Hidden waterfalls in and around Guiyang await adventurous travelers

As the summer heat intensifies, vacationers from across China are converging on the cool and pleasant city of Guiyang. The city is about to enter its peak tourist season. However, for those with outdoor experience, there is no need to squeeze into the most popular spots. Several hidden natural wonders around Guiyang are also well worth exploring.

Guijiaqiao Waterfall

Also known as Longtan Waterfall or Feicui Waterfall, Guijiaqiao Waterfall is an untouched waterfall deep in a valley in Qiantao township, Huaxi district. Standing about 40 meters tall, the waterfall features crystal-clear water that cascades into a green pool. It is often paired with the nearby Guijia Bridge as a top hiking attraction.

Location and access: Gusa village, Qiantao township, Huaxi district, about 48 kilometers from downtown Guiyang, roughly a one-hour drive.

Safety note: This is an undeveloped natural area. As it is currently the rainy season, caution is strongly advised.

Shiwanxi Waterfall

Shiwanxi Waterfall is known for its seclusion, elegance, ruggedness, and steepness. The largest drop measures about 80 to 100 meters. During the rainy season, the falls are powerful and often produce rainbows; in the dry season, they flow gracefully like silver silk.

Location and access: Maoyun township, Kaiyang county, about 88 km from downtown Guiyang, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.

Safety note: This is an undeveloped primitive karst canyon area. Caution is strongly advised.

Shiwanxi Waterfall in Kaiyang county, Guiyang, tumbles over verdant rocky slopes, hidden among dense forested hills. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]

Zijiangdifeng Waterfall

Zijiangdifeng features a dense and spectacular group of travertine waterfalls. The vertical drop reaches 200 meters, with a top width of 6 meters. It is a very large, multi-tiered perennial waterfall.

Location and access: Longgang town, southeastern Kaiyang county, about 72 km from downtown Guiyang, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.

Safety note: The area is semi-open to visitors but remains largely primitive. Caution is strongly advised.

Yuhua Waterfall

Yuhua Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction within Xiwangshan Scenic Area. The waterfall has a drop of about 20 meters. Stream water flows down from the rock face and is blown by the mountain wind into crystal droplets, resembling spring blossoms in the rain – hence the name "Yuhua". On sunny days, a rainbow often appears, creating a fairyland-like scene.

Location and access: Luwo village, Xishan town, Xifeng county, about 78 km from downtown Guiyang, roughly a one-hour and 40-minute drive.

Safety note: As it is currently the main flood season, safety risks are high. Caution is strongly advised.

Yangpidong Waterfall

Named for the sheepskin-like texture of its cave walls, Yangpidong Waterfall is formed by an underground river exiting through a cave. It stands about 41 meters tall and 20–30 meters wide, with water plunging vertically from the cave mouth like a white silk ribbon. During the rainy season, it can expand into a 30-meter-wide water curtain, earning it the nickname "China's mini Iceland waterfall" among outdoor enthusiasts.

Location and access: About 65 km northwest of Guiyang, roughly a 1.5-hour drive. After parking, a 40-minute muddy mountain hike is required to reach the falls. Alternatively, you can take a boat (100 yuan/person) followed by a 20-minute walk.

Safety note: This is an undeveloped area. Entry is strictly forbidden on rainy days, and caution is always required.

Powerful Yangpidong Waterfall bursts from a limestone cave amid the dense green wilderness of Guiyang. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]

Kaorushan Waterfall

Kaorushan Waterfall is an undeveloped primitive waterfall group. After parking, a 30–40–minute upstream hike is required to reach the falls. The water is clear and the environment is quiet, but the area is high-risk. Due to ongoing water conservancy efforts, the landscape may be submerged.

Location and access: Kaika village, Wantanhe town, Longli county, Qiannan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, about 75 km from Guiyang, roughly a two-hour drive.

Safety note: This is an undeveloped area. Beware of slippery surfaces and snakes. Caution is strongly advised.

Houzigou Waterfall

The highlight of Houzigou is the Shuanglong Waterfall and a sapphire-blue karst pool. At peak flow, the waterfall has a drop of about 35 meters and a width of 25–40 meters, with water rushing down like twin dragons, creating mist and often rainbows on sunny days. In the dry season, it flows gently like silk, forming a "water curtain sanctuary" surrounded by dark green square bamboo and wild bananas.

Location and access: Within the Longli Prairie Scenic Area, about 53 km from Guiyang, roughly a one-hour drive.

Safety note: There is no commercial development in the area. Do not venture into unexplored caves. Caution is strongly advised.

Houzigou Waterfall splashes across mossy stratified rocks in lush mountain woods. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]