Skip to content
Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
GUIZHOU · LIBO · PLACE

Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

Emerald rivers, 68 cascading waterfalls, and a glass-bottom lake in southern Guizhou's UNESCO karst landscape.

What it actually is

A 46-square-km UNESCO karst landscape in Libo, Guizhou. The park's centerpiece is the 68-Level Waterfall — a 1.6 km stretch of cascades and rapids — plus an iconic 19th-century arch bridge, jade-green lakes with transparent rowing boats, and 92% forest coverage. Best March through October.

Why it’s worth going

China's sixth World Heritage Site and Guizhou's first. The 46 km² of pristine karst — emerald rivers, 68 cascading waterfalls, glass-like lakes, and 92% forest cover — creates an immersive nature experience unmatched in South China.

What not to miss

Xiaoqikong Bridge

The iconic 19th-century arch bridge that gives the area its name. Surrounded by 7 arch bridges across the scenic area, it is the most photographed spot with emerald green water flowing beneath.

68-Level Waterfall

A spectacular 1.6km stretch of 68 waterfalls and rapids cascading through dense karst forest. The most exhilarating hiking experience in the park.

Wolong Tan

A jade-green karst lake famous for its transparent-glass rowing boats. The most Instagram-worthy spot in the park.

Water Forest

A unique karst forest where streams flow through and under tree roots. Visitors can wade through shallow pools—an ideal summer escape.

Tips from locals

  • Take high-speed rail from Guiyang to Libo (1.5h, ~91 CNY), then bus to east gate (10 CNY)
  • Check weather before visiting; avoid after heavy rain as waterfalls become muddy
BEST TIME TO VISIT

Month by month.

JanuaryCool clear

Lowest water but still photogenic. Crowds minimal.

FebruarySpring Festival

Buyi minority new year customs in surrounding villages.

MarchCherry blossom valleys

Cherry trees bloom along the scenic road.

AprilComfortable spring

Mid-20s°C; ideal hiking weather, fewer crowds than summer.

MayKarst green

Lush green peaks framing turquoise water.

JunePlum rains

Waterfalls at full force; misty atmospheric mornings.

JulyPeak summer + water

Most water in the falls, cool relief from lowland heat. Crowded mid-month.

AugustContinued lush

Karst at its greenest. Watch for thunderstorms.

SeptemberExcellent shoulder

Cooler nights, manageable crowds, water still flowing.

OctoberGolden Week then perfect

Avoid first week. Mid-late October is the year's clearest light.

NovemberCrisp autumn

Maples and limestone in golden contrast. Cool comfortable.

DecemberQuiet cold

Lowest crowds and water; still beautiful, fewer queues at the 7-arch bridge.

NEARBY

What's around.

Daxiagu Waterfall (大七孔大峡谷)

Big Seven-Arch valley nearby — bigger but less elegant than its small sister.

Yuanyang Lake (鸳鸯湖)

Mandarin-duck lake inside the scenic area. Boating + quiet shore walks.

Tianzhong Cave (天钟洞)

Karst cavern with stalactite formations, 30 min from the main scenic area.

Maolan Karst Forest (茂兰国家级自然保护区)

UNESCO biosphere reserve adjacent to Xiaoqikong — primary karst forest.

Libo County Seat (荔波县)

Buyi-minority gateway town. Sour-soup fish hotpot specialty.

Similar in Guizhou