West Trip

When people talk about Guizhou, its distinctive landscapes will first come into mind. Karst sites are numerous in the province. Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou province, has enormous tourist attractions. If you want to take a leisure sightseeing tour near Guiyang city, then visit the Azalea Belt Scenic Spot, Zhijin Old Town and Zhijin Cave.

Day One: Azalea Belt Scenic Spot

Take a coach from Guiyang Long-distance Bus Station to Qianxi County. The bus trip costs CNY20 per person. During the three-hour trip, you will see simple and peaceful scenery in the rural area. Upon arrival in Qianxi, transfer to another bus to Jindi Scenic Area at CYN15, where the One-Hundred-Li Azalea Belt Scenic Spot is located. The admission fee is CNY120. This scenic is 50 kilometers (100 li), hence the named One-Hundred-Li Azalea Belt. There are forty-one varieties of azaleas that bloom in many colors. But what surprises and impresses visitors is that azaleas of different colors grow on the same tree.

The best time to visit this world's largest natural garden is from late March to April, when colorful azaleas spread over the fields. One can then take in the beautiful views or breathe in the delicate perfume of the azaleas.

Then return to Qianxi County and charter a minivan to Zhijin Old Town at CNY10. Upon arrival, check in at a local hotel or hostel. You can at your leisure explore the old town with its ancient temples, pavilions, stone bridges, beautiful hills and clear springs.

Day Two: Zhijin Cave

After a good night's rest, take a minibus from the Zhijin County Transportation Company on Yuping Street to Zhijin Cave also known as Daji Cave (Hit Rooster Cave) which will take half an hour. The bus ticket fare is CNY5. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the cave, costing CNY50 and also taking 30 minutes. Distinguished by various multicolor stalagmites and peculiar shapes, Zhijin Cave is one of the world's largest karst caves, which covers over 350,000 square meters (418,596 square yards). The Cave is an underground art treasure. With a length in excess of 13 kilometers and height in excess of 173 meters and many strange karst formations and underground lakes, Zhijin Cave is a winner in drawing tourists' attention. The admission fee is CNY120. Since the cave is very large and has many crossroads, we suggest that you hire a guide. When you finish the tour, take coach either to Guiyang or to Anshun from Zhijin Old Town.

Tip: many regions in Guizhou Province are mountainous areas and road condition is poor. Rides among attractions can be bumpy and slow, so remember to take carsickness pills with you.