Written by Veronica |
SituatedĀ in Libo County, Guizhou, Xiaoqikong (Seven Small Arches Scenic Area)Ā is a National Park included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is aĀ bridge with seven arches spanning the Xiangshui River, henceĀ the name. This scenic area will feast your eyes with stunning sights, such as the world-class karst landform, azure green lakes, magnificent tiered waterfalls and aquatic forests.
To help you plan a smooth and enjoyable tripĀ during the Guizhou tours, this article will share the recommended routes, transportation, top highlights and travel tips with you.
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Facts of Xiaoqikong (Seven Small Arches Scenic Area)
- Location: Southern partĀ of Libo County, Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province
- Opening time: 8:00ā16:00
- Ticket price: Entrance ticket:Ā Mar. – Nov.:Ā CNY 120; Dec. – Feb.: CNY 100 (valid for 7 days); Sightseeing Bus:Ā CNY 40 all year round (valid for 2 days); Tips: International travelers who book a ticket with a passport need to collect a paper ticket at the ticket office.
- Time needed:4 – 6 hours
- Best time to visit: April to October
- Highlights: Karst landscapes, clear lakes, magnificent waterfalls
- Suited to: Nature lovers, photographers, and anyone interested in rafting
Why Visit Xiaoqikong?
- World-Class Karst Landform: Xiaoqikong Scenic Area boasts the most typical and best-preserved karst forests and waterscapes, and it has been an important part of the World Natural Heritage South China Karst.
- Abundant Natural Landscapes: In this one scenic area, you will encounter ancient bridges, blue waters, cascading waterfalls, karst caves and dense primitive forests.
- An Ideal Summer Retreat: In summer, the average temperature there is only 18 – 28ā and the whole scenic area is shaded by the lush forests and enriched with abundant waterscapes.
Highlights of Xiaoqikong – Top Things to Do and Attractions
The Seven-arch Ancient Bridge – A landmark of Xiaoqiking Scenic Area
Built in 1835Ā during the Qing Dynasty, this seven-arch stone arch bridge was an important route for merchants traveling between Guizhou and Guangxi. The bridge is adorned with vines, and the water in the lower part of the bridge is a deep blue. On both sides, ancient trees tower above. It is regarded as the finishing touch of a āsuper bonsaiā.
Insiderās tip:Ā Take photos in the early morning or in the late afternoon when the light is soft.
Marvel at the Waterfalls
The waterfall clusters in Xiaoqikong present various breathtaking waterscapes. Some are as beautiful as pearl curtains and some are as magnificent as suspended rivers.
Laya Waterfall: ItĀ pours down the cliff wall and has a drop of 30 meters. The water mist spreads everywhere, creating a fairyland-like scene. At the bottom of the waterfall, you can walk through it and feel the coolness of the water hitting the rocks.
68Ā Tier Cascading Waterfall: In a short river course, 68 tiers of waterfall clusters are formed because of the karst landform. TheĀ water cascadesĀ layer upon layer like a silver chain, each with a unique shape. To view the magnificent scene, it is recommended to hike from east to west.
Cui Gu Valley Waterfall: ThisĀ waterfall hangs high between the greenish mountains, with water flowing like a white ribbon into the pool.
Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Lakes
Yuanyang Lake and Wolong Pond are the two main spots for a boat ride in Xiaoqikong Scenic Area. They offer a completely different experience.
Yuan Yang Lake:Ā a blind valley lake composed of two lakes above and below.Ā There are numerous islands and roots of ancient trees in the lake. When taking the boat, you will feel like exploring a natural water maze.
Wulong Pond:Ā The most beautiful lake. The water of the pond takes on a fantastical blue-green color, and is hailed as āthe small Jiuzhai Valley of Guizhouā. The Baishang Waterfall hangs like a silver curtain, making it suitable for shooting mirror-like reflections.Ā Just enjoy a relaxing boat tour to immerse in the charming scenery.
Tips:Ā Price forĀ a kayak: CNY 30, Price for a transparent boat: CNY 50Ā (better for photography)
Wade through the AquaticĀ Forest
The Aquatic Forest is between 68Ā Tier Cascading Waterfall and Cui Gu Valley Waterfall. For thousands of years, the roots of trees have deeply penetrated into the crevices of the rocks in the riverbed. So, you actually walk on the natural steps formed by intertwined tree roots. The water depth is usually only up to the ankles or calves. Just free yourself to play with water and try to discover the smallĀ fish and shrimps.
Experience the Cultural Charm of Buyei Ethnic Group
The Mengliu Buyei Ethnic TownĀ outside the East Gate is a modern ethnic charm town with complete tourist facilities. For tourists who are short of time, this is an ideal choice. Designed in the style of the Buyei ethnic group,Ā the architecture features white walls and brick tiles with decorations of ethnic murals and copper drum patterns.
There are characteristic dance performances of Buyei, Yao and Miao ethnic groups and bonfire parties. You can also taste the local dishes here. Five-color glutinous rice, sour soup fish and Libo sour meat are all must-try. Whatās more, there are stores selling ethnic handicrafts, such as Buyei silver jewelry, batik garment, etc.
If you want to visit an authentic Buyei village, Yaogu VillageĀ and Shuipu VillageĀ are both about 40 minutesāĀ driving away from Libo Seven Small Arches Scenic area. The villages offer stunning views, folk activities and handicraft making.
How to VisitĀ Xiaoqikong Scenic Area?
Seven Small Arches Scenic AreaĀ stretches about 7 km andĀ the attractions are relatively scattered, so it is a must for every traveler to take a sightseeing bus. It has stops at all major scenic spots. You can hop on and off at any spots you like for a hiking exploration.
The scenic area has two entrances: East Gate and West Gate. The travel route from each entrance is listed below. You can choose according to your strength and preferences.
Route 1: West Gate Enter – East Gate Exit: Most effortless
Detailed Sightseeing Route:Ā West Gate – Wolong Pond – Yuanyang Lake – Cuigu Valley Waterfall – Forest on Stones – 68Ā Tier Cascading WaterfallĀ – Laya Waterfall – Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge – East Gate
This route starts from the West Gate at a higher altitude and goes downhill all the way to the East Gate. So, it is energy-saving and suitable for most travelers, especially for families. After exiting from the East Gate, you can have a seamless tour to Daqikong Scenic Area.
Route 2: East Gate Enter – West Gate Exit: Scenic Route
The sightseeing route is just in the reverse order of above route. So the journey is uphill all the way and requires a certain strength. But you can enjoy the best view of Laya Waterfall and 68Ā Tier Cascading Waterfall. The stunning scene of layered waterfalls will offer you a visual feast. Photographers are recommended to choose this route.
Insider Tips:
Most travelers enter from East Gate, as it is closer to Libo Railway Station and is accessible by tourist direct bus. If you enter from this gate but do not want to hike along the upward road, a useful advice is to take the sightseeing bus to West Gate directly after visiting the ancient bridge, then follow the route 1 for sightseeing. Please note that the direct sightseeing bus to West Gate operates before 10:30.
How to Plan a Trip to Seven Small Arches?
Usually, one day is enough for a trip to Xiaoqikong. If you want to enrich the travel experience, a classic choice is to combine it with the nearby Daqikong Scenic Area and Yaoshan Ancient Village. Then, about 2 days are needed.
If you plan to experience the complete charm of the Guizhou province at one go, set aside about 1 week and extend the trip to other iconic attractions. A sample itinerary is as follows.
Day 1: Guiyang Arrival – Jiaxiu Tower – Qingyan Ancient Town
Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall
Day 3: Langde Miao Village
Day 4: Qianhu Miao Village
Day 5: Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Day 6: Daqikong Scenic Area
Day 7: Departure
Essential Tips for Visiting Seven Small Arches Scenic Area
Best Time to visit Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Seven Small Arches presents charming views over the year, and the best time to visit there is from April to October. During this time, the climate is pleasant for you to see stunning scenery and participate in outdoor activities like hiking and rafting.
Getting to XiaoqikongĀ Scenic Area
From Guiyang: GuiyangĀ is the major gateway for a tour to Xiaoqingkong. From the city, you can take a high-speed trainĀ from Guiyang Railway StationĀ or North Railway StationĀ to Libo Railway Station.Ā Afterward, take an express bus to the east gate of Seven Small ArchesĀ Scenic Area.Ā This is the most recommended way.
Another choice is to take aĀ direct busĀ at Yanāan West Road Bus Station, Guiyang Railway Station or Huaguoyuan Metro Station exit B. It departs at 06:00 and 07:00 in the morning. You need to book the ticket one day in advance.
From Libo:Ā If you are in Libo, itās convenient for you toĀ visitĀ the Xiaoqikong Scenic AreaĀ by bus.Ā Board Bus No.11 and it will take you to the area. It costs CNY 5 and takes about 20 minutes.
Where to Stay in Xiaoqikong – Accommodations
Based on the distance from the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area,Ā there are the hotels within the scenic area, those near the scenic area, and those further away. The hotels near the scenic area mainly include the East Gate and West Gate of Xiaoqikong. The hotels outside the scenic area include those near the high-speed railway station (Chaoyang Town) and LiboĀ County.
- The hotels within the scenic area can be reached by walking to the core attractions.
- The East Gate hotels ofĀ Seven Small Arches Scenic AreaĀ areĀ the second closest and areĀ mostly located on the hillside. Be sure to choose a hotel or inn facing north (i.e., uphill direction). Otherwise, after checking out and carrying luggage towards the main road for a ride, it will be a strenuous uphill journey.
- The West Gate accommodationsĀ of Seven Small Arches Scenic AreaĀ haveĀ a higher terrain on the west and lower on the east, and are best for starting the trip from theĀ west gate.
- The accommodations near the high-speed railway stationĀ are suitable for tourists who need to arrive by early morning high-speed rail or leave by late-night high-speed rail.
- Libo CountyĀ is the farthest from the scenic area. It is about 36 kilometers by taxi and takes about 40 This is the biggest disadvantage. However, there are more hotel choices and, usually, they are more affordable than those near the scenic area. Moreover, it is close to various food streets and restaurants.
Photography Tips:
Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge:Ā To get a panoramic view, the platform in the middle of the river opposite the ancient bridge is the best shooting position. If you want to avoid crowds, stand on one side of the bridge to capture the photos. 08:30 – 10:30 in the morning is the golden time for photography.
Wolong Pond:Ā On the viewing platform by the pool, you can take photos of reflections of trees on the mirror-like blue lake water.
Laya Waterfall: The recommended position to take in the magnificent momentum of the waterfall is the platform on the side of the waterfall or beneath the waterfall.
Attractions nearby XiaoqikongĀ Scenic Area
Near Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, there are many tourist attractions. Below are some of the top sites to visitĀ on your trip to Libo.
- Libo Daqikong Scenic Area: This tourist attraction features a magnificent karst bridge with seven natural arches, spectacular waterfalls, dense forests, and ethnic villages.
- Libo Maolan National Nature Reserve: Located 30 kilometers from Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, Maolan National Nature Reserve is a rare karst forest. It greets tourists with diverse plant and animal species. You can see orchids, ferns, monkeys, and birds in this area.
- Libo Yaoshan Ancient Village: This ethnic village is located about 10 km from Xiaoqikong. Yao people there wear folk costumes and speakĀ theĀ Yao language. Besides, you can explore the well-preserved ancient architecture in the village to catch a glimpse of its history.
See many other popular attractions in Guizhou.
Explore Xiaoqikong with China Xian Tour
Xiaoqikong features its crystal clear blue water and karst landform. For tourists who prefer an in-depth experience, joining a tour group is a good choice. The guide will introduce the formation and legends of these natural wonders during the trip. If you are interested in the Buyei culture, the guide can also arrange a visit to the Buyei Village and include handicraft experiences, such as batik.
China Xian TourĀ is glad to help you. Our travel consultants are experienced in tailoring trips based on touristsāĀ needs and our pricing is 100% transparent with no hidden costs. Traveling with us, you can enjoy a worry-free and in-depth tour. Just contact us now.
