A ski resort in Liupanshui City (Ti Gong)
The dragon’s breath heated the surrounding waters and made a hot spring. That’s why the river near the resort is called Longdi River, which means “the river with a dragon underwater.”
The hot spring is known to be one of only a few drinkable springs in the country. Flowing from the Songming Mountain, the water, which is around 45 degrees Celsius, contains rich minerals and microelements that reduces blood pressure and soothes the nerves.
The Jianhe Hot Spring, in Qiandongnan County, is called “the holy waters of Miao people.” Before the hot spring resort was built in 1989, the Miao people loved to bath in outdoor springs without any clothes on and still do so even today. They believe that it is natural to make contact with the nature without barriers and insist there is nothing to be ashamed of.
There are two spring pools set up for them, one for men and one for women, so that they can continue that tradition. Other visitors are required to respect the practice and not to peek.
The hot spring is the only one in the country that contains hydrogen sulfide and radon. With the other elements, the waters help to regenerate the skin and strengthen the nerves.
Shiqian Hot Spring: There are shuttle buses from Tongren to Shiqian Bus Station, where several buses are available to the hot spring resort.
Jianhe Hot Spring: From Kaili, a small city near Guiyang, capital city of Guizhou Province, buses are available to Jianhe, where shuttle buses go to the hot spring during the day.
Ski resorts
Snow can be fierce in Guizhou in wintertime but it also provides great conditions for skiing along with the mountainous landform.
Five resorts provide different types of snow entertainment, including alpine skiing, snowmobile and a flying saucer. The Daloushan Ski Resort, in Zunyi City, might be the most ski-friendly. It has 30 professional instructors, and all skiers get a free 15-minute lesson before getting on the tracks.
The Yushe Forest Ski Resort, in Liupanshui, has campfire parties at night where there are folk dances and local delicacies to enjoy. The natural view in the park also provides a breathtaking winter setting with icicles on trees and mountains, which are not frequently seen in southern China.
The Yunding Ski Resort, in Guiyang, has a grand barbeque site that offers roast lamb and other local dishes. As the resort doesn’t have accommodation facilities, visitors can rent tents.
Daloushan Ski Resort: Drive along the G75 Highway and take the Taibai Station Exit, turn left and drive towards Huanglian Township for around 30 kilometers to the resort’s parking lot. Shuttle buses are available at the parking lot.
Yushe Forest Ski Resort: The resort is about 30 kilometers from downtown Liupanshui and it is easy to call a cab from there.
Yunding Ski Resort: Two shuttle bus stations are available in downtown Guiyang, at Zilin’an and Haguoyuan areas. The departing time at Zilin’an Station is 9:30am and 11am, while at Huaguoyuan is 10am and 11:30am. The returning buses depart at 4pm and 6pm.
