Wanfenglin Scenic Area, Guizhou province

Wanfenglin Scenic Area (万峰林景区Wàn fēng lín jǐng qū)

Address: Wanfenglin Scenic Area, Xingyi city, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province
Scenic spot level: 5A
Opening hours:
Off season (Dec 1 – Feb 28): 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Peak season (Mar 1 – Oct 31): 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Contact: +86 400-1180859
Ticket price:
Off season: 60 yuan ($8.20)
Peak season: 70 yuan

Notes:
1. Children under 1.2 meters in height, children under 14 years old, seniors over 60 years old, people with disabilities, and active military personnel can enter free with valid ID.
2. Minors under 18 and students (undergraduate or lower) with valid IDs can enter at half price.

Nestled in the heart of Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture in southwestern Guizhou, Wanfenglin Scenic Area is a breathtaking natural wonder. Situated on the southeastern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the region features a dramatic landscape of towering karst peaks, rolling valleys, and lush greenery. The highest peak rises to 1,600 meters, with an average elevation of 1,200 meters, and an impressive 2,000 square kilometers of forest cover 68.5 percent of the land area.

Revered as "China's Conical Karst Museum", Wanfenglin is home to one of the world's most striking examples of conical karst peak formations. Famed Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) traveler Xu Xiake once marveled at its beauty, declaring: "Mountains are countless in the world, but only here do peaks form forests".

Wanfenglin's scenery is a harmonious blend of pastoral landscapes and spectacular limestone formations, with traditional Bouyei villages adding cultural charm. The diverse karst formations – ranging from isolated peaks and valley forests to conical summits and blade-shaped stone ridges – make for some majestic and otherworldly terrain.

Beyond its awe-inspiring geology, Wanfenglin is a haven for biodiversity. The area is home to more than 100 animal species, including rare wildlife such as the Chinese merganser (Class I protected), the black-necked stork (Class II), and the macaque (Class II). Its rich flora includes over 100 rare plant species, such as the Guizhou cycad (Class I) and the slipper orchid (Class I).

The Bouyei ethnic group, with its deep-rooted history, has preserved its rich cultural heritage. Their distinctive clothing, language, and customs reflect a profound connection to tradition. One of their most treasured cultural expressions is "Bayin Zuochang", an ancient form of folk storytelling music that has been passed down for over a thousand years. Known as the "Living Fossil of Sound" and "The Sound of Heaven", this mesmerizing art form has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage of China.

Whether you're drawn to its otherworldly landscapes, rare wildlife, or rich cultural traditions, Wanfenglin Scenic Area promises an unforgettable journey into one of China's most extraordinary natural and cultural wonders.