Things to do in Guanling

I'd heard so much about this scenic spot, and finally made the long journey to see it during the National Day holiday. Even after the rainy season, the water volume was still considerable, especially when you got close, the deafening sound of the water was truly impressive. The panoramic view from Doupotang was also fantastic. It was definitely worth the trip.

The backbone of China in the clouds. It's recommended to visit the museum first to learn about the history and construction techniques of Guizhou's bridges before climbing the bridge. From the museum, descend the steps to the visitor center, then take the six-story sightseeing elevator directly to the bridge's interior. Stepping out of the elevator, you'll find yourself on a 370-meter-high observation walkway, where you can experience the vibrations of the bridge as cars pass by.

The Water Curtain Cave is located at a height of 40 to 47 meters above the Huangguoshu Waterfall. It is 134 meters long and consists of 6 cave windows, 5 cave halls, 3 cave springs and 6 passages. This is the real scene where the 1986 version of "Journey to the West" filmed the scene of Sun Wukong flying into the Water Curtain Cave. The stalactites in the cave are of different shapes. You can also look out through the waterfall curtain from different positions and enjoy the double-track dynamic rainbow on the Rhinoceros Pond, which is very wonderful. Photography suggestions At the viewing platform outside the Water Curtain Cave, you can take a panoramic view of the waterfall. With the waterfall as the background, the characters stand sideways or with their backs to the body, which can capture the artistic conception. Enter the Water Curtain Cave, stand in front of the cave window, let the sunlight pass through the water curtain to form a halo, and take close-ups of the characters. On the iron chain bridge, with the waterfall and green mountains as the background, take pictures of the characters walking across the bridge to add dynamics.

Hidden gems near Huangguoshu Waterfall: Jiuxian Scenic Area in Guizhou! Experience immersive exploration of ancient karst caves; enjoy unique cave rafting through a sea of ​​flowers – fun all year round. A perfect blend of sightseeing and water activities, ideal for the whole family. Don't miss it when visiting Anshun!

Looking at the Huajiang Canyon Bridge from a different angle, you can also see the old Huajiang Bridge and the Huajiang Iron Chain Bridge. For someone like me who loves hiking but dislikes boating, it felt a bit monotonous. In the end, I abandoned the boat and hiked.

This praise is not for flying over Huangguoshu, but for the night tour of Doupotang. It is really interesting. The large-scale NPC situational drama, the actors are very dedicated, the performance is very good, and the interaction is also very good. The situational drama of the three white-bone spirits is very good. I almost cried when I saw Sun Wukong's final monologue. The design along the way is also very good. The Bull Demon King is also very cute, hahahahahaha! After the performance of Nezha, I saw that the children were taking pictures and performed it again. It was great! And the actress who played the white-bone spirit as a farmer's daughter is really beautiful😊😊😊!!!

### Review of Guanling Glacial Potholes Amidst the towering mountains of Anshun, Guizhou, the Guanling Glacial Potholes unfold a natural epic spanning millions of years with their pristine and awe-inspiring geological wonders. This is not a traditionally meticulously crafted scenic area, but rather a wild display of power, time, and evolution; each landscape tells a story of Earth's ancient past. #### A Geological Marvel Crafted by Nature The core charm of the Guanling Glacial Potholes lies in their geological value as a rare ancient glacial relic. Millions of years ago, massive glacial meltwater, carrying ice fragments, relentlessly and powerfully pounded and ground the bedrock beneath, ultimately shaping this cluster of "stone potholes" scattered across the riverbed. These potholes vary in shape and size, from delicate buttons to grand round tables, and even rare forms like perfect U-shaped bends or hearts. On the inner walls, spiral patterns and parallel scratches are clearly visible, like codes etched by nature, silently telling the story of the immense power of the glaciers flowing through the earth. Walking among them is like stepping into an open-air geological museum, each stone a history book recording Earth's climate change. #### A Visual Illusion Like an Alien Walking on the riverbed of the Guanling glacial potholes creates a strong sense of temporal and spatial displacement, as if instantly transported back to the distant Ice Age, or even to the surface of some unknown alien planet. Countless gray, white, and brown stones are exposed, their surfaces etched with unique textures by long-term weathering, contrasting sharply with the surrounding clear, emerald-green river water. Especially during the dry season, when the river overflows part of the riverbed, leaving only strangely shaped stone eggs and hollows above the surface, adding to the mystery. Under the sunlight, the water meanders between the stone potholes, forming pools of varying depths and emerald green hues, like pearls scattered on a jade plate. Looking up at the cliff face, the water cascades down into waterfalls, the contours of the rocks carved out resembling ancient beasts wrestling and frolicking in the rapids—a lifelike sight that inspires awe at the wonders of nature's imagination. #### A Wild and Primitive Exploration Path The allure of the Guanling Glacial Potholes largely stems from their undeveloped, pristine state. There are no paved paths or safety railings; hiking through them is a challenging adventure in itself. The routes are mostly unpaved, requiring careful traversal of uneven, slippery rocks, each step testing balance and patience. It is precisely because of this that the scenery retains its purest, wildest beauty. However, this pristine state also comes with risks: seemingly shallow pools in the riverbed may actually be bottomless; furthermore, a power station upstream can release water at any time, causing unpredictable water levels. Therefore, this place is more suitable for explorers who seek the ultimate scenery, have some outdoor experience, and prioritize safety. It is not a park for leisurely strolls, but a geological pilgrimage that requires reverence for nature and full immersion.

Doupotang was placed as the last stop in the Huangguoshu Scenic Area. Compared to the Great Waterfall and Tianxing Bridge, the journey was shorter and more relaxing. We walked all the way to the viewing platform in front of the waterfall, which was quite nice.

- 景区组成：由天然盆景区、天星洞景区和水上石林景区组成。天然盆景区长约800米，有各种大小天然山石和水石盆景，游客可沿三公里的石板小道穿行，其中“数生步”有365块跳蹬，游客可寻找自己的生日石许愿。天星洞景区包括八八桥、回望石、狭石桥、天星洞等景观，天星洞是一个面积约1.8万平方米的溶洞，洞内石柱高大，景观独特。水上石林区面积约0.4平方公里，石林长在河床上，有群榕聚会、根王、根墙屏障等景观。​

Practical tips: 1. Transportation suggestions: Sign up for a one-day tour in the city or take the high-speed rail to Anshun to transfer to the scenic area through bus 2. Tour route: Recommend the lower half of the Tianxing Bridge route, where the highlights are concentrated 3. Best time: The flood season (June-August) is the most spectacular, and rainbows are easy to see on sunny afternoons 4. Photography skills: Shoot from a low position on the calcified beach to capture the effect of the hem of a wedding dress