Maling River Canyon Travel Guide: A Practical Guide to Exploring the "Earth's Most Beautiful Scar"

1. Overview Located in Xingyi City, Guizhou, Maling River Canyon is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, karst landforms, and rift valley, earning it the title of "Earth's Most Beautiful Scar." Key attractions include 100-meter waterfalls, cliffside walkways, and canyon rafting, making it ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. 2. Transportation Guide · Self-drive: About 4 hours from Guiyang; navigate to "Maling River Canyon Scenic Area." Parking costs 10-20 CNY/day. · Public transport: Take Bus No. 1 or 19 from downtown Xingyi (about 30 minutes) or a taxi (around 15 CNY). · Tip: Waterfalls are most impressive during the rainy season (June-August), but check the weather in advance as the park may close after heavy rain. 3. Must-Try Experiences 1. Canyon Hiking (Recommended: 2-3 hours): · Route: Xiaoqingshan Entrance → Huanglong Waterfall → Pearl Waterfall → Sea Lion Hall → Dachaiwo Exit (about 5 km total). · Highlights: Six cascading waterfalls along the way; Wanma Benteng Viewing Platform is the best photo spot. · Tip: Wear non-slip shoes as some sections are wet. Elderly and children can opt for the elevator (30 CNY one-way) to save energy. 2. Rafting Adventure (Summer Only): · The mid-section "Adventure Rafting" takes about 1.5 hours and is thrilling. Tickets cost around 198 CNY/person. · Note: Not suitable for children under 1.2m or seniors over 60. 4. Tickets & Opening Hours · Tickets: Peak season (March-November) 70 CNY, off-season 35 CNY; sightseeing elevator requires an additional fee. · Opening: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). 5. Practical Tips · Attire: Light sports clothing + sun hat; bring a raincoat during the rainy season (heavy mist in the canyon). · Photography: Soft light before 10 AM; Rainbow Waterfall is photogenic. · Nearby attractions: Combine with a day trip to Wanfenglin (20-minute drive) or Nanlong Buyi Ancient Village. 6. Dining & Accommodation · Food: Snack stalls at the entrance offer liangfen (cold jelly) and lamb rice noodles; "Zou's Chicken Dumpling Soup" in downtown Xingyi is a local specialty. · Stay: Splurge on nearby B&Bs (e.g., "Fengxi Banshan") or opt for budget-friendly chain hotels in the city. 7. Important Notes · Safety first! Do not climb over railings; follow instructors' guidance during rafting. · Weak signal in the canyon; download offline maps in advance. Maling River Canyon thrives on its wild, untouched beauty. Avoid holidays for a more immersive experience. With this guide, embark on your geological wonder adventure!