Tianhe Pool Scenic Area (天河潭景区, Tianhe Pond), situated in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, is a picturesque tourist and leisure destination renowned for its distinctive karst natural landscapes and the cultural heritage of historical figures and hermits. The area seamlessly blends mountains, water, caves, ponds, waterfalls, natural bridges, and canyons, earning it the moniker “Guizhou’s Concentrated Landscape Bonsai.”
The attractions within the scenic area are divided into four main themes: the spectacle of calcification terraces and waterfalls, the cultural significance of Xiangba Gully, boat tours through water caves, and dry cave exploration. Visitors can also experience the thrill of a 400-meter-long high-altitude zipline, providing a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking landscapes below. Tianhe Pool Scenic Area showcases the essence of Guizhou’s natural beauty, making it a must-visit for those seeking a harmonious blend of captivating landscapes and cultural treasures.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Tianhe Pool Scenic Area
- Vlog about Tianhe Pool
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Huaxi District
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Water Show Hours | Two sets every day from Tuesday to Sunday: First set: 15.00 – 15.20 Second set: 19.30 – 20.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-400-900-9995 |
Location and Transportation
Tianhe Pool Scenic Area is situated in Shiban Town, Huaxi District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. Located approximately 24 kilometers from the center of Guiyang City and 13 kilometers from Huaxi, the scenic area covers a total area of 15 square kilometers. To reach Tianhe Pool Scenic Area from Guiyang:
- By Bus (Route 211): Take Bus 211 from Guiyang Huaguo Yuan Wetland Park (花果园湿地公园). The fare is 2 yuan per person, and buses operate from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM at 10-minute intervals. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
- By Huaxi Special Line Minibus: Board the special minibus at the Huaxi Park Court entrance (花溪公园法院), directly to the main gate of the scenic area. The fare is 6 yuan per person, and minibuses run every 20 minutes, with a travel time of around 40 minutes.
Highlights of Tianhe Pool Scenic Area
Sun Plaza
The entrance to Tianhe Pool is marked by the Sun Plaza, a ceremonial and culturally rich square. The architectural style reflects the traditions of ethnic minorities, featuring symbolic cloud patterns on the ground, representing auspiciousness. Four beacon towers adorned with natural elements – wind, fire, water, and earth – symbolize the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.
Guiyang Story Street
Themed around the Republic of China era, Guiyang Story Street recreates the cultural ambiance of old Guiyang, including local neighborhoods, courtyards, and official residences. The street embodies the authentic lifestyle of old Guiyang, with a focus on local delicacies and specialties. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Da Shi Zi Crossroads, the Fountain (Bronze Statue Platform), and historic buildings like the Golden Bridge Restaurant and Mao Mansion.
Resting Dragon Waterfall
The Resting Dragon Waterfall, spanning over twenty meters in width and standing over ten meters tall, presents a spectacular natural phenomenon. During the abundant water season, the cascading water resembles a celestial dragon descending from the sky, earning it the poetic name “Resting Dragon Waterfall.”
Dream Grass Garden
Dream Grass Garden holds historical significance as the former residence of Wu Zhongfan, a renowned poet from the late Ming to early Qing Dynasty. Wu Zhongfan, born in the picturesque Mencao Pond in the western part of Guiyang, found inspiration in the beauty of the mountains and waters of Tianhe Pool. His poetic works, created during his long-term residence in Tianhe Pool, have become valuable cultural treasures.
Kengling Cave
Kengling Cave, also known as Longtan Cave Water Cave, offers a mesmerizing boat tour through its stunning underground wonders. The cave extends approximately 1200 meters, with a maximum width exceeding 80 meters and a depth of 31 meters in the darkness. Inside the cave, visitors can marvel at karst landscapes, including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. One notable feature is the “Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate,” a scene that folklore claims brought good fortune to a scholar who witnessed it.
Milky Way Palace
Milky Way Palace, part of the Longtan Cave Dry Cave, unfolds across three layers with a total length of nearly 2000 meters. The cave features a natural stone bridge called the Naihe Bridge, positioned between two cliffs, suspended over a fathomless abyss. The cave interior is adorned with intricate and diverse stalactites, with famous formations like the “Monkey Fishing for the Moon,” “Scripture Pavilion,” “Once in a Millennium,” and “Spring in Full Bloom.”
Vlog about Tianhe Pool
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Fireworks Show: Don’t miss the fireworks show at Tianhe Pool, which costs 50 yuan per person. It’s held every Saturday and on public holidays, weather permitting. Tianhe Pool is one of the few places in Guiyang where fireworks are allowed.
Luggage Storage: Take advantage of the free luggage storage service provided at the service desk inside the ticket hall.
Arrive Early: To avoid crowds, it’s best to arrive early in the morning around 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. This will allow you to explore the area more comfortably and enjoy the attractions without the rush of tourists.
Transportation: Tianhe Pool is located about 20 kilometers from downtown Guiyang. If you’re coming from Guiyang Railway Station, you can easily reach Tianhe Pool by taxi in about 36 minutes. Getting a taxi from the scenic area back to downtown is also convenient and quick.
Food Options: Inside the scenic area, there is a food street located to the left of the main gate. The prices here are reasonable compared to other tourist areas.
Beware of Free Photos: Be cautious when exiting the scenic area as some individuals may offer to take free photos of you and give you commemorative small prints. However, be aware that they may charge you for these photos afterward. It’s better to decline such offers if you’re not interested in paying for them.
