Wanfenglin Scenic Area is located in Xingyi City, Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The total area of the scenic area reaches 2,000 square kilometers, consisting of elements such as peak forests, fields, rivers, and villages. Its characteristic lies in having one of the three major karst landforms in Southwest China, the peak forest landscape. The peak forests are dense and peculiar, with a grand and magnificent momentum and perfect shapes, which can be called a museum of conical karst in China. There are many ethnic minority villages of Buyi, Miao and other ethnic groups in the scenic area. The buildings are mostly traditional stilt buildings and stone slab houses, which have a strong ethnic characteristic. At present, the main tourist facilities and buildings in the scenic area include tourist service centers, viewing platforms, plank roads, etc., providing convenience for tourists to visit.
History and Culture
The karst landform in the Wanfenglin area was formed during the Carboniferous period about 280 million years ago. After a long geological change and the effects of water erosion and dissolution, the unique peak forest landscape we see today was gradually formed. It has witnessed the long process of the Earth's geological evolution and is an important area for studying karst landforms.
Xingyi City, where Wanfenglin is located, has rich ethnic cultures. Ethnic minorities such as the Buyi and Miao have lived here for generations, and they have retained unique ethnic customs and traditional techniques. For example, traditional festivals of the Buyi people such as "March 3rd" and "June 6th", during which activities such as antiphonal singing and sacrifices will be held; the Lusheng dance and batik techniques of the Miao people are also very distinctive. These ethnic cultures blend with the natural landscape of Wanfenglin, making the scenic area more charming.
In history, the Wanfenglin area was once an important traffic artery and military stronghold. The ancient caravan gangs once passed through this area, leaving behind many ancient post roads and legends. These historical stories and cultural heritages have added a profound historical heritage to Wanfenglin.
Main Attractions
Eastern Peak Forest
The Eastern Peak Forest is mainly characterized by its towering peak forest landscape. The peak forests have various shapes. Some are like swords piercing into the sky, some are like camels lying on the ground, and some are like sleeping beauties lying across the mountains. The Eastern Peak Forest has a vast area, and among the peak forests are dotted with pastoral fields, streams and villages. Tourists can admire the uncanny workmanship of nature here and feel the grandeur and magnificence of the peak forests. During the viewing process, you can also see the scenes of local ethnic minorities working in the fields and experience the rich pastoral life atmosphere.
Western Peak Forest
Compared with the Eastern Peak Forest, the Western Peak Forest has a bit more of a delicate and beautiful charm. The peak forests here are relatively denser. Below the peak forests are patches of flat farmland and well-arranged Buyi villages. Nahui Village is located at the foot of the Western Peak Forest and is a typical Buyi settlement village. The houses in the village are mostly stone slab houses, which are simple and elegant. The pastoral scenery and the peak forest landscape complement each other, forming a unique beauty of "there are fields in the peaks, peaks in the fields, villages below the peaks, and rivers in front of the villages". Tourists can stroll along the paths in the fields, admire the pastoral scenery, and experience the folk culture of the Buyi people.
Wanfo Temple
Wanfo Temple is located in the Wanfenglin Scenic Area and is a temple formed by a natural karst cave. The cave is spacious and bright, and can accommodate thousands of people. There are many Buddha statues enshrined in the cave, among which there is a reclining Buddha that is 32.6 meters long, which is the largest indoor reclining Buddha in Southwest China. Wanfo Temple is very popular with pilgrims. During Buddhist festivals, many believers will come to worship. Tourists can not only feel the solemnity and sanctity of Buddhist culture here, but also admire the unique karst landscape in the cave.
Viewing Platforms
There are multiple viewing platforms in the scenic area, which are excellent locations for viewing the panoramic view of Wanfenglin. For example, at the Bagua Tian (Eight Diagrams Field) Viewing Platform, tourists can overlook the farmland landscape shaped like the Eight Diagrams pattern. The fields are layered, and there is a small body of water in the middle, which is like the center of the Eight Diagrams. At the General Peak Viewing Platform, you can see a peak that resembles a general, which is majestic and upright. These viewing platforms are equipped with complete facilities, making it convenient for tourists to stop, view and take photos.
Delicacies
Chicken-filled Glutinous Rice Balls
Chicken-filled Glutinous Rice Balls are a characteristic delicacy in Xingyi. Its special feature is that the filling is made of chicken, instead of the traditional sweet filling. The glutinous rice balls have a soft and glutinous skin, and the chicken filling is fragrant. Paired with the specially made chicken soup and seasonings such as chopped green onions and sesame paste, it tastes delicious and has a rich texture. Chicken-filled Glutinous Rice Balls are not only a favorite breakfast food of local people, but also attract many tourists to taste them.
Gangzi Noodles
Gangzi Noodles are famous for their unique production process. When making them, a thick bamboo pole is needed to repeatedly roll the dough, making the noodles more chewy. The cooked Gangzi Noodles are as thin as hair and have a smooth texture. When eating, they can be paired with meat sauce, chopped green onions, chili oil and other seasonings, and they taste spicy and delicious. Gangzi Noodles are a traditional noodle dish in Xingyi and are deeply loved by local people and tourists.
Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish
Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish is a characteristic dish around Wanfenglin. Fresh local fish is selected and cooked together with pickled sour bamboo shoots. The sour taste of the sour bamboo shoots is just right, which can well remove the fishy smell of the fish and make the fish meat more delicious. This dish has a rich soup, with a sour and fragrant taste, and is a great dish to go with rice. Sour Bamboo Shoot Fish reflects the local food characteristics and is a good choice for tourists to taste local cuisine.
Erkuaiba
Erkuaiba is a characteristic food made from rice. It has a soft texture and can be steamed, boiled or stir-fried. The steamed Erkuaiba is soft, glutinous and sweet, and can be dipped in white sugar or honey; the boiled Erkuaiba can be paired with chicken soup, shredded meat and other ingredients, and it tastes delicious; the stir-fried Erkuaiba will add vegetables, meat and other ingredients, and has a rich texture. Erkuaiba is a traditional local food and is also one of the special products often purchased by tourists.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket price of Wanfenglin Scenic Area is 80 yuan per person, and the sightseeing bus ticket is 50 yuan per person. The scenic area has corresponding preferential policies for specific groups such as children, the elderly, military personnel, and students. Children under 1.2 meters in height are free of charge, and children between 1.2 meters and 1.4 meters in height enjoy a half-price discount; the elderly aged 60 years old (inclusive) and above enjoy a half-price discount with valid certificates, and the elderly aged 70 years old (inclusive) and above are free of charge; active-duty military personnel, disabled people, etc. are free of charge with valid certificates. For specific preferential policies, please pay attention to the official website of the scenic area or the instructions at the ticket window. Entrance tickets and sightseeing bus tickets can be purchased through the official website of the scenic area, WeChat official account, or the on-site ticket window.
Opening Hours
Wanfenglin Scenic Area is open throughout the year, with opening hours from 07:30 to 18:30 (ticket sales and entry stop at 18:00). During legal holidays or peak tourist seasons, the scenic area may adjust the opening hours according to the actual situation. Tourists can query the official information of the scenic area in advance and arrange their itinerary reasonably.
Tour Routes
Recommended tour route: After entering the scenic area, tourists first take the sightseeing bus to visit the Western Peak Forest. The bus will stop at multiple viewing platforms on the way, and tourists can get off to admire the beauty of the Western Peak Forest, such as attractions like Bagua Tian and General Peak. After visiting the Western Peak Forest, you can go to Nahui Village to experience the folk culture of the Buyi people and taste local delicacies. Then go to Wanfo Temple to feel the Buddhist culture and the karst landscape of the cave. After that, take the sightseeing bus to the Eastern Peak Forest to admire the majestic peak forest landscape of the Eastern Peak Forest. The whole tour process takes about 4 to 5 hours. If there is enough time, you can also stay longer in the villages around the scenic area to deeply experience the local life.
Transportation
- Public transportation: You can take Bus No. 19 from Xingyi urban area to Wanfenglin Scenic Area. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the ticket price is 2 yuan. You can also take the special line bus to Wanfenglin at Xingyi East Bus Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the ticket price is 5 yuan.
- Self-driving: Starting from Xingyi urban area, you can reach Wanfenglin Scenic Area via Guichun Road, Wanfenglin Avenue and other roads. The whole journey is about 10 kilometers, and the driving time is about 20 minutes. The scenic area has a parking lot, and the parking fee is charged according to the parking duration. Generally, the parking fee for small vehicles is 10 yuan per day.
Must-visit Attractions
- Western Peak Forest: The peak forests are dense and delicate. There are viewing platforms such as Bagua Tian and General Peak. You can overlook the pastoral scenery and Buyi villages. Nahui Village is also located here, allowing you to experience the rich folk culture. The scenic area has a vast area.
- Wanfo Temple: A temple formed by a natural karst cave. The cave can accommodate thousands of people. There is the largest indoor reclining Buddha (32.6 meters long) in Southwest China. It combines Buddhist culture and karst landscape.
- Viewing Platforms: Multiple viewing platforms such as the Bagua Tian Viewing Platform and the General Peak Viewing Platform are excellent locations for viewing the panoramic view of Wanfenglin. They are equipped with complete facilities, making it convenient for viewing and taking photos.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to go to the scenic area in the morning. The light is better at this time, which allows you to better admire the peak forest landscape and take more beautiful photos.
- There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area. Remember to bring mosquito repellent products to avoid mosquito bites.
- Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, because there are some walking sections in the scenic area and a certain amount of physical strength is required.
- When visiting villages such as Nahui Village, respect the customs and habits of local ethnic minorities, such as asking for the owner's permission before entering a residential house.
- When tasting delicacies, you can try more local characteristic dishes, such as Chicken-filled Glutinous Rice Balls and Gangzi Noodles. But pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants and snack stalls.
Notes
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area, follow the instructions of the staff, and do not enter the unopened areas without permission.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit or litter, and keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- When viewing the scenery on the viewing platform, do not cross the safety railing. Pay attention to your own safety and avoid accidents.
- When taking the sightseeing bus, fasten your seat belt and do not stick your body out of the window to avoid danger.
- In case of an emergency, you can call the emergency rescue hotline of the scenic area or ask the nearby staff for help.