reserve.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00 (hiking routes require a pre-booked guide)
Nearby sights
- Libo Ancient Town
- Shuichun River Rafting
- Former Residence of Deng Enming
- Yaoshan Ancient Village
- Daqikong Scenic Area
- Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
- Water Forest (Shuishang Senlin)
- Wolong Pool