The Huanglian River Scenic Area is located in the Daguan County of Zhaotong City. With waterfall views as its main attraction, it presents natural wonders such as caves, rain forests, and rare animals and plants, as well as cultural exhibits such as ancient tombs, prehistoric relics, and ethnic customs. A great getaway destination, it is a multipurpose sightseeing district for tourism, vacation, rock climbing, scientific expeditions, and other recreational activities.

Daguan · 16.8 km from Yiliang

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No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Zhaotong

Xiaocaoba Ecological Tourist Area

4.3

4.0/5

47 reviews

Xiaocaoba Ecological Tourist Area is located within theChaotianma area of the Wumeng Mountain Nature Reservein Yunnan Province. It is situated in the northeast of Yiliang County, 32 km from the county seat, and covers an area of 163 square kilometers. It spans two counties and four townships—Yiliang County, Yanjin County,Xiaocaoba Township, Lianghe Township, Longhai Township, and Miaoba Township—with a forest coverage rate of 78.6%. This is a masterpiece of nature, integrating primitive forests, rivers, unique peaks, waterfalls, and other landscapes with the ethnic customs of the Miao and Yi people. It is renowned for being majestic, unique, perilous, serene, beautiful, and rustic. Xiaocaoba Ecological Tourist Area is famous for five major features. First, it is the world's origin of Gastrodia elata (tianma). Due to the convergence of warm and humid air currents, the scenic area has formed special climatic conditions that have nurtured the world-renowned Xiaocaoba Gastrodia elata. Second, it features rich and unique attractions. Over 600 attractions, offering fun, sightseeing, scientific exploration, and leisure, are scattered across 13 rivers of various sizes, such as the Camel Drinking from the Spring, Milky Way Waterfall, Huanhe Rock, andHeavenly Book. Third, it has a wide variety of precious flora and fauna. There are over 1,200 recorded species of higher plants and 96 species of wild vertebrates. Among them are 29 national rare and endangered protected plants, such as the dove tree and Tetracentron sinense; 10 national precious tree species, such as linden and Taxus chinensis var. mairei; and 5 provincial key protected plants. 96 species of vertebrates have been discovered in the scenic area, including 16 national key protected wild animals such as black bears, macaques, and Lady Amherst's pheasants. It is particularly worth mentioning that the dove tree, a nationally protected plant, has reached a scale of 10,000 mu of contiguous forest in the scenic area. Fourth, the scenery in the scenic area is charming throughout the four seasons. It is a great place to enjoy flowers in spring, waterfalls in summer, red leaves in the fall, and snow in winter. It can be called a "fairyland on earth" and is a "paradise" for photography enthusiasts. Fifth, it has unique historical and folk culture.Xiaocaobastill preserves legendary tales and allusions, such as Zhuge Liang's expedition to the south, the construction of the Seven-Star Camp, the submission of the Yi leader General Jihuo, the "Two Horses Facing the Sky," and the British missionary and Gastrodia elata. The traditional folk culture of the Miao and Yi people is mysterious and fascinating. Xiaocaoba Ecological Tourist Area possesses unique natural advantages and historical origins.Xiaocaobablack Gastrodia elata is of excellent quality, with a gastrodin content of up to 1.13%, which is far higher than that of Gastrodia elata from Hanzhong, Shaanxi, and Enshi, Hubei. It is a representative of Zhaotong Gastrodia elata and, even more so, a representative of Yunnan Gastrodia elata.

Yiliang · 31.8 km from downtown

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2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Huangguoshu Scenic Area

9

4.6/5

40.3k reviews

The Huangguoshu Scenic Area is located in Anshun, Guizhou, centered around the Huangguoshu Waterfall. Surrounded by deep gorges, dense vegetation, and dotted with limestone caves and stone forests, it is a typical karst landscape area. The waterfall's name originates from the locally abundant "Huangguoshu" (Ficus virens). Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake visited and documented this site, contributing to its fame. The scenic area primarily consists of three main sections: the Great Waterfall, Tianxing Bridge, and Doupotang. Most travelers follow the sequence of Doupotang, Tianxing Bridge, and finally the Great Waterfall, saving the most spectacular view for last. The grand waterfall has a drop of nearly 80 m and a width of over 100 m. The Baishui River plunges from the cliff top into Rhinoceros Pool, creating a vast mist. Multiple viewing platforms around it allow visitors to experience its grandeur, wonder, steepness, and beauty from different angles—above, below, front, back, left, and right. A particularly unique experience lies behind the waterfall: a 100 m long Water Curtain Cave runs horizontally through its midsection, featuring cave windows and halls. Reaching through a window, one can touch the cascading water. The cave served as the filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West. Due to the heavy humidity inside, bringing a raincoat in advance is recommended. Tianxing Bridge is renowned for its harmonious blend of rocks, water, trees, and caves—where rocks rise from the water, caves hide within rocks, and trees stand beside caves. The stepping stones along the path are engraved with dates, allowing travelers to find their own "birthday stone." The attraction is divided into upper and lower sections. Many travelers turn back after completing the upper section, missing the Silver Chain Waterfall in the lower part—where water cascades like silver chains into a funnel-shaped pool, the highlight of Tianxing Bridge. The Doupotang waterfall is located approx. 1 km upstream from the grand waterfall. With a width of over 100 m at its crest, the water spreads out smoothly like a beaded curtain. During the high-water season, its deep roar earns it the nickname "roaring waterfall." The scene of the four pilgrims leading their horse across the river in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West was filmed here. In summer and fall, the waterfalls are full and powerful, while in winter and spring, the flow becomes gentler, offering different viewing experiences. Nearby, visitors can also enjoy local snacks like sticky rice, love tofu, and Anshun spring rolls.

China · Zhenning

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2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Mount Emei

8.8

4.8/5

85.7k reviews

Mount Emei is one of the four famous mountains of Chinese Buddhism, and it is also the temple of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries in the mountains that combine to give this place a holy and serene atmosphere. The scenery in the mountains are beautiful. The four seasons each have their own characteristics. If you are lucky, you can see the sunrise and sea of clouds. Do note that the monkeys in Mount Emei are notoriously naughty. They are not afraid of people, and even take the initiative to ask tourists for food.

China · Emeishan City

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Sanhaidong

4.9

4.6/5

110 reviews

The Shanhai Cave Attraction is based on the Classic of Mountains and Seas and is built around the main story line of "Searching for the Secret Realm of Mountains and Seas and Tracing the Origin". The cave uses sound, light, electricity and other technological means to perfectly present more than 40 dream scenes such as Nuwa mending the sky, Chiyou's battlefield, birds paying homage to the phoenix, and Yu killing Xiangliu, allowing you to be immersed in the scene and enjoy a visual feast.

Daguan · 30.3 km from Yiliang

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No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Sichuan

Leshan Giant Buddha

8.6

4.7/5

32.9k reviews

The Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as the Lingyun Giant Buddha, is situated on the cliff of Qiluan Peak on Lingyun Mountain at the confluence of the Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River in Leshan, Sichuan. It is a colossal seated stone statue of Maitreya carved during the Tang Dynasty, standing approx. 70 m tall, with a single instep spacious enough to accommodate over a hundred people. Legend has it that the turbulent waters at the confluence once frequently capsized passing boats. To calm the currents, the monk Haitong of Lingyun Temple initiated the carving of the Buddha. Over several generations, craftsmen continued the construction, which took approx. ninety years to complete. On the cliff to the right of the Buddha, an inscription from the Tang Dynasty titled "Jiazhou Lingyun Temple Great Maitreya Stone Statue" remains to this day, revealing its original name—the Great Maitreya Stone Statue of Jiazhou Lingyun Temple. The common route to visit the giant Buddha is to first arrive at Lingyun Temple beside the Buddha's head, then descend along the winding Jiuzhaigou plank road built against the cliff. View the Buddha's spiral hair buns and robe folds up close, and reach the platform at the Buddha's feet to look up at the full figure. Only then can one truly appreciate the grandeur of "a mountain being a Buddha, and a Buddha being a mountain." Lingyun Temple has continuous incense offerings, and many travelers also join their palms here to pray for blessings. For a different perspective, take a boat cruise or view from the riverside of Leshan ancient city: the continuous mountain outlines of Wuyou Mountain, Lingyun Mountain, and Guicheng Mountain resemble a giant reclining Buddha facing upward, with the grand Buddha seated precisely at its chest—creating the marvel of "Buddha within Buddha." The river view also captures the grand Buddha's full profile alongside the scenery of three rivers, making it especially effortless for travelers with limited stamina or those seeking panoramic shots.

China · Leshan

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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Guizhou

Zhijin Cave Scenic Area

8.5

4.7/5

18.4k reviews

Zhijin Cave Scenic Area is a magnificent and uniquely shaped treasure trove of cave resources discovered in China. The cave is filled with various formations such as stalagmites, stone pillars, stone buds, and flagstones, creating a mesmerizing array of karst views. Since the entire attraction features a one-way walking route, visitors must complete the full journey upon entering. After exiting, they can take electric bikes back to the entrance. In the cave, you can admire various rock formations such as stalagmites, stone pillars, stone sprouts, and flagstones, creating diverse karst views. The cave passages crisscross in twists and turns, with stone peaks scattered throughout. The myriad of breathtaking scenes leaves visitors marveling at nature's craftsmanship.

China · Zhijin

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No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Guizhou

Yelang Valley

8.2

4.4/5

4.1k reviews

Yelang Valley is located in Huaxi District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province. It was meticulously created over 20 years by the renowned Guizhou artist Mr. Song Peilun, recreating natural scenery and original karst terrain while highlighting rustic, rich ethnic customs and ancient Yelang culture. The attraction covers more than 200 mu and features numerous stone fortress and stone pillar sculptures themed around facial makeup and masks. The works are filled with a unique artistic atmosphere and fantastical castle scenery, making it an art kingdom full of mystery.

China · Guiyang

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No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Guizhou

Maling River Canyon

7.9

4.6/5

4.8k reviews

Maling River is located in Xingyi City, a strategic point for Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou. It is 334 kilometers northeast of Guiyang and 321 kilometers west of Kunming. It originates from Baiguoling in the Wumeng Mountains. The upper reaches are called Qingshui River, and the middle reaches are called Maling River because of Mabie Dazhai and Malingzhai on both sides. Maling River has a slightly sad title - "the beautiful scar on the earth", which vividly describes the magnificence and steepness of Maling River. Maling River is more than 70 kilometers long, cutting a narrow and deep ground canyon in the plain. This structure is extremely rare in the world and is known as "the first seam in the world". The majestic and beautiful Maliang River Canyon National Scenic Spot is known as the "River of Thousands of Waterfalls" and "The Crack in the Sky and Earth". In 1993, the Maliang River "Five Rings Rafting Company" was established, pioneering rafting in the southwest. In April 1998, the International Canoe Rafting Competition was successfully held, and it became the Guizhou Province Canoeing Training Base and the National Olympic Whitewater Sports Base.

China · Xingyi

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No. 5 of Night Attractions in Guizhou

Qingyan Ancient Town

7.8

4.3/5

9.4k reviews

Qingyan Ancient Town is located in Huaxi District, the southern suburb of Guiyang, and is known as one of Guizhou's four ancient towns alongside Zhenyuan, Bing'an, and Longli. Established during the Ming Dynasty as a military stronghold, the town preserves numerous well-maintained ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing periods. The filming of the movie "The Missing Gun" brought Qingyan Ancient Town to wider recognition. The ancient town's architecture follows the natural mountain contours, with its city walls built from massive stones on cliffs. It features four city gates at the east, west, south, and north. The exquisite stone and wood carvings in the town's buildings are a major highlight. The south gate of the ancient town, Dingguang gate, is the most magnificent among the four main gates. Historically, it served as the first gateway guarding the southern entrance to Guiyang. The towering gate tower and city walls built with massive stones, along with the winding flagstone path outside the town and surrounding farmland, create a spectacular landscape. Many promotional photos of Qingyan ancient town are taken here. Entering the ancient town through Dingguang gate, the first sight is the Zhaolilun centenarian memorial archway. Built by imperial decree during Emperor Daoguang's reign in the Qing dynasty, this archway features an unusual design - the stone lions carved on its four pillars are upside down compared to conventional ones, creating a peculiar sight. Walking along the ancient stone-paved post road, you'll find shops on both sides selling local specialties. Unique snacks like braised pig's feet, grilled tofu, and rose candy offer distinctive flavors worth trying when you need a break from exploring. The ancient post road winding from the south gate to the north gate serves as both the central axis and main street of the ancient town. Divided by the ancient cultural square at the town center, the northern section is called North Street while the southern section is named South Street. Intersecting with the main street are East Street to the east and West Street to the west. Following East Street eastward leads to Wenchang Pavilion at No. 143, a brick-and-wood structure built during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. This octagonal pavilion with multiple eaves was constructed against the mountain slope and served as a gathering place for scholars to study, socialize, and worship the Wenchang deity - visitors may also pay their respects if interested. Heading west along the main street, you'll reach various distinctive religious buildings in Qingyan Ancient Town, including Yingxiang Temple, Ciyun Temple, Wanshou Palace, and the Catholic Church, all exquisitely crafted and perfect for photography. Between South Street and West Street lies a quiet alley called Back Street. This stone-paved lane is one of the most characteristic features of Qingyan Ancient Town, with its bluish-black flagstones polished smooth by centuries of use, reflecting light like mirrors to create a profound sense of tranquility. The narrow, serene path follows the mountain's contours, flanked by layered slate walls, making it an ideal photography spot. The streets and alleys in Qingyan ancient town are deep and winding, but there are signposts on the main street and at every important intersection. Moreover, most lanes can loop back to the main street, so you don't need to worry about getting lost while exploring the ancient town.

China · Guiyang

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No. 1 of Night Attractions in Zhaotong

Zhaotong Ancient City

5.6

4.3/5

50 reviews

Zhaotong · 45.8 km from Yiliang

Free attraction

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Yiliang: travel photo shoot, aerial photography, short video, promotional video, photography and videography / wedding dress portrait photography follow-up shooting / translation

Yiliang

Instant confirmationEnglish

From€150.93

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4-day · Yangtze River Three Gorges · Chongqing-Fengdu County-Zhong County-Yiliang-Fengjie County-Wushan County-Yichang-Zigui

4.6/5

82 reviews

[Official agency • Includes 1-day tour] [American-style management • Free luggage handling • River-view balcony room • Chinese/Western buffet] Cruise through Qutang Gorge/Wu Gorge/Shuanggui Mountain + Shennv Stream + Three Gorges Dam, relaxing and leisurely

Victoria Cruises

Victoria Jenna

Depart from Chongqing

From EUR 338

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9D8N • No surcharge for Christmas & Flexible and adjustable itinerary: Kunming + Dali + Lijiang + Shangri-La - 3 UNESCO Wonders + Private Vehicle + Attraction Tickets + 2 High-Speed Train Experiences

5/5

1 review2 booked

No Christmas-season price hikes! Enjoy a private tour just for your group, with no strangers, a flexible itinerary, and round-the-clock online support. | Stay in carefully selected 5-diamond hotels with great locations and convenient transport links, making it easy to reach the city's highlights. | Complimentary highland pack, explore Shilin Karst, ascend Yulong Snow Mountain, trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, try Bai tie-dye, stroll ancient towns, and discover Potatso's alpine wilderness.

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From EUR 956

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Private Tours in Yiliang

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9D8N • Ancient Town Shaxi + Kunming + Dali + Lijiang + Shangri-La: Tibetan Costume Photoshoot & Dali Santorini Hand Drum Experience

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureMultiple car types availableHigh-speed train ridePrivate Tours

Enjoy a limited free upgrade from a 5-seater to an SUV. Groups of more than 8 travelers receive a complimentary Chinese-speaking guide. No price increases during fall, winter & Christmas. · Discover Jiuxiang, Dali Santorini, Shaxi, and Yulong Snow Mountain – with a Tibetan photoshoot, Impressions Lijiang show, and Meet Yourself film sites included. · Enjoy a no-shopping sightseeing experience with a private smoke-free car, an experienced driver, and priority airport transfers. Vegetarian and halal meals available upon request.

From EUR 988

9D8N • Ancient Town Shaxi + Kunming + Dali + Lijiang + Shangri-La: Tibetan Costume Photoshoot & Dali Santorini Hand Drum Experience

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From EUR 767

4D3N • Kunming

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

One booking, one private group - no sharing with strangers. Enjoy privacy and flexibility, plus 24/7 online butler service. · Selected local 4-diamond hotels,Excellent location, convenient transportation, easy to get around. · Spring City Lake Golf Club and Dianchi Golf Fitness Center - a short golf escape in Kunming's spring city.

From EUR 818

10D9N • Kunming + Dali + Lijiang + Shangri-La + Ancient Town Shaxi + Balagezong: Complimentary Tie-dye Experience and Dali Afternoon Tea

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Enjoy a limited free upgrade from a 5-seater to an SUV. Groups of more than 8 travelers receive a complimentary Chinese-speaking guide. No price increases during fall, winter & Christmas. · Visit Balagezong, Sumtseling Monastery, Cangshan, Shaxi Ancient Town, Yulong Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the White Water Terraces, and enjoy the Impressions Lijiang show along the way. · Enjoy a no-shopping sightseeing experience with a private smoke-free car, an experienced driver, and priority airport transfers. Vegetarian and halal meals available upon request.

From EUR 875

9D8N • Muslim-friendly: halal-certified hotels & restaurants · Kunming + Dali + Lijiang + Yulong Snow Mountain + Mosque: Optional Family Room & DIY Muslim Snacks & Seasonal Fruit Picking

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureMultiple car types availableChoose your hotelHigh-speed train ridePrivate Tours

Enjoy a limited free upgrade from a 5-seater to an SUV. Groups of more than 8 travelers receive a complimentary Chinese-speaking guide. No price increases during fall, winter & Christmas. · Visit Muslim-friendly sites including Weishan Muslim Mosque, Nanmen Mosque and Shuncheng Mosque. · Enjoy a no-shopping sightseeing experience with a private smoke-free car, an experienced driver, and priority airport transfers. Vegetarian and halal meals available upon request.

SavingsEUR 7

From EUR 970

EUR 977

5D4N • Kunming + Puzhehei Scenic Area

MandarinGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availableExcellent accommodationPrivate Tours

One booking, one private group - no sharing with strangers. Enjoy privacy and flexibility, plus 24/7 online butler service. · Selected local 5-diamond hotels,Excellent location, convenient transportation, easy to get around. · Explore Puzhehei's karst lakes and Qinglong Mountain, visit Xianrendong Village, discover the Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves - a journey through Kunming and Puzhehei's natural wonders.

SavingsEUR 16

From EUR 440

EUR 456

5D4N • Kunming: Stone Forest Karst + Jiuxiang Caves + Western Hills Longmen + Yunnan Nationalities Village + Haigeng Dam + Dounan Flower Market

MandarinGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedExcellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

No Christmas-season price hikes! Enjoy a private tour just for your group, with no strangers, a flexible itinerary, and round-the-clock online support. · Stay in carefully selected 5-diamond hotels with great locations and convenient transport links, making it easy to reach the city's highlights. · Discover Kunming's karst wonders, underground caves, flower markets, lakeside promenades, and ethnic cultures - the Spring City's diverse charms.

From EUR 320

7D6N • Kunming + Dali + Lijiang: Complimentary tie-dye handicraft + afternoon tea – Stone Forest + Jiuxiang Caves + Dali Ancient Town + Lashihai Wetland Park + Yulong Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

No Christmas-season price hikes! Enjoy a private tour just for your group, with no strangers, a flexible itinerary, and round-the-clock online support. · Stay in carefully selected 4-diamond hotels with great locations and convenient transport links, making it easy to reach the city's highlights. · Enjoy complimentary Bai tie-dye and afternoon tea, explore the Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves, stroll through Dali Ancient Town, visit Lashihai Wetland Park, and ascend Yulong Snow Mountain.

From EUR 568

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Free things to do in Yiliang

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What travellers say about Yiliang

M29***22June 21, 2026

5.0

It doesn't require much physical exertion, and you can reach all the checkpoints. The scenery is beautiful, with many waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. The air is incredibly rich in oxygen ions. You can take a water slide down the mountain. The price is reasonable, and it's just a few minutes to the parking lot at the scenic area entrance.