Pingtang Scenic Area

Pingtang Scenic Area

Pingtang Scenic Area is a national scenic area and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Pingtang Scenic Area is situated on the sloping terrain where the Guizhou Plateau descends into the hills of Guangxi. It lies within the mid-subtropical karst region, and because of its vast and continuously distributed carbonate rock formations, as well as the specific geological and geographical conditions, karst landforms are exceptionally well-developed, making up the most prominent elements of the overall natural landscape. The area features a diverse range of landform types, including steep and densely clustered cone-shaped peaks, deep and precipitous canyons, rivers that flow underground or cut through gorges, and meander irregularly across different types of rock layers. Lush, well-preserved primeval forests cover the undulating karst terrain, presenting a spectacular variety of natural scenery. Pingtang is a tranquil oasis far from the hustle and bustle of the city, serving as an ideal travel destination that perfectly blends sightseeing and vacation experiences.

Natural Resources of Pingtang:

The resources of the Pingtang Scenic Area are generally distributed across four major zones, comprising a total of 72 scenic spots. The first zone, Pingzhou River, includes Jingzhou, Yushui Jinpen (the county town), Liudong Gorge, Damih River Gorge, and Jiaqing Natural Bridge, with a total of 25 scenic spots covering an area of 58.5 square kilometers; the second zone, Longtang, includes Longtang Lake, Qinglong Cave, Qinglong Gorge, Wolong Cave, Songcha Waterfall Cluster, Lianshi Gorge, Hongyan River Valley, Banlang River Gorge, and the Huangtuba Buyi Ethnic Village, with 20 scenic spots over 50.5 square kilometers; the third zone, Xiliang La'an River, contains La'an River Gorge, the Sixteen-Wave Pianpo Natural Bridge, and Baling River Valley, featuring 15 scenic spots across 38.5 square kilometers; the fourth zone, Jiacha, includes Jiacha Waterfall, Ten-Mile Bamboo Stream, Yin-Yang Cave, Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn, and Laqi Gorge, with 12 scenic spots spanning 34.5 square kilometers. The total area of the Pingtang Scenic Area is 182 square kilometers. The Dongzha scenic section is smaller in size but resource-rich, making it perfect for busy travelers looking to spend a day or two enjoying the charm of a water town and ancient village.

Features of Pingtang Scenic Area:

The four major zones of the Pingtang Scenic Area each offer distinctive scenic highlights. The Pingzhou River zone is characterized by idyllic villages, fields, and valley landscapes reminiscent of a paradise on earth; the Longtang zone integrates mountains, water, gorges, caves, forests, lakes, waterfalls, and rocks into a unified whole; the Xiliang zone features rapids-filled gorges, pristine forests in their original state, and mysterious, deep caves; while the Jiacha zone is known for its waterfalls, bamboo groves, and subtropical southern landscapes.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Scenic Areas