National Parks of ChinaOverview
| Designation | UNESCO World Heritage (natural, 2010) National Park of China (third batch) |
| Province | Guizhou |
| Location | Chishui, Zunyi, Guizhou |
| Latitude, longitude | 28.5, 105.9 Google Maps |
| Highlights | Waterfalls |
| Wildlife | Tree ferns (Alsophila) |
| Nearby cities | Chongqing, Guiyang |
| Nearby sites | Shihai Dongxiang (Stone Sea and Caves), Shunan Bamboo Sea, Mount Jinfo, Wuyang River, Dazu Rock Carvings, Furong River, Wulong, Simian Mountains, Tusi Sites |
| Themes | Waterfalls, Forests, Danxia landforms, Rivers, Culture & history |
About
The Chishui scenic area in the city of Chishui under Zunyi, Guizhou, is known for its waterfalls: the Shizhangdong Great Waterfall, the Sidonggou group and the Zhongdong waterfall.
Its Danxia landforms are classic: isolated peaks rising from the plain, strange rocks, huge caves and red gorges. It has a national nature reserve for tree ferns, the Bamboo Sea national forest park, and sites of the Red Army’s four crossings of the Chishui River during the Long March.
It is in the third batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1994.
Travel tips
Getting there: Chishui is in the northwest corner of Guizhou, next to Luzhou in Sichuan. Travel first to Luzhou, Zunyi or Chongqing, then take a bus to Chishui city. The sights are spread around the city, tens of kilometres apart; a hired car is the easiest way to get around, and buses run to the main sights.
Chishui Waterfall: also called Shizhangdong Waterfall, south of the city, the largest falls in the area. Zhongdong Waterfall nearby can be seen on the same trip.
Sidonggou: a path up a stream valley past four tiers of waterfalls; allow a good few hours there and back.
Danxia cliffs and bamboo: Foguangyan has broad red cliffs and a waterfall; the Bamboo Sea National Forest Park is mostly bamboo forest; the tree fern (alsophila) reserve is around Jinshagou, and tree ferns can also be seen around Yanziyan.
Bing'an old town: on the Chishui River, with sites from the Red Army's Four Crossings of the Chishui River; easy to stop at on the way.
Time: two to three days for the main sights.
Season: the waterfalls are fullest in the summer rainy season and much smaller in winter. Summer is hot and humid; spring and autumn are more comfortable.
Where to stay: most visitors stay in Chishui city and make day trips to the sights.
Caution: the paths have many steps and are slippery after rain.
Map
© OpenStreetMap contributors · terrain © Copernicus · Map credits