"10 days and 9 nights, I found the 9 most pristine secret spots in Guizhou, each breathtakingly beautiful

Guizhou 10 days 9 nights deep tour from caves to ancient villages, a full exploration of the hidden wonders of central Guizhou!
Tired of the same old travel routes? Guizhou hides many unknown secret spots. This 10-day 9-night guide takes you to 9 stunning attractions: ancient villages, caves, canyons, rafting, and primeval forests. Each stop is worth savoring slowly.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|------|------|------|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Guiyang Xiangzhigou | Traditional papermaking, canyon waterfalls |
| Day 2 | Xiangzhigou Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town | Ming dynasty military settlement culture, stone city |
| Day 3 | Tianlong Tunpu Longgong (Dragon Palace) | Cave wonders, "Dragon Character" fields |
| Day 4 | Longgong Getu River | Cave passage, underground palace, Miao village customs |
| Day 5 | Getu River Luotian Daxiaojing | Karst sinkholes, underground rivers |
| Day 6 | Luotian Daxiaojing Zhenyuan Tiexi | Ancient town slow life, tranquil creek valley |
| Day 7 | Zhenyuan Tiexi Shuangdong River | Double cave rafting, pristine secret realm |
| Day 8 | Shuangdong River Gaoguo River | Exciting rafting, canyon scenery |
| Day 9 | Gaoguo River Yamu Valley | Primeval forest, Miao ethnic customs |
| Day 10 | Yamu Valley Guiyang/Kaili | Return trip |
Daily Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang Xiangzhigou
Highlights:
Xiangzhigou is famous for traditional papermaking, with deep canyons and clusters of waterfalls. Ideal for visitors who enjoy cultural experiences and natural scenery.
Recommended activities:
- Visit traditional papermaking workshops
- Hike the canyon and check in at the waterfalls
- Experience handmade papermaking craft
Accommodation: Xiangzhigou scenic area guesthouse
Day 2: Xiangzhigou Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town
Highlights:
Tianlong Tunpu is a Ming dynasty military settlement site with well-preserved stone buildings. Residents still maintain the language and clothing styles from 600 years ago.
Recommended activities:
- Stroll the ancient town and photograph stone architecture
- Watch local opera performances to learn about Tunpu culture
- Taste the Tunpu Eight Bowls feast
Accommodation: Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town inn
Day 3: Tianlong Tunpu Longgong (Dragon Palace)
Highlights:
Longgong is renowned for its cave landscapes, featuring the world's largest water and dry cave group and the spectacular "Dragon Character" fields.
Recommended activities:
- Take a boat tour of the Longgong caves
- Climb up for a panoramic view of the Dragon Character fields
- Photograph the Dragon Gate waterfall
Accommodation: Longgong scenic area hotel
Day 4: Longgong Getu River
Highlights:
Getu River showcases the essence of karst landforms, with cave passages, underground palaces, hanging coffins, and Miao villages forming a unique landscape.
Recommended activities:
- Explore the cave passage wonders
- Visit the underground palace and dark river
- Experience Miao village customs
Accommodation: Guesthouse near Getu River
Day 5: Getu River Luotian Daxiaojing
Highlights:
Luotian Daxiaojing is a typical karst sinkhole cluster with crystal-clear underground rivers, known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou underground."
Recommended activities:
- Take a boat tour of the underground river
- Hike along the sinkhole edges
- Photograph the emerald river water and rock walls
Accommodation: Luotian guesthouse
Day 6: Luotian Daxiaojing Zhenyuan Tiexi
Highlights:
Zhenyuan Tiexi is the hidden backyard of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, with clear creek water and bamboo groves, perfect for a slow-paced visit.
Recommended activities:
- Hike along the creek
- Photograph bamboo reflections
- Experience the night view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Accommodation: Riverside inn in Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Day 7: Zhenyuan Tiexi Shuangdong River
Highlights:
Shuangdong River is famous for double cave rafting, with winding river paths and diverse stalactites inside the caves.
Recommended activities:
- Raft on Shuangdong River
- Explore inside the caves
- Taste local farmhouse dishes by the river
Accommodation: Shuangdong River farmhouse stay
Day 8: Shuangdong River Gaoguo River
Highlights:
Gaoguo River is a famous rafting spot in Guizhou, with rapid waters and magnificent scenery on both banks.
Recommended activities:
- Exciting rafting on Gaoguo River
- Hike along the river and photograph waterfall clusters
- Taste grilled fish by the river
Accommodation: Gaoguo River scenic area hotel
Day 9: Gaoguo River Yamu Valley
Highlights:
Yamu Valley is a primeval forest secret spot, known for waterfalls, streams, and Miao ethnic customs.
Recommended activities:
- Hike through Yamu Valley
- Visit Miao villages
- Taste Miao sour soup fish and rice wine
Accommodation: Yamu Valley guesthouse
Day 10: Yamu Valley Guiyang/Kaili Return
Recommended plan:
- Morning for a relaxed hike or photography
- Depart at noon to return to Guiyang or Kaili
- Arrange return based on flight/train schedule
Travel Tips
- Best season: April to October, especially summer for rafting and cooling off.
- Transportation advice: Self-driving or chartered car recommended, as public transport is inconvenient for some spots.
- Gear checklist: Non-slip shoes, quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, camping gear (if needed).
- Food recommendations: Sour soup fish, rice tofu, fried potato cakes, Miao cured meat, Tunpu Eight Bowls.
Blogger's Note
Guizhou's beauty is not just Huangguoshu and Xijiang Qianhu. This 10-day 9-night route takes you into the true mountain park province, with surprises at every stop. If you love niche deep travel, save this guide and set off with your friends!
Yamu Valley Scenic Area Zhenyuan Ancient Town Dragon Gate Waterfall Xiangzhigou Huangguoshu Scenic Area Ziyun Getu River Scenic Area Guizhou Gaoguo River Scenic Area Tianlong Tunpu Scenic Area