A Scenic Gem with Few Crowds, Combining Majesty, Wonder, Adventure, and Beauty

Here’s a detailed travel guide for **Maling River Grand Canyon**, covering transportation, attractions, routes, and tips to help you explore this "Earth’s Most Beautiful Scar"! --- ### **1. Introduction to Maling River Grand Canyon** - **Location**: Xingyi City, Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, about 4 km from downtown. - **Highlights**: A rare karst fissure canyon known for its waterfall clusters, calcified walls, and thrilling trails. It’s also famed as China’s top rafting destination. - **Honors**: National Geopark, AAAA-rated scenic area. --- ### **2. Best Time to Visit** - **Peak Season**: **May–October** (abundant water, spectacular waterfalls, rafting available). - **Avoid Heavy Rain**: July–August storms may close some areas; check weather in advance. - **Off-Season Charm**: November–February offers clear waters and fewer crowds, but rafting is closed. --- ### **3. Transportation** - **Getting to Xingyi**: - **By Air**: Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport, with direct flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. - **By High-Speed Rail**: Take a train from Guiyang North Station to Panzhou Station (1 hour), then transfer to a taxi/bus to Xingyi (1.5 hours). - **By Car**: ~4 hours from Guiyang, ~5 hours from Kunming. - **To the Canyon**: Taxi from Xingyi takes ~15 minutes (¥10–20), or take Bus 19. --- ### **4. Top Attractions & Experiences** **(1) Canyon Hiking & Scenery** - **Recommended Route**: Xiaoqingshan Entrance → Tian Sheng Qiao (Natural Bridge) → Wanma Benteng Waterfall → Sea Lion Hall → Exit (~2–3 hours). - **Must-Sees**: - **Wanma Benteng Waterfall**: A 100-meter cascade, majestic in the rainy season. - **Calcified Walls**: Natural "relief galleries" on the cliffs. - **Tian Sheng Qiao**: A natural stone bridge offering panoramic canyon views. **(2) Canyon Rafting (Summer Only)** - **Sections**: Upper (thrilling, for adults) and Lower (gentle, family-friendly). - **Ticket**: ~¥200/person (includes gear), ~1.5 hours total. - **Note**: Not suitable for children under 1.2m or seniors over 60. **(3) Nearby Attractions** - **Wanfenglin Forest**: 30-minute drive, one of China’s most stunning peak forests (half-day recommended). - **Guizhou Dragon Museum**: In Xingyi, featuring ancient fossils. --- ### **5. Tickets & Fees** - **Entrance**: Peak season (Mar–Nov) ¥70/person, off-season (Dec–Feb) ¥60. - **Sightseeing Elevator**: One-way ¥30 (optional, saves energy). - **Rafting**: Separate fee; book ahead. --- ### **6. Tips** - **Safety First**: - Stay on marked trails—no crossing railings (canyon drops 100m+!). - Wear life jackets and follow guides during rafting. - **Gear Up**: - Non-slip shoes, raincoat (waterfall mist), sun hat, waterproof phone case. - Travel light; some trails are steep. - **Other**: - No food inside; bring water/snacks. - Drones require prior approval (some no-fly zones). --- ### **7. Accommodation** - **Xingyi Downtown**: Budget-friendly with dining options (near Jushan Avenue). - **Wanfenglin B&Bs**: Scenic but pricier (ideal for immersive stays). --- ### **8. Pro Tips** - **Photo Spots**: Tian Sheng Qiao viewpoint, base of Wanma Benteng Waterfall. - **Avoid Crowds**: Arrive before 8 AM on holidays. - **Local Eats**: Try Xingyi specialties like lamb rice noodles and Gangzi noodles! --- **In Short**: Maling River Grand Canyon is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. Pair it with Wanfenglin for a 1–2 day trip. If short on time, prioritize hiking + rafting (summer)—it’s unforgettable! Got questions (e.g., detailed routes, lodging)? Feel free to ask!