Nanjiang Grand Canyon (南江大峡谷) is situated in Kaiyang County, in the central part of the Guizhou Plateau. It is distinguished by its remarkable Karst canyon landscapes and a myriad of diverse and spectacular waterfall formations. The canyon stretches for over 40 kilometers, adorned with towering peaks, and plunges to a depth of up to 398 meters.
With more than 80 natural attractions within the canyon, it boasts over 40 breathtaking waterfalls, including the splendid She Xiang Waterfall on the Little Nanjiang River, cascading over a staggering drop of more than 150 meters. Visitors can embark on thrilling and adventurous river rafting along the emerald-like river or leisurely stroll along cliffside walkways and shaded paths. The canyon also allows for traversing through pristine Karst primitive forests.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of cheeky macaques frolicking on the cliffs, gibbons gracefully swinging from branches, while ducks and mandarin ducks gracefully swim in the river. Schools of fish are visible in the clear waters, and the skies are alive with fishing eagles, egrets, and various wild birds. The evenings come alive with traditional ethnic song and dance performances, providing a captivating cultural experience.
Nanjiang Grand Canyon offers a variety of recreational activities, including unique barrel plant essence baths, natural spring swimming pools, outdoor barbecues, and an exhilarating cross-river zip line, ensuring visitors a truly refreshing and enjoyable experience surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Nanjiang Grand Canyon
- Vlog about Nanjiang Grand Canyon
- Other Attractions in Guiyang Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Admission + Shuttle Bus: 80 RMB Admission + Shuttle Bus + Leisurely Drift: 168 RMB Admission + Shuttle Bus + Thrilling Drift: 188 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0851-87524258 |
Location and Transportation
Nanjiang Grand Canyon is situated in Longguang Village, Nanjiang Township, Kaiyang County, in the central part of the Guizhou Plateau. It’s approximately 54 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Guiyang. To get to Nanjiang Grand Canyon from Guiyang, you can choose one of the following ways:
- Across from Qianling Park, at the tourist bus station, take a direct shuttle to Nanjiang Grand Canyon for 20 RMB per person. The first bus departs at 8:30 AM, with a travel time of about an hour and a half to reach the park entrance.
- From Guiyang Tourist Transfer Center (Old Bus Station on Yan’an West Road), board a direct shuttle to the canyon. The ticket costs 88 RMB and covers the entrance fee, on-site sightseeing vehicle, and round-trip transportation. Departure time is at 9:00 AM, returning promptly at 5:00 PM.
Highlights of Nanjiang Grand Canyon
Rafting Adventures
Nanjiang Grand Canyon offers two thrilling rafting experiences: a 5-kilometer leisurely drift and an adrenaline-pumping 8-kilometer adventure. The leisurely drift is the first half of the adventurous journey. Starting at the park entrance, the river’s current is gentle. Passing by iconic waterfall sites like Shuiluo Pavilion and Caozi Pond, the leisurely drift concludes at Ladder Rock Restaurant. For the adventurous drift, the journey continues beyond this point, culminating at Yuanyang Lake. Returning to the park entrance from Yuanyang Lake offers two options: taking a cable car to the mountaintop or climbing over 900 precarious steps to the summit, followed by a free shuttle bus ride back.
Culinary Delights
Nanjiang Grand Canyon’s dining experience embodies the distinct flavors of Guizhou cuisine, known for its spicy, sour, fragrant, and robust dishes. Leveraging Kaiyang County’s reputation as a region abundant in selenium-rich produce, the local cuisine offers a healthy dose of selenium, making it a preferred choice for visitors. Meals are creatively intertwined with selenium-rich elements—selenium-enriched noodles, teas, meats, and more. Locally sourced free-range chicken, eggs, native pork, assorted wild vegetables, and Nanjiang small freshwater fish provide guests with an organic and selenium-rich dining experience.
Golden Bell Waterfall
The Golden Bell Waterfall, a magnificent calcified cascade, stands over 30 meters tall. When struck, it resonates like the chime of a bell, earning its moniker. The formation of this calcified waterfall is due to the abundant calcium content in the water. As the water flows, the calcium gradually precipitates, forming calcified deposits that, over time, build up into a stone-like waterfall. Remarkably, the core of this calcified waterfall is hollow. Adventurous visitors can crawl through the bottom and emerge through the top hole of the waterfall—an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
