Come and see the Maling River Gorge

◎Xingyi Maling River Gorge Travel Guide 📍Location & Transportation The Maling River Gorge is located in the northeast of Xingyi City, Qianxinan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, about 5 km from the city center. • By Air: Fly directly to Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport, which is only 7 km from the scenic area (about 15 minutes by taxi). • By High-Speed Rail/Train: Take Bus No. 82 and transfer to Bus No. 3 to reach the scenic area (533 m walk) or take a taxi (about 20 minutes) from Xingyi Station. • By Car: Navigate to "Maling River Gorge Scenic Area." Free parking is available at the entrance. • By Bus: Take Bus No. 301, 8, 4, or 3 to the "Maling River Gorge Scenic Area" stop. 🎫Tickets & Opening Hours • Tickets: ◦ Peak season (March–November): 70 RMB/person; off-season (December–February): 60 RMB/person. ◦ Sightseeing elevator: One-way 30 RMB, round-trip 40 RMB (recommended for those with limited stamina). ◦ Rafting: 210 RMB/person, requires phone reservation 2 hours in advance. Only for healthy individuals under 65 years old and taller than 120 cm. • Free Admission: Children under 14, seniors over 60, active military personnel, medical workers, and teachers (with valid ID). • Opening Hours: Peak season 8:00–17:00; off-season 8:30–17:00. 🌟Must-See Attractions 1. **Ten Thousand Horses Galloping Waterfall** The most spectacular waterfall in the gorge, 118 m high and 38 m wide, with roaring waters. Tip: Capture a "mirror of the sky" effect at the viewing platform (20 RMB/photo, buy 5 get 1 free). 2. **Tianxing Gallery** A 1.7 km highlight of the gorge, featuring 13 waterfalls and stunning calcified wall formations. Must-visit spots: Huanglong Waterfall, Pearl Waterfall, and Rain Banana Corridor (perfect for photography with dappled light). 3. **Calcified Wall Formations** Natural rock reliefs formed by calcium carbonate deposits, covering over 300,000 sq m like a giant 3D painting. 4. **Gorge Rafting** Known as "China’s No. 1 Rafting," this 50 km adventure includes thrilling sections like "Charging Wild Horse Rapids" and "Five Entrances to Happiness Pool." Note: You’ll get soaked—bring a change of clothes! 5. **Maling River Bridge Viewing Deck** Free panoramic views of the gorge, showcasing the "Earth’s Most Beautiful Scar" where cliffs and waterfalls intertwine. 🍜Food Recommendations • **Xingyi Lamb Rice Noodles**: Rich broth, tender lamb, paired with chili paste—perfect for breakfast (around 10 RMB/person in the city). • **Brush Head Dumplings**: Shaped like shumai, with thin skin and hearty fillings (try the stalls outside the scenic area). • **Sour Bamboo Shoot Beef Hotpot**: Buyi-style sour soup with fresh-cut beef—spicy and appetizing. • **Zhenfeng Sticky Rice**: Glutinous rice with braised pork and crispy toppings (look for handmade versions on market days). 🏡Accommodation Suggestions • **Near the Scenic Area**: ◦ *Gorge Secluded Homestay*: 5-minute walk to the gorge, floor-to-ceiling windows facing waterfalls, lulled to sleep by the sound of water. • **Xingyi City Hotels**: ◦ *Jinzhou Cuihu Hotel*: 4-star, 10-minute drive to the gorge, with a pool and authentic Guizhou cuisine. ◦ *Mushroom Glamping Hotel*: Family-friendly mushroom-themed cottages, close to Wanfenglin Scenic Area. 📅Itinerary Ideas **One-Day Trip**: • Morning: Take the sightseeing elevator down → Hike Tianxing Gallery → Visit Ten Thousand Horses Galloping Waterfall. • Noon: Try sour bamboo shoot beef hotpot outside the gorge → Head to Maling River Bridge for panoramic photos. • Afternoon: Experience rafting (about 2 hours) → Return to the city for lamb rice noodles. **Two-Day Trip**: • Day 1: Gorge hiking + rafting → Stay overnight at a secluded homestay → Stargaze over the gorge. • Day 2: Drive to Wanfenglin for cycling → Boat tour on Wanfeng Lake → Buy local specialties like coix seed and prickly pear snacks before departure. 💡Tips 1. **Best Time to Visit**: June–August for the fullest waterfalls; May for azalea blooms; winter for fewer crowds and serene views. 2. **What to Wear**: Non-slip hiking shoes + waterproof jacket (the gorge is misty); bring mosquito repellent in summer. 3. **Photography Tips**: Morning fog at Rain Banana Corridor, backlighting at Ten Thousand Horses Waterfall in the afternoon, side lighting for calcified walls. 4. **Eco-Friendly Reminder**: Do not litter—help preserve the karst landscape. 🌄The beauty of Maling River Gorge lies in the harmony between the earth’s raw power and water’s delicate artistry. Whether you’re feeling the adrenaline rush of rafting or the awe of towering waterfalls, this place will redefine "breathtaking."