Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

小七孔

The highlight of the Zhangjiang River within a World Natural Heritage site: an old bridge, Laya Falls, 68-step cascades, a water forest and the turquoise Wolong Pool. It is Guizhou’s most beautiful stretch of mountain-and-water hiking.

Xiaoqikong Scenic Area lies about 30 km southwest of Libo County town, on the banks of the Zhangjiang River. It takes its name from a seven-arch stone bridge built during the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, located at the entrance. The area is the core showcase of the World Natural Heritage site “South China Karst – Libo” and is a national 5A-rated scenic area. It stretches for about 7 km along the Xiangshui River. Entering from the East Gate, you will pass, in order: the Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, a seven-arch bridge over Hanbi Pool that is most beautiful in the misty early morning; Laya Falls, about 10 meters wide and 30 meters high, with a path running through its spray; the 68-Step Cascade, where the river forms 68 stepped cascades over nearly 2 km of riverbed, with a trail following it upstream—the coolest section of the route; the Stone Forest and Water Forest, where you walk on stones among trees on a shallow riverbed and can wade right through the water, the most popular water section; Tianzhong Cave; Cuigu Falls; Yuanyang Lake; and Wolong Pool, near the West Gate. There are several ways to visit. One is to take the sightseeing bus (about 40 yuan, with stops along the way) from the East Gate to the West Gate, then walk back from Wolong Pool past Yuanyang Lake and the Water Forest, and finally take the bus back to the East Gate. This full loop is about 8 km and takes 5–6 hours on foot. Visiting only the highlights takes about 3 hours. Tickets cost about 110–130 yuan in peak season, plus the bus fare. Book through the official mini-program with real-name registration, as daily numbers are capped in summer. Getting there: a direct shuttle runs from Libo Station to the East Gate in about 40 minutes, and local buses serve the county town. If you drive, park in the East Gate lot. Notes: the stones in the Water Forest are slippery, so wear water shoes or non-slip sandals. Wade only in permitted areas, and swimming is prohibited. Crowds are heavy after 10 a.m. in summer, so arrive as soon as the park opens. Some sections close during thunderstorms. Bring a waterproof bag and a change of clothes.

Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby