Guiyang Tianhe Lake
Located 23 km southwest suburb of Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, the Tianhe Pool Scenic Area is an overwhelming scenic area, boasting waterfalls, deep pools, springs, natural bridges, caves and stones. It is a typical karst landscape that featuring water caves and stone caves, valleys, cottages, flowing water and water wheels.
There is a natural stone bridge across the two mountains at the top of the Tianhe Pool (literally Sky River Pool). Taking a walk through a natural stone bridge, the water flowing from the top of mountains is like falling from the sky and formed a deep pool at the bottom. Tianhe Pool means that the water in the pool is coming from the sky.
Introduction to Tianhe Scenic Area
This scenic area is a wonderful tourist resort, which full of unique natural scenery and cultural attractions. Tianhe Pool Scenic Area was naturally a large-scale crypt and the pool formed as water gathered at the bottom.
When taking a step into the scenic area, visitors can be easily found that it is a natural wonderland. Tianhe Pool Scenic shares a total area of 15 square km and it enjoys serene and idyllic surroundings with clear rivers, water and drought caves, hidden caves, cliffs and gorges, etc. It is a nice place to enjoy the real tranquility of nature.
Top Attractions in Tianhe Pool Scenic Area
The Longtan Cave
It covers a total length of 1,000 meters and a high over 50 meters, which makes it like a flying dragon across cliffs. Its widest part is up to 80 meters while its narrowest part is just only 20 meters. Longtan Cave is the most renowned one, which is consists of two caves, namely water cave and drought cave. There is an underground river that runs in the cave, which is around 21 meters in depth.
In Longtan Cave are numerous typical karst sceneries like stalactites, stalactites, stalagmites in colorful and fantastic shapes. Boats are available to visit the water cave. Rowing a boat around the water cave can have a great view of the unique features of karst and enjoy the journey from outside brightness to the inside darkness, it is an exciting and wonderful experience for visitors.
The drought cave consists of three levels and covers a total length of over 200 meters. There is a stone called Naihe Bridge that spans two cliffs. Under this stone bridge lies a pool, which is a seemingly bottomless pool.
Calcified Shoal Waterfall
It shares a width of 210 meters, which is regarded as the widest calcified shoal waterfall in China. Downstream this waterfall has a small river so-called Xiangbagou River. The plunging water runs surged and twisted ahead Xiaobagou River.
During the high water period, the waterfall is looking like thousands of horses galloping over it. And it forms a magnificent and grand scene when the water flowing from the top of the waterfall and falls into the pool with splashes. While in the drought period, the waterfall looks like a white silk joggling with wind blows.
There is a clear and clean lake named Wolong Lake (literally Lying Dragon Lake) connected with Calcified Shoal Waterfall. What's more, the Baibu Stone Bridge, green willows and red peach blossoms make the lake like the “Heaven on Earth”.
The Liusuo and Legend about It
Liusuo, or rope-way, is a local traditional way to cross the river in the past time. It is 400 meters long and spanning over the Tianhe River. Visitors not only can have a full view of the whole scenic area but also can experience the exciting suspending cross the river through magnificent cliffs by taking Liusuo to slide down to the ground.
It is said that once Houyi and Chang’e flew from the beginning of this Liusuo to the opposite pool called Sun-Moon Lake to have a date. And in the foggy morning, it is said that people can hear Houyi and Chang’e talking softly above the Liusuo. [Houyi, is a hero who shot 9 unnecessary suns down in the distant past in ancient China. Chang’e, Houyi’s wife, is a virtuous and elegant woman who ate the elixir and flew to the moon.]
Liusuo is located close to the water cave. Nowadays, visitors can take Liusuo slide down to the parking lot at the foot of the mountains, which taking not much time and feeling relaxed after a long visit.
The Locally Idyllic Landscapes
The main people here are Miao people. There are distinctive stone and wooden cottages lying along green mountains and rivers.
The Tunbao Stronghold
TunBao (a kind of circular stronghold made of stones), is the military stronghold that built during the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). There are a cluster of ancient stone strongholds lying close to Tianhe Pool Scenic Area. Although most of these strongholds have a history of over 600 years, they are still in good quality.
Xiangbagou Village
It is an ethnic village that people living here are mainly Miao people. Take a visit to the local farmhouse will be a pleasant experience that visitors can not only appreciate the delicate embroideries by girls of Miao people but also can participate in many local-style events such as Tuanjie dance (it means people should unite together), Miao-style bamboo pole dance and the ritual of grabbing the bridegroom.
The water wheels, water-powered rollers and millers here form the irrigation and water cultural tour system, which shows the ancient locals make every effort to make better use of water resources to live a better life.
Bamboo Pole Dance of Miao Style
The dance originates from locals’ work in the farmland, worships their ancestors and grinds the rice. It is part of the culture and daily life of Miao people.
Bamboo Pole Dance is performed by using bamboo poles (often 8-10 bamboo poles) of different sizes to cross each other. The aim of the dance is to get from one side to the other side without getting your feet or legs stuck. The ends of each bamboo pole are held by 8 or 10 teammates that facing each other in pairs.
As soon as the traditional music starts playing, dancers in traditional clothing start jumping and hopping between the poles. While those holding poles open and close the poles rhythmically as dancers slide on the bamboo poles. Those holding poles are the ones that decide the height of poles and can make it easier or more difficult for dancers.
The ones who can’t keep up with rhythm will get their feet or legs stuck between poles are politely asked to leave this activity. The last one dancing is the winner and will be lifted up high seated on poles so spectators can see him/her. In a word, the winner takes it all. Visitors are friendly welcome to join in and have fun together.
Tips
The traditional dishes here are both tasty and spicy. Travelers can enjoy local dishes in Zhenshan Village, which located close to Tianhe Pool Scenic Area.
It is easy to lost way when visit caves. So it is suggested that travelers should go follow the tour guide.
Taking Liusuo is not suitable for travelers with heart disease.
How to Get There
Tianhe Pool Scenic Area enjoys a prime location. Visitors can take bus No. 211 from Binhe Park in Guiyang to get access to it. Or take a taxi from Guiyang City also can get there directly.
Nearby Attractions
There are some picturesque scenic spots like Qingyan Ancient Town and Jiaxiu Tower around Tianhe Pool Park Scenic Area. Jiaxiu Tower is a landmark in Guiyang with its unique and splendid architecture. Qingyan Ancient Town is a vintage town that famous for its original design of the outer and inner cities.