Have you been to Zunyi, Guizhou? In the eyes of many travelers, Zunyi has always been a city of "red" tourism. Yet, some may not know that Zunyi is also a "green" tourism destination, characterized by a transitional and ancient flora that boasts abundant wild plant resources. Species such as Cathaya argyrophylla, Alsophila spinulosa, Davidia involucrata, and Camellia nitidissima are listed as national first and second-class protected plants. Hailongtun in Zunyi is a green tourism site where nature and culture blend seamlessly. With its lush mountains and vibrant forests, it is the best-preserved medieval military fortress in all of Asia and one of Zunyi’s prime green destinations. It also features a unique Tusi culture, completely different from the bustling crowds at Huangguoshu Waterfall. This mysterious Tusi culture, fortified terrain, and intriguing historical stories make it feel like a forgotten treasure site, quietly presenting itself before you, waiting for you to uncover its beauty.
This is a place with700years of history, an ideal forest bathing spot, and a living natural classroom.
It is Guizhou’s first and only World Cultural Heritage site—the most valuable Tusi relic, the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Tusi fortress.
It is a historical site that witnessed the complete evolution of China’s administrative system in ethnic minority regions—from the loose governance during the Tang and Song dynasties, to the Tusi system in the Yuan and Ming periods, and then to the"replacement of native chieftainships with state-appointed officials" policy starting in the Ming Dynasty...
Give yourself a break from the high-pressure urban life and find a greener"oxygen bar" closer to nature to relax aimlessly. The Hailongtun scenic area, this green "ocean," comes into view. The ruins of historical sites blend with lush green vegetation, like a collision between time-worn history and nature—a visual contrast that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor. If you’re tired of crowded tourist spots and the hustle and bustle of city life, let us recommend this place for you to experience.
Explore Hailongtun – The Thirty-Six Steps Heavenly Ladder
At8:00 AM, take bus23from Zhuhai Road Municipal People’s Congress (¥2per person); or take the direct scenic shuttle bus near Maocaopu Bus Station (¥10per person). For those driving, take Huichuan Avenue Extension (toward Gaoping Town) → Hailongtun Tunnel → Hailongtun to arrive.
Upon entering the Hailongtun scenic area, the first must-visit attraction is the Thirty-Six Steps Heavenly Ladder. What’s most striking about climbing these steps is the height of each stair and the surrounding dense, lush trees—it’s the only passage up or down. It consists of a set of thirty-six tall steps resembling a heavenly ladder, with each step about60-80cm high. When you reach the final step and look back at the stairs you’ve climbed, a sense of pride wells up—"I’ve conquered it all." If you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, it’s hard to believe how the bluish-gray bricks and the emerald-green forest blend so perfectly, making every frame a stunning photo.
After climbing the Thirty-Six Steps Heavenly Ladder, begin your Hailongtun"challenge" journey. The site features nine famous passes within the scenic area: the six in front of the fortress—Tongzhu Pass, Tiezhu Pass, Feihu Pass, Feilong Pass, Chaotian Pass, and Feifeng Pass—and the three behind—Wan’an Pass, Erdao Pass, and Shoudao Pass. Each is breathtaking. Each pass carries a distinct sense of historical weight, and you can rent an electronic guide device to immerse yourself in the historical stories throughout your visit.
Explore Hailongtun – Murderer’s Gully
The second must-see is the pass inscribed personally by Yang Yinglong:"Feilong Pass." Built on the shoulder of the fortress, it guards a narrow mountain ridge. Beside Feilong Pass lies the bottomless "Murderer’s Gully." It is said to be1000meters long and350meters deep. The remains of soldiers who died in battle were thrown here, making it a veritable mass grave. How can you truly appreciate the "blood and storms" of a military fortress without seeing this place?
Continue exploring the last two passes in front of the fortress—Chaotian Pass and Feifeng Pass. Chaotian Pass is the most spectacular group of stone structures on Hailongtun. Even after a thousand years, it remains one of the best-preserved areas. Connected to its wall is the high point on the other end, the large-scale ruins of Feifeng Pass. From the surviving stone gates, you can see this stepped barbican was a closed, independent fortress—likely the command center of the ancient military castle at the front of the fortress.
Explore Hailongtun – The Royal Palace
The third must-visit spot is definitely the old and new royal palace complex. After passing through various checkpoints, you’ll reach the heart of the fortress, where the terrain levels out with no more steep climbs. Here, you’ll find flat land with forests and cultivated fields. In the central part of the fortress lies the ruins of the Yang family’s"Old Palace and New Palace" complex, a typical axial-style structure featuring three sets of stairways, five terraced platforms, along with the ruins of the "Inner Palace" complex and an ancient well that once supplied water for thousands. The stonework here—stone platforms, column bases, beams, and wall foundations—is exquisitely crafted. In the middle and rear of the fortress, there are also ruins of a "generals’ platform," drill grounds, and barracks.
Hailongtun Tusi Fortress embodies the inheritance of Tusi culture, with voice-simulated battlefield sounds and vivid historical analysis, ensuring the stories of the past are never forgotten. One of the biggest surprises of visiting this site is that it offers not onlyThis place boasts not only "red" historical culture but also rich "green" natural ecological landscapes. Whether for the soul or the eyes, this journey will bring unexpected surprises. The north has the Great Wall, Xi'an has the Terracotta Army, Shanxi has the Yungang Grottoes, and Guizhou’s Hailongtun is just such a place: if you don’t go, you may feel a lingering sense of longing in your heart. Visiting Hailongtun requires a calm mindset—find a comfortable route, take your time to appreciate the scenery, take photos in your own style, hike up the mountain, and seek a moment of tranquility amid urban life.
Stay at the Dream Legend Starry Sky Campsite
Have you tried camping? Have you tried the luxury-upgraded version of camping??The Hailongtun Legend Starry Sky Campsiteis located at the site of the Hailongtun Tusi Heritage, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.It is China’s first high-end campsitewith full advisory services provided by a leading European camping brandACSIand is also the first Chinese campsite to receive international certification.Upon arrival, you’ll first see a vast expanse of green wilderness.It reminds me of the lines by Hai Zi:“From tomorrow on, be a happy person, feed horses, chop wood, and travel the world.”If you want to experience this dreamlike utopia,,coming here allows you toinstantlyhave it..
I’ve always loved the wild charm of nature—mountains, grass, blue skies, and white clouds—a purely natural green ecological campsite. The scenery is delightful, like a fairyland on earth. Fall asleep amidst the fragrant blend of fresh grass and earthy scents, and wake up to the crisp chirping of crickets and birds. The joy of being so close to nature goes without saying.
The Legend Starry Sky Campsite also offers local specialty cuisine, as well as other regional and Western dishes. In the evening, the campsite provides local Tusi-style banquets, open-air bars,BBQand other entertainment services. Rent a bike for a leisurely ride, enjoy the family-friendly children’s playground, or visit the open-air stargazing platform perfect for nighttime, along with bonfire party activities. It’s perfect for hanging out with friends or family—highly recommended as one of the top campsite choices.
As night falls, step into the simply designed yet elegant“rooms,” where you can choose from various room types. The bedding in every unit is equally soft and comfortable. The beautiful scenery here isn’t limited to daytime—countless stars dot the pitch-black sky, casting reflections that shimmer brilliantly, while moonlight diffuses among the stars. Peek out from the tent’s small window, and the night feels enchanting, as if you can watch the stars stretch from afar into the distance, with the night breeze carrying mist from one window to the next. You can also head to the stargazing platform to enjoy the night view, gaze at the stars, and have heartfelt conversations. The accommodation experience at China’s first luxury glamping-themed camp resort hotel is truly unforgettable.
Sightseeing, Snacking, and Shopping
Now we’ve come to my two favorite parts.Sightseeing, snacking, and shopping—inZunyi,you won’t be disappointed even if you step into any random little shop along the street. Zunyi’s cuisine is dominated by snacks.There are plenty of food options that won’t fill you up too much either.
Highly recommended dishesLamb noodle soup,The lamb noodle soup in Zunyi is made with fresh lamb broth poured over rice noodles, topped with slices of lamb and seasonings. It’s fragrant, clear, hot, spicy, and the soup remains crystal clear without being murky.There are tons of shops selling lamb noodle soup,Recommended:Old-brand Dingzi Kou Lamb Noodle Soup. A bowl of noodles, a bit of meat, a spoonful of salt, a generous helping of chili powder, plus pickles from the jar — guaranteed to leave you wanting more, with endless aftertaste.
Taro pattiesare also a must-try,a unique snack in Zunyi that you’ll find everywhere on the streets. Usually costing just1-2yuan per serving, you can customize it with various seasonings to your taste. Flavorful and refreshing, these are beloved by locals.Recommended: Yuan Sanjie Taro Patties — an old and well-loved establishment.:Yuan Sanjie’s Potato Cakes are a time-honored favorite, and everyone says they’re great.
In the nighttime snack street,try a Siwawa (wrapped snack),which costs just a few yuanand fills you up. The key lies in the sauce, made with a variety of seasonings.Take a bite of these little packages filled with assorted vegetables —it’s really refreshing. The various skewers at the snack street are also great; remember to bargain before buying.It’s very refreshing. The various skewers at the snack street are also good — remember to bargain before you buy.~
Guizhou handicrafts are definitely worth exploring.Thewoven and embroidered textile craftshere are all uniquely distinctive, and there are also plenty of worthwhile souvenirs to buy at the Hailongtun Scenic Area.I bought some to take back for my friends.,For your reference:
TIPS
Address:Within the Shuanglong Village Group, Hailongtun Village, Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province
Ticket price: 80 RMB per person for the Hailongtun scenic area ticket; 35 RMB per person for the park shuttle train
Transportation:
Bus routes:
1. Take bus No. 23 from Zhuhai Road Municipal People’s Congress, 2 RMB per person; 2. Take the direct scenic area bus next to Maocaopu Bus Station, 10 RMB per person.
Driving route:
1. From Zunyi City – Fuxing Avenue – Huichuan Avenue – Huichuan Avenue Extension – Hailongtun Tunnel – Hailongtun
2. From Chongqing – Chongqing Inner Ring Expressway – Lanhai Expressway (G75) – Exit at Zunyi Liziya Toll Station – Huichuan Avenue Extension (toward Gaoping Town) – Hailongtun Tunnel – Hailongtun
3. From Guiyang – Guidui Expressway – Lanhai Expressway (G75) – Exit at Zunyi Liziya Toll Station – Huichuan Avenue Extension (toward Gaoping Town) – Hailongtun Tunnel – Hailongtun
4. From Chengdu – Chengdu Ring Expressway – Chenglu Expressway – Chengchi Expressway – Luzhou Ring Expressway – Rongzun Expressway – Hangrui Expressway – Lanhai Expressway – Exit at Zunyi Liziya Toll Station – Huichuan Avenue Extension (toward Gaoping Town) – Hailongtun Tunnel – Hailongtun.
Best time to visit:All year round
Accommodation:It is recommended to stay at the Legendary Starry Sky Campsite, where you can better experience the beauty of the scenic area. This “star-rated” campsite is also rare in China and well worth the experience.