The Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, situated at the junction of Guizhou and Guangxi provinces in China, is a natural wonder that showcases the grandeur and diversity of karst landscapes. Named after an ancient seven-arch stone bridge constructed in 1836 during the Qing Dynasty, the area covers a sprawling 46.4 square kilometers, encompassing a narrow and serene valley that stretches 19 kilometers long and is merely 1.5 kilometers wide.
Recognized as an unparalleled wonder within karst landscapes, it is aptly nicknamed the "Super Miniature Garden." The natural beauty crafted by the karst landforms of southern China is truly mesmerizing, while the profound mountain culture and unique customs of ethnic minorities add an exciting dimension to the experience.
In 1994, it was approved by the State Council as a national scenic area. In April 1996, it became a member of the UNESCO International Network of Man and Biosphere Reserves (MAB). On June 27, 2007, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area became the sixth World Natural Heritage Site in China and the first in Guizhou with its unique karst forest system and biodiversity. In July 2015, it was rated as a national 5A tourist attraction.
The area boasts a forest coverage rate of over 92%, ensuring an abundance of fresh air enriched with negative oxygen ions. The annual average temperature hovers around a comfortable 18°C, creating an ideal climate for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty and relax in the serene natural environment.
What to See in Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Xiaoqikong Bridge
It is a small and exquisite seven-hole ancient stone bridge, measuring 25 meters long, 1.8 meters wide, and 4 meters high. Built in 1836, it used to be an important bridge connecting Libo to Guangxi. The bridge is made of granite strips and is covered with vines and ferns. Underneath the bridge lies the enchanting green Hanbi Lake. Ancient trees on both sides of the river stand tall like giant umbrellas.
Laya Waterfall
Laya Falls is just a few hundred meters away from the Little Seven Kong Bridge. "Laya" is the Bouyei language, which means beautiful girl. Raya Falls is 10 meters wide and has a drop of over 30 meters. The splash of water mist and the cool air make visitors linger. If the Huangguoshu Waterfall is compared to a tall and majestic man, then the Raya Waterfall is a beautiful girl.
68-Step Waterfall
The 68-Step Waterfall is a waterfall with an elevation of 380-500 meters and a drop of 120 meters in the 1.6-kilometer-long valley of the Xiangshui River. The shape of this waterfall is along the karst terrain, composed of several waterfalls at one level. The cascading waterfalls, ripples and pour down, or drop jade, push snow and clouds, or like horses, like the galactic lagoon, different forms, and thousands of weather. According to experts, such a large and dense waterfall, falling water, is rare in the country.
Bronze Drum Bridge
The bridge is 126 meters long with a net span of 60 meters, 2.4 meters wide, and 25 meters high. The two ends of the bridge are shaped like bronze drums of the Yao people. The Yao people regard bronze drums as a gift from the gods, the treasure of the village, and the symbol of power. The totem pole set up at the end of the bridge represents the dignity and worship of the Yao people, and the relief pattern on the column body shows the traditional, unique, and ancient national culture of the Yao people, with strong local ethnic characteristics.
Water Forest
The water forest, about 600 meters long, is divided into two sections. The valley is thickly overgrown with trees and shrubs, forming an emerald barrier. The clear water poured down through the thicket of trees in the riverbed. Year after year, day after day, there is no sand in the river bed, and even the rock is polished by the current. However, trees stay rooted in the riverbed and green all year.
Tianzhong Cave
The cave is two thousand meters long, the calcified deposits are well-developed, the shapes are vivid, and the cave road is smooth. Many stalactites in the cave resemble animals, such as the crocodile hall, golden rooster hall, animal hall, and rhino hall.
Yuanyang Lake
The jade-green waters of the Yuanyang Lake, a marvellous sight within the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, captivate countless visitors with their captivating hue. Because the lake has two tall trees side by side, the two trees are half in the water, the branches and leaves are held above, the female tree is delicate, and the male tree can be two or three people around, strong and straight. The lake is surrounded by plants of various colors, with green mixed with red and pink flowers.
Wolong Pool
Wolong Pool can be taken by rubber boat along the water slowly down, the banks are the green onion beautiful karst original vegetation and quiet river, sometimes fish jump, like a delicate natural bonsai.
Travel Tips
Address: Next to Mengliu Town, Libo County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province
Best Seasons: March to May, September to November
Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
Opening Hours: 07:30 - 17:30
Tickets Price: Xiaoqikong & Daqikong (valid for 2 days)
March to November: CNY 130
December to February: CNY 110
Transportation Fee: Sightseeing Bus: CNY40
Sightseeing Boat: CNY20
Scenic Spot Level: National AAAAA Tourist Attraction
Climate: Subtropical monsoon humid climate
Things to do: Photography, landscape photography, hiking
