Stop obsessing over Guilin! This small town in Guizhou recommended by National Geographic is the real paradise!

Introduction to Xingyi The capital of Qianxinan Prefecture in Guizhou, known as the "Long Scroll of Mountains and Waters · Ink Painting Jinzhou." Centered around Wanfenglin (China's most beautiful peak forest), Maling River Grand Canyon (the most beautiful scar on Earth), and Wanfeng Lake (the pearl of the plateau), with an average summer temperature of 22-28°C, it is a top choice for cool summer retreats on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Why visit in July-August? Avoid the crowds: Skip the National Day and early summer vacation rush for a quiet and comfortable experience. Cool and comfortable: The plateau climate is cool and humid, with a need for a light jacket at night, no oppressive summer heat. Peak season for mountains and waters: Maling River Waterfall has abundant water flow, making canyon rafting more thrilling. Wanfenglin rice fields are lush green like a carpet, with stunning reflections of the peaks. Frequent sea of clouds: After rain, you can witness the sea of clouds over the Bagua rice fields in Wanfenglin and the sunrise sea of clouds at Yuhuangding. Transportation Guide By plane (most convenient): Direct flight to Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport → Airport shuttle/taxi to downtown (about 20 minutes) or Wanfenglin Scenic Area (about 15 minutes). High-speed rail + bus: Take high-speed rail to Panzhou Station/Puan Station → Transfer to scenic area shuttle/bus to Xingyi (about 1.5 hours). Self-driving: From Guiyang: Hukun Expressway → Shankun Expressway → Xingyi West Exit (about 4 hours). From Kunming: Direct via Shankun Expressway (about 3 hours). Scenic area transportation: Wanfenglin: Must buy sightseeing bus ticket (to circle the mountain and overlook the panorama); electric carts can be rented between villages (about 50 RMB/day). Maling River: Mainly hiking, no shuttle vehicles in the core area. Three-day two-night highlight itinerary Day 1: Slow life in the peak forest and countryside Morning: Arrive at Wanfenglin Scenic Area → Take sightseeing bus to Bagua rice fields, Stars Surrounding the Moon, General Peak → Stroll in Shang/ Zhongnahui Village. Afternoon: Cycling through the fields (rent electric bikes to shuttle through rice fields) → Tie-dye experience (Buyi ethnic intangible cultural heritage workshop) → Stay at a peak forest guesthouse. Day 2: Canyon adventure + lake and mountain scenery Morning: Maling River Canyon → Hike the Tianxing Gallery plank road (view the galloping horse waterfalls) → Experience canyon rafting (choose thrilling or leisure sections). Afternoon: Wanfeng Lake → Boat tour from Hongchun Pier → Jilongbao Resort (check in at the European-style castle in the lake center). Day 3: Sunrise in the clouds or cultural exploration Option A (for early risers): Early morning climb to Yuhuangding (about 1 hour drive) → Watch sunrise and sea of clouds → Return for rest/check-out. Option B (for culture lovers): Nanlong Buyi Ancient Village (600-year-old original village) → Guizhou Long Museum (explore ancient fossils). Afternoon: Buy dried Rosa roxburghii fruit and Buyi embroidery → Return trip. Must-visit attractions Wanfenglin Sightseeing Road: Overlook the vast ink painting of karst peaks and Bagua rice fields intertwined. Maling River Tianxing Gallery: Hundred-meter waterfall group cascading from cliff tops, often with mist and rainbows. Jilongbao: The castle in the middle of Wanfeng Lake, resembling Hogwarts from the magical world. Yuhuangding: Best spot for sunrise and sea of clouds, peak forest like islands in the sea. Xianahui Village: Ancient Buyi village, rice field coffee house + century-old banyan tree perfect for photos. Accommodation recommendations Wanfenglin guesthouse cluster (immersed in countryside): Fengxi·Banshan: Cliffside pool + peak-view terrace, strong design sense. Qijian Boutique Guesthouse: Surrounded by rice fields, cost-effective, walking distance to sightseeing bus station. Xingyi city center (convenient choice): Fukang International Hotel: Well-equipped, near airport/business district, suitable for self-driving tourists. Special experiences: Wanfeng Lake Wild Fishing Hotel: Exclusive for fishing enthusiasts (like Jinzhou Water Hotel). Must-try foods Lamb noodles/beef noodles: Xingyi’s breakfast king, served with pickled radish + chili oil, fresh soup and smooth noodles. Shuabatou: Bamboo shoot and meat-filled steamed dumplings, bursting with flavor with Xingyi sauce. Sour bamboo shoot fish: Local sour bamboo shoots cooked with wild fish, sour and spicy, a must-eat to cool off in summer. Gangzi noodles: Handmade thick noodles with chewy texture, served with chicken soup or dry mix. Jianfen rolls: Rice sheets wrapped with sour long beans/green pepper minced meat, cool and refreshing. Practical tips Rain and sun protection: Summer has frequent showers, carry a folding umbrella + light raincoat; strong UV rays require high SPF sunscreen + hat. Rafting protection: Maling River rafting will get you wet, bring quick-dry clothes + waterproof phone bag + sandals (flip-flops not allowed). Cash on hand: Village stalls, rafting lockers, etc. require cash payment. Off-peak photo tips: Wanfenglin sightseeing bus before 8:00 or after 17:00 for fewer people and soft light. Jilongbao morning light is best for lake reflections. Prevent motion sickness: Mountain roads have many curves, take medicine in advance if prone to motion sickness. Rice field mosquito protection: Mosquitoes are active in the fields at dusk, bring strong insect repellent. Booking notes: Confirm rafting water level by phone one day in advance. Yuhuangding sunrise requires departure at 4 a.m., book transport in advance.