From Chengdu I traveled to the city of Guiyang.
I used this city as the launchpad to visit a variety of areas in Guizhou.
Zhijindong Cave
This is an immense series of spectacular, interconnected chambers within a limestone hill. Most of the cave is “dry”, with it’s collection of formations no longer “dripping” to continue adding layers to it’s stalactite/stalagmite array.
This is said to be China’s largest cave, with the stunning series of rooms and huge concert-hall sized chambers reputably stretching out 12 kilometers. I don’t know the linear distance of the publicly accessible areas, but they went on, in on, and on!
Xijiang Miao Village
Guizhou is peopled by a mix of ethnic groups, with minority groups making up a third of the population. One of the largest groups is the Miao people, and their villages and towns are scattered throughout the province.
Huangguoshu Waterfall
This is China’s largest waterfall. In addition to the main waterfall, there are several additional falls, and even a dripping cave.
Crazed lunatics can even climb to a passageway behind the roaring falls. It goes through a series of rooms that are open to the the exuberant veil of water cascading just a few feet away. Walking behind the falls subjects the visitor to heavy peripheral spray, and a slippery path. The spray was so vigorous and the passage was very cramped. I did not dare pause to take photographs it until I had reached dry safety at the far side.
Did I say crazed lunatics? Hey! I blame peer pressure! 🙂
Qingyan Ancient City
Quite close to Guiyang is the old fortified town of Qingyan.
Its foundation dates to the 15th century. My friend Molly kindly volunteered to help me get there, and then guide me around.
This was one of the few rainy days I encountered in China during this early autumn trip. When we arrived at Qingyan, the rain was coming down in buckets! We waited out the worst part of the storm in a tiny restaurant until the rain had subsided a bit. Within an hour of venturing out again, the rain stopped.
Back in Guiyang city
