Xingren in August | A 22°C Plateau Paradise! Thousands of acres of grassland + Miao village fireworks + Job's tears fields
Known as the hometown of Job's tears and a land of longevity in China, this natural haven boasts an average summer temperature of 22℃!
It offers a unique experience encompassing 21,000 acres of highland grassland, pristine Miao villages, secluded stream trekking trails, a rural wellness town, an urban ecological wetland park, and lesser-known karst caves!
Half of it is vast, windswept mountains and grasslands, the other half is bustling, traditional minority villages. Extremely low commercialization, few tourists, affordable prices, and a relaxed pace.
You can enjoy horseback riding on the grasslands, grass skiing, camping, and playing in the streams, as well as experiencing intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, studying agricultural culture, and exploring authentic local flavors.
Suitable for family trips, summer getaways, girls' photo shoots, and family wellness retreats.
August's reverse travel in Guizhou – Xingren is definitely worth adding to your list! ✨
📍Six Must-Visit Spots in Xingren | Local Hidden Gems
1. Fangmaping Alpine Grassland | A Pasture Beyond the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau 🌿
Xingren's number one attraction! A national 4A-level scenic area with 21,000 acres of contiguous natural grassland. No need to travel all the way to Inner Mongolia; you can encounter the healing scene of windswept grasslands and leisurely grazing cattle and sheep right here in Guizhou!
At an altitude of over 1600 meters, the area enjoys a cool and comfortable summer, and in August, the vast fields of verbena flowers create a romantic and picturesque scene.
Key attractions include the 1314-meter heart-shaped wooden boardwalk, Ximatang Mirror Lake, and the ancient camp ruins of Manaitun.
Immersive travel experience ✅
✅ Horseback riding across the grassland, feeling the freedom of the high-altitude wilderness
✅ Colorful grass skiing and high-altitude glass rafting, endless fun for adults and children
✅ Watching the sunset over the grassland in the evening, the atmosphere of the evening glow is simply breathtaking
✅ Bring your own equipment for camping, and gaze at the starry sky at night.
The grassland offers expansive views and a high success rate for taking photos; stunning wilderness shots are readily available!
Supporting attractions: Panoramic views of the vast grassland, purple flower fields, mirror-like lake reflections, grassland sunset, and wilderness portraits
2. Liyuba Miao Ethnic Village | Pristine Miao and Water Village 🏮
Free, hidden gem village! Nestled against the mountains and beside the lake, the ancient Miao village features stilted houses scattered along its shores. Untouched by mass commercialization, it retains the authentic Miao way of life. Clear lake water surrounds the village, creating a picturesque scene of rice paddies, ancient trees, and small bridges. Visitors can experience Miao welcoming wine ceremonies, Lusheng (a traditional reed pipe instrument) dances, traditional batik dyeing, and hand-pounding glutinous rice cakes. During festivals, lively Miao bonfire parties offer an immersive experience of ethnic minority customs. The tranquil lake is perfect for leisurely walks, relaxing, and taking photos in a traditional style.
Recommended photo spots: panoramic views of the stilted houses along the lake, portraits in Miao costumes, rice paddy waterscapes, and the village's vibrant street scenes.
3. Majin River Scenic Area | A Cool Valley in the City's Backyard 💦
A local's secret summer retreat! With an exceptionally high forest coverage and an average annual temperature of around 15℃, the valley boasts crystal-clear streams that flow through its entire length, offering ample shade from the scorching sun. The gentle, safe shallows are perfect for families to wade, catch small fish, and explore the mountain streams. Surrounding the valley are idyllic villages and family farms where you can experience farm activities like fruit picking and barbecues. Away from the hustle and bustle, this tranquil retreat is the ideal choice for a short getaway, allowing you to easily enjoy summer water activities!
Featured attractions: Mountain streams, shallow water activities, verdant valleys, and idyllic village scenery.
4. Yipin Pastoral Town | China's Coix Seed Agricultural Research and Study Base 🌾
The only Coix Seed-themed pastoral scenic area in China! Xingren Landmark Cultural Tourism Hub
Integrating rural sightseeing, agricultural science education, hot spring health and wellness, and gourmet experiences
Visit the Job's Tears Museum to learn about the thousand-year history of Job's Tears cultivation and agricultural knowledge.
Experience farming in the fields and enjoy the vast rural scenery.
Delight in local Job's Tears delicacies and hot springs, combining health and relaxation.
Perfect for family-friendly nature study tours and relaxation!
Supporting attractions: 10,000-mu Job's Tears field, museum for cultural photography, rural trails, and health and wellness scenery
5. Donghu Wetland Park | Urban Healing Ecological Lake View 💙
Free and open urban green lung! Xingren City's Best Leisure Spots:
A 3km ecological trail has been built around the lake, offering expansive views and lush greenery.
Egrets frequently skim the water's surface, and the evening sunset paints the lake with soft lights.
Perfect for cycling around the lake, picnicking on the lawn, strolling after a meal, and relaxing with children.
The lakeside market is bustling with activity in the evenings, offering a glimpse into the leisurely daily life of the locals and allowing you to savor the slow pace of city life.
Suggested attractions: Panoramic lake views, lakeside trail, sunset glow, and urban wetland scenery.
6. Daxiaodong Cave Complex | A Wild Karst Wonderland 🕳️
A less-traveled, pristine karst cave (free of charge), hidden in the mountains.
Giant cave halls, stalactites of various shapes, underground rivers, and waterfalls. Abundant water flow in summer, making the cave cool and moist, creating a truly mysterious atmosphere.
⚠️Tips: This is an undeveloped wild cave; please go in groups and bring flashlights and non-slip shoes.
Geology enthusiasts and those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path exploration shouldn't miss it!
Includes must-see attractions: karst caves with stalactites, underground waterfalls, and hidden cave light and shadow wonders
🗓️3 Days 2 Nights Relaxing Itinerary | No rushing, pure summer retreat and healing
🚗Transportation
· By car: 40 minutes from Xingyi, 3.5 hours from Guiyang. Good road conditions throughout the area, parking available at scenic spots.
· Public transportation: High-speed rail to Xingyi South Station, taxis and rural buses available to various scenic spots.
🏨Accommodation Recommendations
1. Xingren City Hotel: Conveniently located with restaurants and night markets, great value for money.
2. Yipin Pastoral Homestay: Surrounded by farmland, quiet and relaxing, with hot springs.
3. Liyuba Lakeside Homestay: Stay in a Miao village water town, wake up to lake and farmland views.
Day 1 Wild Grassland | Full-Day Stroll of Fangmaping + Town Night View
Morning: Arrive in Xingren, rest, and depart for Fangmaping Alpine Grassland
Walk across the vast grassland, visit the heart-shaped boardwalk and Ximatang Lake, and enjoy the expansive plateau scenery.
Noon: Enjoy a pastoral stay near the grassland, savoring braised mutton and buckwheat cakes.
Afternoon: Experience grass skiing and horseback riding, wander through a sea of purple verbena flowers, and wait for a stunning grassland sunset.
Evening: Return to the city, explore the night market, and sample local delicacies.
Day 2 Miao Village Valley | Liyuba Miao Village + Majin River Stream Trekking and Water Play
Morning: In-depth tour of Liyuba Miao Ancient Village
Stroll along the lakeside stilted houses, experience Miao customs, and rent costumes for ethnic photoshoots.
Noon: Enjoy a Miao village farm stay, savoring authentic Miao sour soup.
Afternoon: Escape the heat in the Majin River Valley, hiking through the forest and wading in the shallows, refreshing your lungs.
Evening: Check into your hotel in the city for relaxation.
Day 3 Rural Study Tour | Yipin Farmhouse + Donghu Wetland - Relaxing Return Trip
Morning: Explore Yipin Farmhouse Town
Visit the Yipin Museum, enjoy farm sightseeing, and experience agricultural science.
Lunch: Savor a special Yipin health-preserving feast.
Afternoon: Take a walk around Donghu Wetland Park and enjoy the beautiful lake scenery.
Relax easily and return home.
🍜Local Secrets | Xingren Must-Try Food List
Signature Dishes
✅ Xingren Halal Beef Noodles: A signature dish of the city! Rich beef bone broth paired with tender yellow beef – a must-try for breakfast!
✅ Job's Tears Hot Pot: A unique specialty of Xingren, fragrant and mild, nourishing and refreshing.
✅ Miao-style Sour Fish Soup: Authentic ethnic flavor, sour and spicy, appetizing, full of wild mountain flavor.
Local Specialty Snacks
Xingren Red Bean Paste Cake, Box Cake, Chicken Dung Vine Cake, Cold Rice Noodles, Job's Tears Iced Jelly – Soft, chewy, and fragrant, affordable and authentic, found everywhere in the streets and alleys!
Recommended Souvenirs
Handmade Red Bean Paste Cakes, Xingren Job's Tears, Job's Tears Pastries, Miao Batik Handmade Crafts
💡August Travel Tips (with a Comprehensive Guide)
1. Significant temperature difference between day and night in high-altitude areas; cooler mornings and evenings, remember to bring a light jacket.
2. Wear non-slip sports shoes when playing in the Majin River and karst caves, and be prepared for mosquitoes.
3. Strong ultraviolet radiation in Fangmaping Grassland; protect yourself from the sun when outdoors.
4. Liyuba, Donghu, Majin River, and Daxiaodong are all free to visit. Excellent value for money!
5. Daxiaodong Cave is a wild karst cave; do not go alone and pay attention to travel safety.
6. The entire area boasts a simple and honest folk culture, transparent pricing, and a 3-day, 2-night trip costs approximately 400+ RMB per person, making it suitable for all ages.
✨Heartfelt Conclusion
A healing highland summer in August, hidden in Xingren, Guizhou🍃
22℃ mountain breezes, boundless highland grasslands, tranquil and gentle Miao villages and water towns, cool and healing mountain valleys, and charming small towns and pastoral landscapes!
No need to chase the crowds, no need to rush. Here, chase the wind in the wilderness, cool off in the streams, explore folk customs, and savor delicious food. Unlock the little-known summer retreats of southwestern Guizhou and enjoy a leisurely summer!
💬Interactive Topic: When you come to Xingren, would you most like to watch the sunset at Fangmaping Grassland or play in the water at Majinhe Valley? Let's discuss in the comments!