Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area

Chinese Name: 樟江风景名胜区（Zhang Jiang Feng Jing Ming Sheng Qu）
Location: Libo County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Prefecture, Guizhou Province.
Ticket: Combo ticket for Daqikong and Xiaoqikong CNY130.00, Sightseeing bus CNY40.00; Sightseeing boat for Shuichun River CNY20.00
Estimated tour time: 1day
Recommended time to visit: Apr to Oct
Nearby attractions: Maolan National Nature Reserve, Clam River Scenic Area, Jinhai Snow Mountain, etc.

Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Spot is located in Libo County, southern Guizhou, covering an area of about 273 square kilometers. Zhangjiang is based on typical, rich and concentrated karst primitive forests and waterscape of Zhangjiang River system on Karst landform. It is characterized by a variety of landscapes, unique landscapes, magical and dense primary vegetation, rare and rare biological species, and beautiful real mountains and waters. In the scenic area, there are many peaks and mountains, streams and streams, good ecological environment, and a wide variety of rare animals and plants. 

Because of the well-preserved ecological environment, the area is honoured by both Chinese and overseas experts, as “an unparalleled, well-preserved green gem unmatched by any other Karst sites in the world”. The area, together with the Maolan National Nature Reserve, an amazingly beautiful karst forest rarely seen in the subtropical zone along the same latitude, was named a World Natural Heritage site in 2007 for its fine examples of karst scenery.

The scenic area mainly consists of the Xiaoqikong (Small Seven-hole Bridge) Scenic Zone, Daqikong (Large Seven-hole Bridge) Scenic Zone and Shuichun River Scenic Area. Among them, the 12-kilometer-long Xiaoqikong Scenic Zone stands out as the most popular one, it is dubbed “Little Jiuzhaigou”, unveil a wide array of waterfalls, streams, lakes, forests and fantastic caves.

● Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

Libo Xiaoqikou Scenic Zone is located among the karst peaks south of the Libo County urban area.Honoured as “Small Jiuzhaigou”, Xiaoqikou Scenic Zone gets its name from a seven-arched bluestone bridge that crosses the noisy river there. and it is best known for the seven-arched Xiaoqikong Bridge, which is a landmark of Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area. It was built in 1835 on a vital traffic road in ancient times between Qiannan City and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. With a length of 40 meters, a width of 2.2meters, and a height of 5.5 meters, the bridge shows delicate structures and exquisite craftsmanship.

The site incorporates all the beauty of mountains, water, trees, caves, lakes, and waterfalls. This natural splendor has combined with the authentic cultural flavor of the Tujia and Yao people of the area to bring fame to the area. Water Forest and Rock Forest are great Karst forest wonders of Libo zhangjiang Scenic Area. Water Forest stands in Xiangshui Riverbeds. Although submerged by rushing water, they grow well. About 91 meterseast of Water Forest, Rock Forest displays an abundance of monstera deliciosa. Roots of these plants extend most wondrously along fissures in the rocks. The water forest provides great views of bizarre plants growing in the water. The ancient seven-arched bridge, the water forest, the crouching dragon pool, and Mandarin Duck Lake make the area like an earthly fairyland.

● Daqikong Scenic Zone

Libo Daqikong Scenic Zone is famous for Daqikong Bridge, Dream Pond, Natural Bridge, and Evil Wind Cave. Daqikong Bridge was built in 1877 along an important trade route between Guizhou and Guangxi in ancient China. 550 yards (502 meters) northeast of Daqikong Bridge is the lower reach of Dream Pond where many kinds of fish gather. At one time, local people earned a living by fishing, so the pond is always attached to the hope of harvest by the fishermen and to safety by their families. Nowadays, Dream Pond is an ideal place for anglers.

Natural Bridge and Evil Wind Cave are both works of art created by nature. Natural Bridge is honoured as “Oriental Arch of Triumph”. It is originally the top of an underground river. In Late Quaternary Period (about 12 thousand years ago), as a result of uplift of the Earth’s crust and undercutting of underground rivers, the top over the river partially collapsed. The remains finally form today’s Natural Bridge. Similarly, Evil Wind Cave is a Karst cave formed by the corrosion of flowing water. At the entrance of the cave, waterfalls cause vibrating airflow, which formerly were considered as evil sounds by local people–so it is jokingly called Evil Wind Cave.

● Shuichun River Scenic Area

Shuichun River Scenic Area is a canyon up to 13 kilometers in the upper reaches of Zhangjiang River. It is also the longest Canyon in the Scenic Area. Qifeng cliff clings to the riverbank, where the river water is hindered by the collapse of huge rocks on both sides, forming a unique landscape of Shuichun River. The two sides are piled up in mountains and close to the valley. The relative elevation of the cliff peaks is about 200 to 300 meters, while the water surface is only a few meters to a dozen meters high and wide. It constitutes the adventure landscape of "Thirteen Waves, Seven Beaches" and becomes a resort for drifting adventures.