Nanjiang Grand Canyon (Kaiyang Canyon Ecological Park)

Nanjiang Grand Canyon (Kaiyang Canyon Ecological Park)

Nanjiang Grand Canyon (Kaiyang Canyon Ecological Park) is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Located over sixty kilometers from Guiyang City, Kaiyang Nanjiang Grand Canyon is renowned for its grand karst canyon landscapes and diverse, spectacular waterfall clusters. It is a scenic area of high aesthetic and scientific value.

The canyon extends over forty kilometers in total, with its deepest section plunging to 398 meters. Scientific research reveals that the Nanjiang Canyon features ancient strata and deeply incised river valleys, forming a classic mid-low mountain canyon landform that is both majestic and beautiful. The canyon boasts over eighty natural attractions and more than forty waterfalls in various forms, with the highest drop reaching over 250 meters.

Currently, 18.4 kilometers of the scenic area have been developed. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rafting in the emerald-green waters, stroll along cliffside plank walks, or explore typical karst virgin forests. The cliffs are home to François' langurs and macaques, while the river hosts mandarin ducks, wild ducks, and schools of fish. Birds such as ospreys and egrets fly overhead, adding to the wild charm.

Nanjiang Grand Canyon boasts abundant natural resources ideal for establishing an eco-tourism demonstration zone. Evening ethnic song and dance performances are captivating, while the natural spring swimming pool, vivid statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, and the "Ten Thousand Buddhas" formed by the mysteriously appearing and disappearing Buddha images are highlights. Outdoor barbecues, and cross-river zip-lining further enhance the delightful experience.

Nanjiang Grand Canyon's typical karst virgin forests not only create unique sights like "stone forests" and "trees embracing rocks," but also keep the area lush and the air fresh. Waterfalls of varying sizes and heights adorn both banks, adding beauty to the grand canyon. The steep cliffs lend an extra sense of grandeur. The thousand-meter plank walk deep in the canyon is said to be the longest of its kind in China. Walking along it offers stunning views, the chance to drink mountain spring water, breathe fresh air, immerse in forest bathing, hike fitness trails, and listen to birds and insects—creating a truly fairy-tale-like experience. It’s no wonder the renowned geographer and environmental expert Professor Wu Zunan from the University of Hong Kong called it the “Shangri-La of Guizhou.”

Suggested Duration

2–4 hours

Transportation

Independent Travel:

1. Take a bus from Jinyang Bus Station to Kaiyang County, and inform the driver to drop you off at Nanjiang Grand Canyon Scenic Area (ticket windows 42–50). Buses run from 7:00 to 19:00, every half hour, at a fare of 30 yuan, with the full journey taking about 2 hours. Bus schedules vary by season; please call Jinyang Bus Station before departure for exact times. After getting off at the Nanjiang Grand Canyon intersection on Guiyang-Kaiyang Highway, you’ll need to take a motorcycle for the last stretch to the canyon dock, which is a few kilometers from the scenic area entrance.

2. Take a direct shuttle bus from Guiyang Jinyang Coach Station to Nanjiang Grand Canyon. There are two daily buses: 8:00 and 14:00 from Guiyang to Nanjiang, and 10:00 and 16:00 from Nanjiang to Guiyang. The trip takes approximately 2 hours, and the fare is 20 yuan. Schedule times may vary slightly by season; please confirm with the station for actual departure times.

3. Take a long-distance bus from Kaiyang Bus Terminal (on Kaizhou Avenue) heading to Tuqiao. The bus passes by Nanjiang Grand Canyon—just inform the driver to let you off there. Buses run at 8:30, 11:30, 14:30, and 16:30 daily, taking about 1 hour, with fares around 10 yuan.

Self-Drive:

1. Route: Guiyang – Xintianzhai – Shuitian – Yangchang – Machang – Shashang – Nanjiang Grand Canyon, approximately 1.5 hours’ drive.

2. Take the Gui-Zun Expressway, exit at Jiuchang Station, and after passing through Kaiyang County, look for a road sign. Going straight leads to Weng’an, while turning left takes you directly to Nanjiang Canyon.

Admission Fee

Peak Season (May 1 – October 31): 88 yuan; Off-Peak Season (November 1 – April 30): 78 yuan. Leisure Rafting Ticket (includes admission, rafting, and shuttle bus): 168 yuan. Passion Rafting Ticket (includes admission, rafting, and shuttle bus): 188 yuan. Personal belongings must be stored during rafting at 10 yuan per time.

Opening Hours

8:00–18:00. Leisure Rafting ends at 17:00; Passion Rafting ends at 15:00.

Location

Nanjing Township, Kaiyang County, Guiyang City