Pearl River Headwaters · Ecological Secret Realm

Qujing Zhanyi District — the first district at the source of the Pearl River. A 2-day-1-night itinerary visiting the Pearl River Source National Scenic Area, hiking the Haifeng Wetland secret realm, and traversing the Qicai Canyon. Feel the natural ecology and geological wonders at the headwaters of the Pearl River.

2,144 km

Pearl River Origin

National Level

Scenic Area

27,000 Hectares

Wetland Reserve

Yunnan-Guizhou Key

Geographical Landmark

Zhanyi District Pearl River Source Scenic Area Natural Scenery

The first waterfall of the Pearl River contrasted with primeval forest

Zhanyi District Two Days One Night Ecological Source Exploration Journey

Pearl River tracing + wetland hiking + canyon exploration, feel the natural wonders of northeastern Yunnan

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Pearl River Source Scenic Area, Haifeng Wetland, Qicai Canyon, Tiansheng Cave

                    
Suitable For
Nature Enthusiasts, Hiking Explorers, Photography Lovers, Geological Research

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥800

Pearl River Source Tracing

Source Exploration

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Pearl River Source Scenic Area in the morning, hike the wetland secret realm in the afternoon.

Attractions

Pearl River Source Scenic Area

A National Scenic Area, the true source of the Pearl River. Core landscapes include the Maxiong Mountain azalea flower sea, the First Waterfall of the Pearl River, and the Xu Xiake Thatched Cottage, with a "Pearl River Source" stele erected on-site.

Haifeng Wetland

A provincial-level nature reserve, the largest karst wetland on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, composed of multiple lakes, marshes, and peak forest formations. Rare birds such as black-necked cranes inhabit the area, earning it the nickname "Guilin of Yunnan."

Tiansheng Cave

A classic karst cave landscape, featuring diverse stalagmite and stalactite formations, with an underground river running through. A light show displays the geological wonders within.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Prepare hiking gear
Bring binoculars for wetland birdwatching
Bring a jacket for low cave temperatures

Accommodation Recommendations

Pearl River Source forest cabins
Haifeng Wetland B&B
Zhanyi urban boutique hotel

Geological Wonder Exploration

Canyon Adventure

Itinerary Highlights

Traverse Qicai Canyon in the morning, savor Zhanyi cuisine in the afternoon.

Attractions

Qicai Canyon

Core area of the National Geopark, a Danxia landform canyon stretching 15 km, with rock strata displaying seven natural colors. Features include a glass viewing platform and cliffside plank trails.

Pearl River Source Botanical Garden

A plateau endemic plant gene bank, collecting over 2,000 Pearl River Basin plant species, including rare species exhibition areas, medicinal plant gardens, and ecological research bases.

Zhanyi Old Town Memory Block

A traditional northeastern Yunnan style block, preserving Ming-Qing commercial architectural layout, assembling local intangible heritage displays, specialty snack workshops, and a Pearl River Source cultural creative market.

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Canyon high-altitude plank trail challenge
Wetland kayak exploration
Plant rubbing handicraft

Return Trip Suggestions

Allow time for Spicy Chicken shopping
Zhanyi Xiao Baba as souvenir
Pearl River Source natural mineral water

Zhanyi District Must-Try Foods

Zhanyi Spicy Chicken

A National Geographical Indication product, made with locally raised free-range chicken stir-fried with Qiubei chili and Zhaotong Sichuan pepper. Fragrant, spicy, and crispy-tender, it is hailed as the "Peerless Dish of Yunnan Cuisine" and certified as a Famous Chinese Dish.

Zhanyi Xiao Baba

A Yunnan intangible heritage pastry, baked with buckwheat flour and filled with ham, rose sugar, etc. Crispy outside and glutinous inside, it was once the dry ration of Tea Horse Road merchants.

Huashan Mutton with Skin

A northeastern Yunnan specialty, made with high-mountain black goat simmered with skin on, served with secret-recipe dipping sauce. The broth is fresh and the meat tender, certified as a "Hometown of China's Mutton Delicacies."

Zhanyi District Travel Tips

Best Seasons