Libo - Hechi - Yizhou

Libo in Southeast Guizhou has started to attract tourists for its beautiful Xiaoqikong (and to a lesser extent Daqikong). The Northwest Guangxi area, noticeably Longjiang Three Gorges in Hechi and Xiajian River in Yizhou are not massively visited by tourists but I've heard they are beautiful as well. Being in Nanning, I decided to check out all the above in a well designed short trip.

Apr. 22, 2011
Xiaoqikong & Daqikong

Having arrived in Mawei by train the previous night, I took the Mawei – Libo bus in early morning that passes the west gate of Xiaoqikong (110 yuan). There is another 40 yuan for transportation inside the area. The first stop is Wolong Lake with a wonderful waterfall, very scenic and good for photos. This is followed by the Mandarin Duck Lake at the second stop. This lake is best checked out by boat (15 yuan per person, self service). There are two trees called Mandarin Duck Trees in the lake, among other jungles.

Another interesting spot is the so-called Forest on the Water - some good hiking there. After Forest on the Water, there are some waterfalls to see. And the last spot is the famous Xiaoqikong Bridge. Its beauty is difficult to describe by words.

Xiaoqikong Bridge is close to the east gate of the Xiaoqikong area. Outside the gate, minibuses take you to Daqikong for 3 yuan. If you would like to see Daqikong Bridge (not as famous/beautiful as Qiaoqikong Bridge), you need to get off at Wangmeng and walk some 20 minutes to the ticket office at Daqikong (55 yuan).

Daqikong is not as scenic as Xiaoqikong. Most tourists walk to Tiansheng Bridge and back. There are also boats from the ticket office to a pier near Tiansheng Bridge (10 yuan one way).

Many buses and minibuses pass the gate of Daqikong so it's not a problem to get transportation to Libo (8 yuan).

Xiaoqikong Bridge

Apr. 23, 2011
Longjiang Three Gorges

There are a couple of direct buses from Libo to Jinchengjiang in Hechi City (4 hours, 40 yuan). I took the 7:30 am one. In Jinchengjiang, city bus No. 18 goes to Liujia town near Longjiang Three Gorges (also called Hechi Small Three Gorges). There are a few kilometers from Liujia to the Gorges and there is no public transportation. To hire a car costs 40 yuan to the pier or 30 yuan to the ticket office. Like many tourist sites in China, there are two tickets there, one for the entrance for 10 yuan, and another one for the 2 hour round-trip boat for 80 yuan (cheaper if you join a tour).

Although the tickets are a little bit expensive, I have to see that Longjiang Three Gorges are gorgeous. Since there are not many tourists, it feels even better. Too bad the Hechi authorities haven't promoted the place too successfully.

Back to Jinchengjiang by taxi from Liujia (20 yuan), It's already past 6 pm. But it's not too late to catch an express bus for the one hour trip to Yizhou (22 yuan).

Apr. 24, 2011
Xiajian River

From the city bus terminal in central Yizhou, bus No. 1 goes to Xiaolong that passes Xiajian River. At Xiaolong (not the terminus), there is a suspension bridge. The scene from the bridge is nice and boat can be hired for 15 yuan per person (self service) to check out the surrounding areas.

Back to Xiajian River, big boats can be hired for around 180 yuan (more if more than 6 people) under Xiajian Bridge. The boat goes along Xiajian River, visits the native place of Liu Sanjie (not so exciting) and comes back. Prepare 2-3 hours for the whole trip. It's a relaxing journey although the river is not as dramatic as Longjiang Three Gorges.

Xiajian River

Overview

Libo and Northwest Guangxi are definitively worth visiting, especially Xiaoqikong and Longjiang Three Gorges. Although prices have gone up, there are still not many tourists so it's not bad to go now.