Tianhetan

Tianhetan

Tianhetan is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.

The Ludi River, a tributary of the Huaxi River, meanders like a dragon through the mountains and underground, shaping the spectacular landscape centered around Tianhetan.

Originally known as Tianshengqiao (Natural Bridge), Tianhetan earned its name from a massive limestone bridge formed naturally. Beside the bridge lies a massive sinkhole about 50 meters in diameter and 70 meters deep, with a pool of emerald-green water at the bottom — this is Tianhetan. The pool’s walls are steep as if carved by a knife, and at the base lie the mysterious Shui Dong Longtan Cave (Water Cave Dragon Pool Cave) and Han Dong Tianhe Cave (Dry Cave Heavenly River Cave). The dry cave has three levels, each with unique and exquisite stalactites that create a surreal, heavenly atmosphere. The water cave stretches 1 kilometer, and taking a boat ride through it feels like entering a fairyland or a dragon palace. Exiting the water cave leads to Cuixi (Emerald Stream), where the water is crystal clear and surrounded by lush bamboo. The upper section of Cuixi, about 6 kilometers long, is called Jiudaowan (Nine Bends), featuring calm waters, winding curves, and dense riverside trees — perfect for a small boat or speedboat ride.

Near Tianhetan lies Ludizhai, the former retreat of Wu Zhongfan, a renowned poet from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties who was celebrated across Guizhou. Further upstream along the river from Ludizhai are attractions such as Huchao Che Tianhe (Lake Tide Che Tianhe) and Xiangbiyan (Elephant Trunk Rock).

Downstream of Tianhetan are Shibangtan (Stone Clam Shoal) and Wolongtan (Crouching Dragon Shoal). Among these, Wolongtan is a rare 280-meter-long tufa shoal in China. The shoal features cascading waterfalls, numerous water curtain caves, and traditional water-powered devices such as waterwheels, millstones, and spice-grinding carts, creating a soothing, dreamlike atmosphere with the sound of flowing water. Further downstream lies Tianhe Canyon, known as the “Jiuxi Jiuzhaigou” (Jiuxi Valley’s Jiuzhaigou), which leads to Jigong Island and eventually flows into Huaxi Lake.

Tianhetan seamlessly blends mountains, water, caves, and pools — no wonder some say it captures the essence of the Dragon Palace, Huangguoshu Waterfall, and Zhijindong Cave, serving as a microcosm of Guizhou’s landscapes.

Transportation

By car: Guiyang → Jiuxiu South Road → Jinzhu Town → Jinshi Road → Shibancheng

Independent travel: Take bus 211 from the Riverside Park bus station directly to the scenic area entrance.

Ticket

Scenic area combo ticket: Peak season 50 RMB; off-season 40 RMB (includes outdoor landscapes, waterfalls, pastoral scenery, water cave, and dry cave); Scenic area exterior ticket: Peak season 10 RMB; off-season 8 RMB (includes outdoor landscapes, waterfalls, and pastoral scenery).

Scenic area boat ticket: Peak season 43 RMB; off-season 35 RMB (includes water cave and dry cave).

Other paid items: Scenic area shuttle bus (round trip) 10 RMB per person; aerial zip line 40 RMB per person.

Address: Gui’an Avenue, Shibancheng, Shiban Town, Huaxi District, Guiyang City

Type: Cave & Lake

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 4–5 hours

Phone: 4009009995

Opening hours:

8:30-17:00