1. Geological wonders and ecological secrets
1.1 Karst Water Gallery
As a typical karst valley in the eastern part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the Wuyang River was formed in the Triassic period 250 million years ago. The average width of the river is 80 meters, and the narrowest part is only 15 meters wide. The vertical cliffs on both sides are more than 200 meters high. Hydrological monitoring shows that the transparency of the river water remains above 3 meters all year round, and it presents a unique green color due to its rich calcium carbonate.
1.2 Biodiversity Treasure House
1426 species of vascular plants of 623 genera and 187 families have been identified in the scenic area, of which the Davidia involucrata community, a national first-class protected plant, covers an area of 23 hectares. The animal resource survey recorded 47 rare bird species such as the Chinese merganser, and the newly discovered population of Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys in 2024 has attracted the attention of the academic community. It is recommended that ecological enthusiasts choose to go there in April and May to observe the grand migration of many migratory birds.
2. Living heritage of millennium cultural heritage
2.1 Corridor of multi-ethnic intersection
Historically, as an important node of the "Miaojiang Corridor", there are 7 ancient docks and 4 merchant guild halls from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Miao-Han bilingual market held in Jiuzhou Ancient Town every Wednesday and Saturday still retains the traditional trading method of barter.
2.2 Experience of intangible cultural heritage skills
Recommend participating in three in-depth cultural projects:
Zhenyuan Dong Nationality Song Training Center (10:00/15:00 performances every day)
Shidong Miao Nationality Silver Jewelry Forging Workshop (experience price 150 yuan/person)
Dragon Boat Making Intangible Cultural Heritage Base (reservation required 3 days in advance)
3. Evaluation of tourism service system
3.1 Transportation connection network
High-speed rail Zhenyuan Station to the South Gate of the scenic area special line bus (25 minutes/trip, fare 8 yuan), but the public transportation of the North Gate is yet to be improved. Self-driving tourists note: There are 12 sharp bends on the ring road around the lake and need to drive carefully.
3.2 Guide to accommodation and meals
Special dining recommendations:
River fresh hot pot (60 yuan per person, using horn fish caught on the day)
Miao cured meat platter (38 yuan per serving, best served with glutinous rice wine)
Boutique accommodation options:
① Shui Mo Ju Boathouse Hotel (average price 680 yuan per night, including breakfast and dinner)
② Qinglongdong Zen Inn (provides Miao medicinal bath service)