Classic Guizhou Loop: Waterfalls, Miao Villages & Ancient Towns

A classic first-time loop starting from Guiyang, connecting Huangguoshu, Xiaoqikong, Xijiang, and Zhenyuan via high-speed rail and chartered cars.

This itinerary covers the four most popular destinations for first-time visitors to Guizhou: the waterfalls at Huangguoshu, the waters of Xiaoqikong, an overnight stay in the Xijiang Miao Village for the night views, and a stroll through the riverside ancient town of Zhenyuan. A full day is dedicated to Xiaoqikong, keeping the pace manageable. By skipping Fanjingshan and Xingyi, you will enjoy fewer long-distance transfers, making this perfect for first-timers with a one-week vacation.

Huangguoshu has the largest water volume in summer; Xiaoqikong's water looks best on sunny days and can become muddy after rain.

Day by day

Day 1 · Guiyang Ancient Town & Old City

Guiyang（Qingyan Ancient Town、Jiaxiu Tower、Erqi Road Snack Street）

After arriving in Guiyang, take a taxi or tourist shuttle to Qingyan (about 1 hour), return to the old city in the evening, and use local taxis within the city.

Stay: Penshuichi–Jiaxiu Tower

Day 2 · Huangguoshu Waterfall Cluster

Anshun（Doupotang Waterfall、Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area、Huangguoshu Waterfall）

Take a high-speed train from Guiyang North to Anshun West (about 30 minutes), then transfer to a direct shuttle to the scenic area, or charter a car for about 2.5 hours.

The scenic area requires time-slot reservations and involves climbing many steps; the main waterfall is more crowded early on.

Stay: Huangguoshu Town

Day 3 · Boat Ride in Longpalace & Transfer to Libo

Anshun（Dragon Palace Cave (Longgong)） → Libo

Charter a car to Longpalace in the morning. In the afternoon, travel from Anshun West to Libo via Guiyang North by high-speed train, taking about 3 to 4 hours in total.

This is a long travel day; arrange Longpalace for the morning and book your high-speed train tickets in advance.

Stay: Xiaoqikong East Gate

Day 4 · Full Day in Xiaoqikong

Libo（Mandarin Duck Lake (Yuanyang Lake)、Wolong Pool、Water Forest (Shuishang Senlin)、Xiaoqikong Scenic Area）

Walk or take a short shuttle from your accommodation to the scenic area, then use the sightseeing buses and walk inside. Entering from the west gate and exiting from the east gate is recommended, taking about 6 hours.

Book tickets in advance during peak season; the Water Forest requires wading, so bring non-slip sandals.

Stay: Xiaoqikong East Gate

Day 5 · Libo to Xijiang for the Night Lights

Xijiang Miao Village & Zhenyuan（Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village）

Charter or share a car to Xijiang (about 3 hours), or take a high-speed train to Kaili South and transfer to a direct shuttle (about 1 hour) to enter the village.

The village has many slopes, so travel with light luggage; head to the observation deck at dusk to see the thousands of glittering lights.

Stay: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village

Day 6 · Langde Upper Village to Zhenyuan

Xijiang Miao Village & Zhenyuan（Langde Upper Miao Village、Zhenyuan Ancient Town、Zhusheng Bridge、Qinglongdong Ancient Architectural Complex）

Travel from Xijiang to Zhenyuan via Langde, taking about 2 to 2.5 hours by chartered car, and explore the ancient town on foot.

Stay: Zhenyuan Old Town

Day 7 · Wuyang River Cruise & Return Journey

Xijiang Miao Village & Zhenyuan（Wuyang River Scenic Area） → Guiyang

Take a cruise for about 2 hours in the morning. In the afternoon, return to Guiyang by chartered car or train (about 3 hours), or transfer via Kaili South by high-speed train.