Nestled in the heart of Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, the Wanfenglin Scenic Area—also known as the Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks—is one of China’s most breathtaking karst landscapes. Located just 4.5 km from Xingyi City in Guizhou Province, this UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 2,000 square kilometers, featuring nearly 20,000 cone-shaped karst peaks, lush fields, winding rivers, and vibrant Buyi ethnic villages. Praised by Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake as a “marvelous spectacle,” Wanfenglin offers a serene escape for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to this hidden gem in southwest China.
A Travel Guide to Wanfenglin Scenic Area
Why Visit Wanfenglin Scenic Area?
Wanfenglin is renowned as China’s largest and most representative karst peak forest, often called a “karst museum” for its diverse geological formations, including peaks, caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. The area’s idyllic countryside, with golden rapeseed fields in spring and verdant rice paddies in summer, creates a picturesque setting reminiscent of a Chinese scroll painting. Home to Buyi and Miao ethnic communities, Wanfenglin also offers a rich cultural experience, with traditional villages, colorful festivals, and authentic crafts. Its pleasant climate, averaging 16–18°C year-round, makes it a National Summer Resort, perfect for outdoor adventures and leisurely exploration.
How to Get There
Wanfenglin is easily accessible from Xingyi City, with multiple transportation options from major cities like Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou.
From Guiyang to Xingyi: By Flight: Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport (ACX) is 5 km from Xingyi city center and offers direct flights from Guiyang (45 minutes, ¥200–500), Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. From the airport, take a taxi (¥30, 20 minutes) or Bus 1 to Xingyi. By High-Speed Train: Xingyi Railway Station connects to Guiyang (2–3 hours, ¥100–150), Kunming, and Nanning. From the station, take a taxi (¥60–100, 50 minutes) or Bus 301 to Wanfenglin. By Bus: Long-distance buses from Guiyang to Xingyi take about 4 hours (¥80–120). From Xingyi’s West or East Passenger Transport Stations, take a taxi (¥40–60, 30–40 minutes) or Bus 301 to Wanfenglin.
From Xingyi to Wanfenglin: By Taxi: A 25-minute ride from Xingyi city center costs ¥20–35. By Bus: Take Bus 19 from Xingyi (¥2, 40 minutes) to the Wanfenglin entrance. By Car: Rent a car for flexibility; the drive is 12 km and takes about 25 minutes. Parking is available at the scenic area (¥5–10).
Tip: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport is the main gateway to Guizhou, with flights to major domestic and international cities. From Guiyang, combine your Wanfenglin trip with other attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Best Time to Visit
Wanfenglin is a year-round destination, but the experience varies by season:
Spring (February–April): Golden rapeseed flowers blanket the fields, creating a vibrant contrast with the green peaks. Ideal for photography. Summer (July–August): Lush greenery and mild temperatures (21–26°C) make it perfect for hiking and cycling. The area’s status as a National Summer Resort ensures comfortable weather.
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and golden crop fields offer stunning views with less rainfall. Winter (December–February): Cooler but not freezing (around 5°C), with fewer crowds and a tranquil atmosphere. Ethnic festivals add cultural vibrancy.
Weather Tip: Avoid early mornings due to potential fog, which can obscure views. Start your tour after 10:00 AM for clearer skies.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: March 1–October 31: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; November 1–February 28: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM.
Ticket Prices: Entrance: ¥70 (March–November), ¥60 (December–February); Sightseeing Bus: ¥50 (covers 8 scenic spots in a loop); Small Train: ¥50; Bike Rental: ¥40/day or ¥15/hour; Cable Car: ¥50 (for mountaintop views); Buyi Performance: ¥100 (optional cultural show); Discounts: Free for children under 1.2m and seniors over 70; ¥40 for seniors aged 60–69.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased on-site or via platforms like Trip.com or WeChat. Book in advance during peak seasons (spring and autumn) to secure sightseeing bus or cable car spots.
Note: Some visitors report that entrance fees may not always be enforced, but always carry cash or a mobile payment app (WeChat/Alipay) for convenience.
What to See and Do
Wanfenglin’s West Peak Forest (Xifenglin) is open to tourists, offering a mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences. The East Peak Forest remains undeveloped.
Explore the Karst Peaks: Marvel at iconic spots like General Peak, Dashun Peaks (six conical peaks symbolizing prosperity), Stars Clustering Around the Moon, and the Eight Trigrams Field, a dish-shaped terrain with an underground river. Take the cable car to a mountaintop viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the peak forest and golden fields.
Visit Buyi Villages: Explore villages like Nahui, Leli, Yulong, and Shuangsheng to experience Buyi culture. Nahui Village was named a “Characteristic Ethnic Village” in 2011 and is known for its white-painted houses and traditional crafts. Visit the Custom Museum to learn about Buyi fabrics, history, and customs. Wanfo Temple: Located in a natural cave on a karst hillside, this Ming Dynasty temple is a serene spiritual site, blending history with dramatic scenery.
Outdoor Activities: Cycling: Rent a bike (¥10–30) to ride along paths through rice fields and villages, a popular way to soak in the scenery. Hiking: Trails range from easy walks to full-day treks covering dozens of kilometers. A 2–3-hour hike is ideal for most visitors. Sightseeing Bus or Train: The bus (¥50) follows a ring route with stops at 8 key spots, perfect for families or those short on time. The mini train offers a guided tour with cultural commentary. Horse Riding: Available at select spots for a unique perspective of the landscape.
Seasonal Highlights: Rapeseed Flower Sea: From February to April, 4 square kilometers of golden blooms create a fairy-tale scene. Flower Viewing: Summer brings purple azaleas, adding color to the green peaks.
Where to Eat
On-Site Dining: Small restaurants and stalls near the entrance offer local Guizhou dishes like sour soup fish, spicy noodles, and Buyi-style grilled meats (¥15–40). Options are limited, so bring snacks for longer visits.
In Xingyi: Return to Xingyi city for more variety, including restaurants serving Miao and Buyi specialties or international chains. Try Xingyi Food Street for local delicacies.
Tip: Pack water and portable snacks, as dining facilities within the scenic area are sparse.
Where to Stay
Staying in or near Wanfenglin allows for a relaxed pace and sunrise views over the peaks:
Wanfenglin Guesthouses: Villages like Nahui offer ethnic-style guesthouses with mountain views, often featuring Buyi designs. Prices range from ¥100–300/night. Some offer breakfast and cultural experiences.
Xingyi City Hotels: Grand Sky Hotel Xingyi (4-star, ~10-minute drive): Modern comfort, ¥300–500/night. 7 Days Inn Xingyi (budget, ~15-minute drive): Affordable, ¥100–200/night. Luxury Option: Wanfenglin Miao Azu Health Resort (20-minute drive) offers cliffside views and cultural immersion, starting at ¥500/night.
Booking Tip: Use Trip.com or Ctrip for deals, and book early during spring for guesthouse availability.
Tips for a Great Visit
Dress Comfortably: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking or cycling, and bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. Layered clothing is ideal for cooler mornings and evenings. Capture the Scenery: The karst peaks and fields are best photographed at sunrise or sunset. Drones may require permits.
Respect Local Culture: Ask permission before photographing villagers, and avoid disrupting Buyi customs or festivals. Combine Your Trip: Pair Wanfenglin with nearby attractions like Maling River Canyon (40 minutes, ¥40 taxi), known as the “most beautiful scar on Earth,” or Wanfeng Lake (35 minutes), a serene man-made lake.
Stay Overnight: A 2-day visit allows for deeper exploration, including sunrise views and village stays. Check Weather: Heavy rain can flood trails, so monitor forecasts, especially in summer.
Final Thoughts
Wanfenglin Scenic Area is a captivating blend of natural splendor and cultural richness, offering a glimpse into Guizhou’s untouched beauty. Whether you’re cycling through golden fields, hiking among karst peaks, or immersing yourself in Buyi traditions, this “Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks” promises an unforgettable adventure. Plan your visit to coincide with the rapeseed bloom or autumn’s golden hues, take your time to explore the villages, and let Wanfenglin’s serene landscapes leave you in awe.
