Xingyi Attractions

Xingyi city has beautiful mountains and rivers, pleasant climate, as well as profound culture, the famous Bishan academy was founded in the Qianlong period of Qing Dynasty. Therefore, Xingyi boasts both beautiful natural landscapes and profound human landscapes. The natural scenery of Xingyi is peculiar and graceful. You can not only feel the mountains and rivers of Xingyi through the breathtaking rafting of the Malinghe River Canyon, but also stand on a high place and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Wanfenglin and Wanfenghu Lake. In addition to natural scenery like Nidang stone forest(泥凼石林) and Yunhu Mountain Scenic Area(云湖山景区), there are also human landscapes in Xingyi including the former residence of He Yingqin(何应钦故居), Xingyi Liushi Manor(兴义刘氏庄园), Wan Tun Han Tombs Group(万屯汉墓群), Lu Tun Memorial Archway Group(鲁屯牌坊群), Lu Tun Ancient Town(鲁屯古镇) and Nanlong Ancient Village(南龙古寨), etc.

Xingyi City (兴义市) is the capital of Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (黔西南布依族苗族自治州) in southwestern Guizhou. Located near the borders of Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi, it is a mountain city where urban districts, karst peaks, river canyons, lakes and Bouyei villages are closely connected.

The destination’s tourism identity can be summarized as peaks, canyons, lakes, villages, fossils and outdoor recreation. Its principal attractions are organized around the locally promoted “One City, Eight Scenic Areas” framework: Wanfenglin, Malinghe River Canyon, Wanfeng Lake, Fenglin Buyi, Sunshine Valley, Yuntun, Xingyi World Geopark Museum and Liu’s Family Estate.

In March 2024, Xingyi UNESCO Global Geopark (兴义世界地质公园) joined the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. Covering approximately 1,456 square kilometres, it protects cone-karst landscapes, river canyons, stone forests, Triassic fossil sites and other geological heritage. UNESCO highlights the vast peak forest at Wanfenglin and the waterfall-rich Malinghe River Canyon as two of its defining landscapes.

Natural Landscapes

Xingyi’s most recognizable scenery is formed by mature cone-karst topography. At Wanfenglin, thousands of conical limestone peaks surround farmland, rivers and Bouyei settlements. Malinghe River has cut deeply into the plateau, forming a narrow canyon with cliffs, calcified deposits and numerous seasonal waterfalls. Wanfeng Lake adds an extensive reservoir landscape of islands, bays and submerged karst valleys.

Ethnic Culture and Rural Scenery

Bouyei culture is an important part of the local visitor experience. Traditional villages preserve wooden houses, stone lanes, farming customs, textile skills, music and food traditions. In the Wanfenglin area, rural settlements such as Upper Nahui and Lower Nahui are integrated into the peak-forest landscape, while Fenglin Buyi offers a more concentrated programme of architecture, performances, craft displays and night-time tourism.

History, Fossils and Outdoor Recreation

Xingyi also contains historic residences, military-family estates and internationally important Triassic marine-reptile fossils. Forest parks, cycling routes, paragliding sites, wellness resorts and lakeside viewpoints expand the destination beyond conventional sightseeing.

Recommended Xingyi Attraction Ranking

The following is an editorial ranking for first-time visitors, based on landscape value, cultural significance, uniqueness, accessibility and overall travel experience. It is not an official government ranking.

Wanfenglin was confirmed as a national 5A-rated tourist attraction in December 2024. Malinghe River Canyon, Wanfeng Lake, Xingyi World Geopark Museum, Guizhou Chun and Yuntun are among the area’s important national 4A-rated attractions, while Fenglin Buyi and Yuhuangding are recognized 3A-rated sites.

Wanfenglin and Southern Xingyi

Wanfenglin Scenic Area

Wanfenglin Scenic Area (万峰林景区) is Xingyi’s defining attraction and the principal scenic component of the UNESCO Global Geopark. The limestone peaks spread across a broad basin containing farmland, rivers and Bouyei villages. UNESCO describes the site as containing more than 20,000 karst peaks, while the official scenic-area description emphasizes its variety of isolated peaks, valley peak forests, cone peaks and blade-shaped formations.

The standard sightseeing area includes elevated viewpoints over the peak forest and cultivated valley. Travellers can also descend into the villages to walk or cycle beside the Nahui River.

Main Sights Inside Wanfenglin

The official scenic area introduced timed, real-name admission reservations in 2026. Some walking paths, transport services and activity areas can also close temporarily for maintenance, events or weather, so visitors should check the latest announcement before arrival.

Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area

Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area (峰林布依景区) is a cultural tourism complex near the urban area. Its main appeal lies in Bouyei-style architecture, water features, handicrafts, food, folk performances and illuminated night scenery.

It should be understood as a planned cultural attraction rather than an untouched ancient village. It is particularly suitable for travellers who want an accessible evening introduction to Bouyei music, costume, dance and food.

Liu’s Family Estate

Liu’s Family Estate (刘氏庄园) is a large residential and defensive complex associated with the Liu family, which was influential in Guizhou during the late Qing and early Republican periods. Its courtyards, walls, halls and exhibitions provide an architectural and historical contrast to Xingyi’s natural attractions.

Sunshine Valley Tourism Resort

Sunshine Valley Tourism Resort (阳光谷旅游度假区) combines landscaped gardens, seasonal flowers, family entertainment, accommodation and event spaces. It is frequently used for concerts, sports events, fireworks programmes and holiday activities.

Malinghe River Canyon and Northeastern Xingyi

Malinghe River Canyon

Malinghe River Canyon (马岭河峡谷) is a deeply incised karst canyon close to Xingyi’s urban area. Its river, cliffs, caves, vegetation and calcified waterfall deposits create one of the city’s most dramatic natural landscapes.

During periods of heavy rainfall, more than 100 waterfalls may appear along the canyon walls. Water volume and waterfall visibility vary considerably by season, with the most powerful scenery generally occurring during the wetter months.

The walking route includes steep stairs and damp sections. Visitors should wear shoes with reliable grip and allow more time after heavy rain.

Xingyi World Geopark Museum

Xingyi World Geopark Museum (兴义世界地质公园博物馆), also associated with the former Guizhou Dragon Fossil Museum (贵州龙化石博物馆) identity, introduces the geological evolution of the region.

Its most important exhibits relate to Triassic marine reptiles and other fossils discovered around Xingyi. The museum is particularly suitable for families, students and visitors who want to understand the landscapes before exploring Wanfenglin, Malinghe Canyon or Nidang Stone Forest.

Wanfeng Lake and the Nanpan River Area

Wanfeng Lake

Wanfeng Lake (万峰湖) was created by damming the Nanpan River and extends through a large karst mountain region linking Guizhou, Yunnan and Guangxi. Its branching bays, islands and steep green peaks make it suitable for cruises, photography, lakeside drives and recreational fishing.

Visitors should choose their boarding point carefully because different wharves offer different cruise routes. Lake conditions and boat operations can be affected by wind, water level and seasonal management.

Yuhuangding Scenic Area

Yuhuangding Scenic Area (玉皇顶景区) is an elevated viewpoint above the Wanfeng Lake landscape. It is especially valued for sunrise, sunset, cloud and lake photography.

The approach involves winding mountain roads, so travellers should allow sufficient daylight and avoid driving in dense fog or heavy rain. It is officially listed as a national 3A-rated attraction.

Nalong Buyi Ancient Village

Nalong Buyi Ancient Village (南龙布依古寨) is a historic settlement near the Wanfeng Lake area. The village is known for wooden houses, stone-paved paths, old banyan trees and the cultural memory of the local Bouyei community.

Tourism services are relatively limited, making Nalong more suitable for cultural travellers and photographers than visitors expecting a large commercial scenic area.

Jilongbao Lakeside Landmark

Jilongbao (吉隆堡) is a European-style lakeside castle and resort structure that has become a popular photography landmark. It is not comparable in cultural importance to Wanfenglin or Nalong Village, and access may depend on the operation of the associated private resort.

Nidang and Rural Southern Xingyi

Nidang Stone Forest

Nidang Stone Forest (泥凼石林) occupies an area of limestone pillars, peaks and maze-like formations in Nidang Town. It forms part of the broader Xingyi geological-heritage system and is much quieter than Wanfenglin or Malinghe Canyon. The principal stone-forest zone covers approximately five square kilometres.

Road and visitor facilities are comparatively basic, so private transport is normally more practical.

He Yingqin’s Former Residence

He Yingqin’s Former Residence (何应钦故居) comprises historic residential buildings in Nidang Town associated with He Yingqin, a senior military and political figure of the Nationalist era.

The buildings contain carved stone and timber details and are valued for their architectural and modern historical significance. Two main residential sites are associated with the family in Nidang and Fengbowan.

Yubulu Sinkhole Village

Yubulu Sinkhole Village (雨补鲁天坑村) is a rural settlement situated within a large enclosed karst depression. Stone houses, farmland and steep surrounding slopes create an unusual human-and-landscape relationship.

It remains a relatively small and lightly developed destination. Claims describing it as the world’s only inhabited sinkhole are difficult to substantiate, so it is better presented as one of Xingyi’s distinctive inhabited karst depressions rather than as a confirmed world record.

Urban Parks and Leisure Attractions

Guizhou Chun Scenic Area

Guizhou Chun Scenic Area (贵州醇景区) is a national 4A-rated leisure destination south of central Xingyi. It combines landscaped gardens, flower areas, forest paths, family entertainment and resort facilities and is commonly described locally as the city’s “back garden.”

It is suitable for families and leisure travellers but is less essential for visitors whose priority is Xingyi’s natural karst scenery.

Chuanyundong Park

Chuanyundong Park (穿云洞公园) is an urban recreation area suitable for short walks and observing daily local life. It can be visited when staying in the city centre but does not require the same amount of time as the major geological attractions.

Xingyi Orchid Industry Expo Park

Xingyi Paphiopedilum Industry Expo Park (兴义兜兰产业博览园) focuses on orchid cultivation, horticultural displays and related educational experiences. It is a specialist attraction most suitable for botanical groups, families and agricultural study tours.

Yuntun Forest Wellness Resort

Yuntun Forest Wellness Tourism Resort (云屯森林康养旅游度假区) lies in the broader Xingyi–Yilong visitor area. It offers forest recreation, riding, archery, outdoor exercise, accommodation and family activities. It is a national 4A-rated attraction, although it is outside the principal central-city sightseeing zone.

Major Xingyi Attractions List

How to Prioritize the Attractions

For a first visit, Wanfenglin, Malinghe River Canyon and Wanfeng Lake form the essential natural trio. Add the World Geopark Museum to understand the area’s geology and fossils, and visit Fenglin Buyi for an accessible evening cultural experience.

Travellers interested in quieter rural heritage can continue to Nalong Village, Nidang Stone Forest, He Yingqin’s Former Residence and Yubulu. Families and leisure visitors may prefer Guizhou Chun, Sunshine Valley and Yuntun.

Because Wanfeng Lake, Nalong, Nidang and Yubulu are spread across different rural areas, they should not all be compressed into a single day. Wanfenglin and Malinghe Canyon are much easier to combine with central Xingyi accommodation.