The Most Beautiful Scenery of Maling River Canyon, Guizhou

Introduction to the Scenery of Maling River Canyon, Guizhou Located in Xingyi City, Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, Maling River Canyon is a national scenic area known for its grandeur, wonder, danger, and beauty. Below is a detailed introduction to the scenery of Maling River Canyon: 1. Geographical Location and Canyon Characteristics Location: Located in the northeast of Xingyi City, about 6 km from the city center. Canyon Characteristics: The canyon is 74.8 km long, 50-150 m wide, and 120-280 m deep. Its walls are steep, and the river at the bottom rushes through, resembling a natural moat when viewed from the riverbed. 2. Geology and Landforms Geological Composition: Primarily composed of limestone, with a well-developed underground water system. Surface water and groundwater interact, and the carbon dioxide-rich groundwater erodes the limestone, forming numerous underground caves and rivers. Formation Process: Approximately 70 million years ago, the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates caused the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau, profoundly impacting surrounding areas. The crust in Guizhou experienced intense uplift during neotectonic movements, accelerating the downcutting erosion of surface rivers, gradually forming the Maling River Canyon. 3. Natural Landscape Waterfall Cluster: Maling River Canyon boasts the spectacle of "72 waterfalls converging in one canyon," ranging in height from 100m to 280m. Among them, the Ten Thousand Horses Galloping Waterfall is 76m high and about 80m wide, with an imposing momentum. Pearl Waterfall plunges from a cliff over 200m high, creating countless water droplets that shimmer in the sunlight. Rainbow Waterfall consists of 8 waterfalls simultaneously cascading from a cliff over 100m high, with the water mist at the bottom forming a beautiful rainbow in the sunlight. Cliffside Rock Formations: Formed by calcium carbonate variations, these layered formations cover the cliffs for several kilometers, creating a colorful natural tapestry. Some resemble white clouds, others soaring eagles, giant wood ear mushrooms, or thousand-year-old lingzhi mushrooms. Canyon Crevices: The entire canyon is 74.8 km long, 50-150 m wide, and 120-280 m deep. The steep walls and rushing river below create a chasm-like appearance when viewed from the canyon bridge. 4. Biodiversity Plant Resources: Maling River Canyon has abundant plant germplasm resources and diverse vegetation, creating stunning seasonal changes throughout the year. Animal Resources: Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. This scenic area is home to nationally protected rare animals such as golden eagles and pangolins, forming a healthy natural ecological environment. 5. Cultural Landscape Ancient Human Activity Sites: Near Maling River Canyon are ancient human activity sites like Maomaodong Cave and Zhangkoudong Cave, which bear witness to the history of ancient humans living here and provide important clues for studying human evolution and the development of civilization. Liu's Manor: One of the largest "tunpu-style" landlord and warlord building complexes in China, with a unique architectural style and high historical and artistic value, showcasing local folk culture and historical features. 6. Tourist Activities Rafting: Maling River Canyon is a paradise for rafters and is one of the top ten rafting spots in China. The rafting section is over 50 km long, taking about 8 hours to complete. Along the way, you can admire the natural scenery of peaks, cliffs, and forests, as well as cultural landscapes such as ancient temples, bridges, battlefields, and post roads. Maling River Canyon is not only a living textbook of geological evolution but also a presentation of natural beauty. It tells the story of the Earth with its deep crevices and sings the rhythm of life with its cascading waterfalls and flowing springs.