Escape into the 23°C Canyon: Dive into the Refreshing Planet of Maling River

🏞️ I. Must-Visit Attractions **Wanfenglin Forest** ✅ China's largest karst peak forest, praised by Xu Xiake as "the only place where peaks form a forest"
✅ Cycle through Nahui Village's countryside, admire Bagua Terraces and General Peak
✅ Spring rapeseed flower fields (Feb-Mar) / Autumn golden rice paddies (Sep-Oct) | Ticket + sightseeing bus: ¥120; E-bike rental: ¥50/day; Hot air balloon requires advance booking **Maling River Canyon** ✅ "Earth's most beautiful scar" with hundreds of cascading waterfalls (most spectacular in summer)
✅ Hike the plank trail to see rainbow waterfalls & experience "China's No.1 Rafting" (13.8km full course)
✅ Wear anti-slip shoes + raincoat (slippery paths & water splashes) | Ticket: ¥80; Rafting: ¥198/person; Best season: Jun-Aug **Wanfeng Lake** ✅ "Plateau Pearl" – cruise to Jilong Castle (European-style fortress)
✅ China's largest wild fishing base with lakeside BBQ + sour fish soup
✅ Water sports at Runlong Bay (jet skis/sailing) | Cruise: ¥80/person; Jilong Castle = perfect photo spot; Sunset recommended **Nanlong Buyi Ancient Village** ✅ 600-year-old village with 360 ancient banyans + stilted wooden houses
✅ Experience intangible heritage "Bayin Zuochang" music & try tie-dyeing
✅ Maze-like flagstone paths + strong local vibes | Free; Suggested visit: 2hrs; Respect customs (don’t step on thresholds) **Yubulu Tiankeng** ✅ World’s only inhabited sinkhole – stone houses + hidden flagstone paths
✅ Ideal for photography & slow living in a secluded paradise | Undeveloped site; Drive + anti-slip shoes required **Other Gems:** - **Nidang Stone Forest:** Adventure among surreal rocks like "Sky Pillar" & "Warrior Peak" (Free; hiking shoes needed) - **He Yingqin’s Former Residence:** Republic-era architecture + historical artifacts - **Yilong Mountain Expo Park:** Rock climbing/caving/ancient town culture (for outdoor lovers) 🗓️ II. Itinerary Suggestions **Classic 2-Day Trip (First-timers)** - *Day1:* Wanfenglin (sightseeing bus + Nahui cycling) → Lunch at Egg Fried Rice Flagship → Wanfeng Lake cruise + Jilong Castle → Stay at peak-view B&B (stargazing/morning fog) - *Day2:* Maling River hiking/rafting → Lunch at Shengshi Miao Sour Fish → Nanlong Village tie-dyeing → Depart **In-Depth 3-Day Trip (Full Experience)** - *Day1:* Wanfenglin (hot air balloon + Bagua Terraces photos) → Buyi sour bamboo fish dinner → Stay at Fengsan Inn (indigo-dye theme) - *Day2:* Maling River rafting → Yubulu Tiankeng exploration → Xingguangli Night Market (try "Shua Batou" dumplings/cut noodles) - *Day3:* Wanfeng Lake fishing/watersports → Jilong Castle afternoon tea → Nidang Stone Forest hike 🍜 III. Food Guide: Must-Try Qianxinan Flavors - **Breakfast:** - Lamb noodles: Yanliang Black Goat Noodles (clear broth with mint) - Chicken dumplings: Zou Ji’s savory version (redefines dumplings) - **Main Meals:** - Sour bamboo beef: Buyi-style at Wanfenglin farmhouses (spicy & appetizing) - "Shua Batou" dumplings: Zheng Ji’s bamboo shoot-pork filling + special sauce - **Night Snacks:** - Downtown Garden: Grilled tofu, sizzling pots, ice jelly - Brother Pang’s Braised Delicacies: Chicken feet with local rice wine 🛏️ IV. Accommodation Picks - **Luxury:** - Wanfenglin Yuezhu·Tianjing Yise: Floor-to-ceiling views + infinity pool facing peaks - Yushui Hot Springs·Zhuxi Valley: Mountain-top private baths near Maling River - **Boutique Stays:** - Fengsan Resort: Rooftop observatory + indigo-dye workshops - Wanfeng Lake Fengxi·Cave Homestay: 270° lake views + modern cave design - **Budget-Friendly:** - Wanfenglin Buyi Inn: In Nahui Village with breakfast, walk to attractions ⚠️ V. Pro Tips 1. **Transport:** - Xingyi Airport → Downtown: ~¥30 taxi; Between sites: charter cars recommended (Maling River has mountain roads) - 2025 High-Speed Rail Perk: Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou ticket holders get free Wanfenglin/Maling River entry (proof required) 2. **Best Seasons:** - Feb-Apr: Rapeseed flowers; Jul-Aug: Waterfall peak + rafting; Nov: Autumn hues + hot springs 💡 **For Photographers** - Wanfenglin sunrise → General Peak viewpoint - Maling River’s "Galloping Horses" waterfall → afternoon rainbows - Jilong Castle night lights → fairy-tale glow Xingyi’s beauty lies in dawn mist over peak forests, shouts under canyon waterfalls, and smoke curling from Buyi villages. Take this guide to embrace Qianxinan’s wild poetry! 🌄✨