Wuchuan County, Zunyi: An Amazing Trip You Can't Miss
Wuchuan Gelao and Miao Autonomous County, located in northeastern Guizhou Province and administered by Zunyi City, is a pristine tourist destination. With Gelao culture as its soul and natural scenery as its highlight, it is especially suitable for travelers who love in-depth tours and cultural experiences. Check out this guide and explore the beauty of Wuchuan together.
Key Information at a Glance
- Location: Zunyi, Guizhou, bordering Pengshui in Chongqing and Dejiang in Tongren.
- Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Zunyi or Meitan Station, then transfer to a bus; it takes about 4 hours to drive from Guiyang and about 3.5 hours from Chongqing.
- Best time to visit: April–May, September–October, when the spring and autumn climate is pleasant and there is little rainfall.
Top Attractions
- Longtan Ancient Village: An ancient Gelao village with more than 700 years of history, with stone roads, wooden houses, and ancient wells. Participate in traditional festivals, experience bamboo weaving and batik, and it is best to ask a guide to learn about "Cinnabar Culture."
- Hongdu River Canyon: The perfect fusion of karst landforms and canyon scenery, suitable for hiking, camping, and photography. You can also go rafting in summer.
- Jiutian Mother Stone Scenic Area: The "holy mountain" of the Gelao people. The nine giant stones are shaped like a mother holding a baby. Climb to the top to overlook the Hongdu River and feel the blend of nature and mythology.
- Shenyou Temple: Commemorates loyal officials of the Ming Dynasty and combines Han and Gelao architectural styles.
- Shichao Tiankeng Cluster: A rare karst sinkhole cluster, a paradise for adventure and geology enthusiasts. Some areas are undeveloped and require a professional team to lead the way.
Featured Cuisine
- Sanyao Platform: A traditional Gelao banquet, divided into three platforms: tea, wine, and rice, with rich dishes such as cured meat and gray tofu.
- Oil Tea: A daily drink made with tea, glutinous rice, etc., which is salty, fragrant, and warms the body.
- Gray Tofu Curd: Made from soybeans and wrapped in plant ash, it can be used in soups and stir-fries.
- Wuchuan Sesame Cake: Made from sesame seeds and maltose, it is crispy, sweet, and fragrant.
- Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: Fresh wild mushrooms can be tasted during the rainy season from June to August.
Accommodation Options
- County Town: There are many budget hotels, such as Wuchuan International Hotel, which is convenient for living.
- Longtan Ancient Village: You can choose a Gelao-style inn, "Longtan Renjia" is recommended.
- Hongdu River Coast: You can camp or choose a riverside homestay to get close to nature.
Travel Tips
- Respect Folk Customs: Observe Gelao taboos and do not touch the village's statues at will.
- Responding to the Weather: The temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountainous area is large, and it rains a lot in summer, so remember to prepare a coat and rain gear.
- Drive with Caution: Some scenic roads are narrow, so be sure to pay attention to safety when driving.
- Green Travel: Protect the environment and do not litter.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Wuchuan County, visit Longtan Ancient Village, taste Sanyao Platform, and stay overnight in the ancient village.
- Day 2: Go to Jiutian Mother Stone, hike or raft in the Hongdu River, and return to the county town to eat oil tea and gray tofu.
- Day 3: Go to Shichao Tiankeng for an adventure and then return.
Wuchuan's unadorned natural environment, ancient legends, and magnificent landscape highlight the beauty of nature and humanity. If time is sufficient, you may wish to visit the surrounding Daozhen County and Zhengan County to explore the mystery of northern Guizhou in depth.