Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County

Zhenning Buyi and Miao Autonomous County is located in the southwest of Anshun City, Guizhou Province, in the south-central part of the Guizhou Plateau. It borders Xixiu District and Ziyun Miao and Buyi Autonomous County to the east, Guanling Buyi and Miao Autonomous County to the west, Zhenfeng County of Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture to the south, and Liuzhi Special District of Liupanshui City to the north. The county covers an area of approximately 1,709 square kilometers and has a population of about 380,000, with ethnic minorities such as Buyi and Miao accounting for about 60%. Zhenning has a long history: it was part of the Yelang Kingdom in the Qin Dynasty, Zangke Commandery in the Han Dynasty, Yanzhou in the Tang Dynasty, and Zhenning Prefecture established in the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. It became a county in 1913 and an autonomous county in 1963. The county is home to the world-famous Huangguoshu Waterfall (main fall 77.8m high, 101m wide) and Tianxingqiao Scenic Area, making it the core area of western Guizhou tourism. Rich in ethnic customs, with intangible cultural heritages such as Buyi batik and Miao embroidery, it is known as 'China's Waterfall Township' and 'Treasure House of Buyi and Miao Culture'.

I. Core Scenic Spots

1. Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area: Located about 12 km southwest of the county seat, it is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The main waterfall is 77.8m high and 101m wide, the largest waterfall in Asia. Opening hours: 7:30-18:00. Tickets: peak season (March 1 - November 30) 160 yuan, off-season (December 1 - end of February) 150 yuan. Includes three core spots: Doupotang Waterfall, Tianxingqiao, and the Great Waterfall. Recommended visit time: 5-6 hours.

2. Tianxingqiao Scenic Area: Located 6 km downstream of Huangguoshu Scenic Area, known for water stone forest, Tianxing Cave, and Silver Chain Waterfall. Visitors can take a scenic bus (50 yuan/person) or walk. The tour takes about 3 hours.

3. Yelang Cave Scenic Area: Located 14 km northwest of the county seat, a karst landscape area integrating caves, canyons, and waterfalls. Ticket: 85 yuan. Opening hours: 8:00-17:30. Boat rides available in the underground river.

4. Hongqi Lake Scenic Area: Located 3 km north of the county seat, a man-made reservoir with pleasant lake and mountain views. Free admission, suitable for leisure hiking and photography.

5. Stone Village: Located 15 km southwest of the county seat, a typical Buyi village featuring stone houses, stone walls, and stone-paved roads. Visitors can experience Buyi batik making (about 30 yuan/person). Free admission.

II. Ethnic Culture Experiences

1. Buyi June Sixth Festival: Held on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month at Huangguoshu Scenic Area or the county square, featuring antiphonal singing, flower ball throwing, and sacrificial activities.

2. Miao April Eighth Festival: On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, Miao people gather in costumes for Lusheng dance and bullfighting performances.

3. Zhenning Batik: Available for purchase or learning at the County Ethnic Craft Street, where artisans make on-site. Finished products range from 50 to 500 yuan.

III. Local Cuisine

1. Zhenning Fried Cake: Made from glutinous rice and soybean paste, deep-fried until crispy outside and soft inside. Street snack shops sell for 2 yuan each.

2. Buyi Dog Meat Hotpot: Local dog meat stewed with Sichuan pepper, ginger, and garlic. Recommended restaurant: 'Buyi Dog Meat Restaurant' on Renmin Road, about 50 yuan per person.

3. Lima Ice Crisp Plum: Produced in Lima Town, Zhenning, available in July. Crisp and sweet. Available at fruit markets for 10 yuan per jin (0.5 kg).

4. Bobo Candy: Made from glutinous rice and maltose, crispy and sweet. Sold at souvenir shops around Huangguoshu Scenic Area for 20 yuan per bag.

IV. Transportation

1. External Transport: Anshun West High-Speed Rail Station has direct tourist buses to Huangguoshu Scenic Area (22 yuan, 40 minutes). From Guiyang Longdongbao Airport, take a bus to Anshun (100 yuan), then transfer to Zhenning.

2. Internal Transport: City buses cost 1 yuan per ride; taxis start at 5 yuan. Minibuses to Huangguoshu Scenic Area cost 5 yuan per person. It is recommended to charter a car for sightseeing, costing about 200-300 yuan per day.

V. Accommodation

Near Huangguoshu Scenic Area: 'Huangguoshu Hotel' (4-star, standard room 500 yuan/night), 'Waterfall Township Hotel' (3-star, standard room 300 yuan/night). In the county seat: 'Zhenning Hotel' (standard room 200 yuan/night).

VI. Shopping

Recommended purchases: Zhenning batik cloth, Bobo candy, Lima Ice Crisp Plum dried fruit, Miao silver jewelry. The 'Ethnic Craft Market' on North Street is a concentrated shopping area.