Maling River Gorge, Xingyi

Xingyi is 6 hours' driving form Guiyang, most of the travelers go from here to Stone Forest in Yunnan. Xingyi is among the most representative examples of the evolution of Karst topography in China.

The region experiencing rapid development with new railway connections, electricity from Tianshengqiao hydroelectric plant an a new industrial zone centered at nearby Dingxiao.

Under-appreciated Xingyi is maily a stopover in the far souwestern part of Guizhou for those traveling between Guiyang and Nanning or Kunming.

However, with some of the finest weather in Guizhou, this place is as interesting town to wander around and has some worthwhile sights, including a good minorities museum and some nearby karst scenery.

Maling River Gorge
The main attraction in the area is the 15 km-long Maling River Gorge, which is peaceful and well worth a visit.

With stunning scenery, many travelers find out the Maling Gorge more interesting than Huangguoshu Waterfalls,

You can spend the better part of a day following the winding path into the lush gorge, across bridges and up to and behind high, cascading waterfalls. It's a good idea to bring waterproof gear, sturdy shoes and a torch (flash light) to light your way through some of the caves.

Maling River, also called Qinshui River or Mabai River , flowes through Malin district of Xingyi city.. Hence the name 'Maling'. It has deep and riverbed wit overhanging precipices and steep cliffs on each bank. The river here has a high drop in elevation and numerous waterfalls, some of which are as high as a hunred meters, flowing sown with imposing manner with splendid sightseeing.

You can also raft on the river at several points; don't expect white-water rapids, this is a slow descent. Xingyi Travel Service arranges 3 hour trips for about RMB 100.

To reach the gorge from Xingyi, you can attempt to catch a Xingren or Dingxiao bound bus. At the time of writing, these buses were being diverted away from the gorge due to construction on the bridge over Maling Gorge. If this is still the case, taxis will take you the 6 km for about RMB 20.

Wanfenglin - Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks
Wanfenglin, or Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks in Xingyi City takes up an area of 2,000 square kilometers, about two thirds the size of Xingyi City.  It is ranked by the China Geography Magazine as one of the six most beautiful peak forests in China.

More attractions: Wanfenglin - Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks