Exploring the Hidden Gem of Guizhou: Wanfenglin
Nestled in a fertile valley in the southern Chinese countryside, approximately 20km south of Xingyi township, lies the picturesque landscape of Wanfenglin. Despite its breathtaking scenery that rivals that of Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi, as well as the Shilin Stone Forest in Yunnan, Wanfenglin remains relatively unknown, possibly due to the lack of high-speed trains passing by.
This off-the-beaten-path destination offers a unique and serene experience for travellers seeking an authentic escape. Independent exploration is possible in Wanfenglin, as numerous shops and guest houses rent out pushbikes, electric mopeds, and golf-cart-like three-wheelers. For those preferring a guided tour, tourist shuttles are available, leaving from the northern end of the valley.
The shuttle service covers the entire 6km-long valley, making 11 stops at photo-friendly locations such as the main tourist viewpoint, a karst formation museum near the valley's central village, Wenbeng, Upper and Lower Nahui villages, and the Eight Diagrams Field. The shuttle costs 120 yuan (HK$131) for a full valley circuit.
The scenery of Wanfenglin is characterized by limestone karst formations that resemble a half-buried giant camel caravan. The e-mopeds in Wanfenglin produce a gentle whirring sound instead of the throaty roar typically associated with motorbikes, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
For accommodation, the Yi Yu Hostel, located at the northern end of the valley, offers sparkling dorms and pleasant doubles.
Reaching Wanfenglin from other popular tourist destinations involves several steps. From Yangshuo, China, travellers can take a train to Guangzhou and then to Kunming, followed by the K1206 train to Xingyi. An alternative way to reach Wanfenglin is a four-and-a-half-hour bus ride from the central Guizhou town of Anshun, 218km to the northeast.
For international travellers, reaching Kunming is the first step. From Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand, or Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, direct flights to Kunming Changshui International Airport are available. From Kunming, travellers can take the K1206 train to Xingyi as described above.
While Wanfenglin's lack of high-speed train access may contribute to its under-the-radar status as a tourist destination, it also preserves its authentic charm and offers a unique, unspoiled travel experience for those who seek it.
Adventure-travel enthusiasts can explore the tranquil landscape of Wanfenglin, where technology like electric mopeds replace the typical motorbikes, contributing to a serene atmosphere for a unique lifestyle escape. This off-the-beaten-path destination, while relatively unknown, can be reached from popular tourist spots like Yangshuo or Chiang Mai, requiring a combination of train and bus travel for an authentic and unspoiled adventure-travel experience.
