( Photos/Text by vihike) China boasts vast territory with numerous major rivers, each with its own story. However, due to the impact of domestic hydropower development, most large rivers in Southwest China have been dammed, with a series of hydroelectric power stations built. The Chishui River stands out as the only major river in China that remains undammed. The Transportation, Tourism, and Development Investment Group of Zunyi City has constructed a160.9-kilometer international-standard cycling sightseeing path and partnered with renowned Chinese river rafting expert Wang Bing (also known as Jazz Ice) to establish Guizhou Chizi Zhixing Sports Culture Development Co., Ltd. This company operates the Chishui River Eco-Rafting project in the middle and upper reaches of the river. The exciting big-river rafting combined with healthy and fashionable cycling, along with the naturally stunning landscape and the legendary stories of the Red Army’s Four Crossings of the Chishui River, offer a unique sporting travel experience on the Chishui River.
The Best River for Rafting
The Chishui River originates in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province, flows eastward to the junction of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces, then passes through Bijie and Zunyi cities in Guizhou Province before entering the Yangtze River at Hejiang County in Sichuan Province. Three-quarters of its basin lies within mountainous areas. As the middle section of the river is home to many distilleries such as Maotai, Xijiu, and Langjiu—which rely on the Chishui River as their water source—the upper reaches have been well-preserved ecologically, making it the only unpolluted tributary of the Yangtze River in China. With steep banks and numerous rapids and dangerous currents, the river's maximum measured flow rate is9890cubic meters/per second, while the minimum flow is33.2cubic meters/per second. Its annual average runoff is101billion cubic meters. With abundant water resources and no dams, it is highly suitable for water sports such as rafting.
The total length of the Chishui River is444.5kilometers, with a total drop of1588meters and an average gradient of3.57per thousand. The river mouth has an average annual flow rate of309cubic meters per second. Within Guizhou Province, the total drop is529meters, with an average gradient of1.66per thousand, and the average flow rate at the provincial boundary is260cubic meters per second. The upper section of the Chishui River above Sancha features a warm temperate plateau climate, while the middle and lower sections in the Sichuan Basin hills exhibit characteristics of a subtropical humid climate, with higher temperatures in the valleys. The annual precipitation in the basin generally ranges from700to1100millimeters, mostly concentrated between6and9months,(accounting for about70%)of the year. The climate is warm and humid. Such elevation changes and water flow create a river with both calm stretches and fast-flowing rapids, allowing visitors to leisurely paddle and enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery or experience heart-pounding thrills when navigating the rapids.
The ecological environment of the Chishui River is well-preserved, with no industrial activity along the upper reaches and sparse human population. There are11nature reserves along the river, including3national-level ones, which protect species such as Alsophila spinulosa and ecosystems in the upper Yangtze.28A variety of endemic fish species and forest ecosystems. Among them, the upper reaches of the Chishui River mainstream at Yudong,-Baiche Village, the middle reaches of the Chishui River mainstream at Wuma River Estuary,-Dadong River Estuary, and the lower reaches of the Chishui River mainstream at Xishui River Estuary,-and the Chishui River Estuary are core areas of the Upper Yangtze River Rare and Endemic Fish National Nature Reserve. Since2016, fishing has been completely banned, and wastewater from distilleries along the middle reaches of the Chishui River must undergo ecological degradation treatment before being discharged. The excellent water quality makes rafting on the Chishui River a more pleasant experience.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, the Chishui River also boasts a profound cultural heritage. Known as the "River of Heroes,"1935, under the command of Comrade Mao Zedong, the Central Red Army crossed three rivers six times over a period of three months, maneuvering through Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces. Skillfully navigating between the encirclement of the Kuomintang’s heavily armed forces, they flexibly changed combat directions, diverted and confused the enemy, continuously created opportunities, and achieved significant victories in mobile warfare, annihilating large numbers of enemies and firmly grasping the initiative on the battlefield. This resulted in the glorious battle example in the history of the Red Army’s Long March of winning against greater odds and turning passivity into initiative, leaving behind the legendary tale of the “Four Crossings of the Chishui River.” The Chishui River is also known as the "River of Fine Liquor." According to Han dynasty records, as early as135during the Western Han Dynasty, the Chishui River produced Chishui Goujiu wine, which was praised by Emperor Wu of Han as “deliciously sweet.” Along the Chishui River, dozens of world-renowned fine liquors have been brewed, including Moutai, Dongjiu, Xijiu, Langjiu, Wangyitai, Tanjiu, Huaijiu, and others, accounting for60%of China’s famous liquors.
Chishui River Rafting Itinerary
The Chishui River rafting project is currently led by Wang Bing, a well-known domestic expert in big river rafting, who is referred to in the industry as “Jazz Bing.” He is a pioneer and promoter of China’s big river rafting movement, having rafted almost all the major rivers within China, such as the Jinsha River, Nujiang River, Tuotuo River, Tongtian River, Yalong River, Wujiang River, and Hanjiang River. He won China’s highest honor in outdoor sports, the “Golden Rhino Award” for Best Exploration Activity, for his rafting journey from the Tuotuo River to the Tongtian River at the source of the Yangtze River. With extensive rafting experience and expertise in organizing large-scale events, he once organized over forty rafting and water sports enthusiasts to complete the2013full-length Yellow River rafting in2016, the2017Chishui River rafting in4, the Chishui River scientific expedition rafting activity in2017, and the5Chishui River stand-up paddleboarding race in
. Familiar with the water flow and natural conditions of the Chishui River basin, he can arrange the Chishui River rafting itinerary properly and avoid risks, ensuring that the rafting experience is both thrilling and safe.20KMCustomized Chishui River rafting trips generally start from the Bijie area in Guizhou. The first day’s rafting journey is about
. The upstream water flow is relatively small, with calm currents and occasional small rapids, but with low drops and speeds. Even those without rafting experience can manage smoothly under the accompaniment and guidance of professionals, making it a suitable adaptation phase for beginners. Those without kayaking experience can learn basic paddling techniques and skills in this section.3On the second day, starting from the banks of the Chishui River, you can raft to Maotai Town. This section features the most pristine natural scenery along the Chishui River, with almost entirely uninhabited virgin forests and deep canyons along the way. The vegetation on both banks is rich, the river is wide, and many sections have very calm waters with depths of
meters or more. There are occasionally some beginner-level white-water rapids. Various water sports equipment such as kayaks, playboats, and stand-up paddleboards can be used, allowing for some advanced kayaking training. If time permits, you can camp overnight on the riverbanks in the middle section of the river and engage in rock climbing, cave exploration, and mountain hiking on nearby cliffs, while also learning about the distribution of flora and fauna along the Chishui River.
The public Chishui River rafting trip starts from the Hema Station near Maotai Town, which is also the base camp for the rafting company’s water sports projects on the Chishui River. The company stores hundreds of various types of boats and a large number of life jackets, helmets, paddles, and other sports accessories here. After several days of learning and training, everyone will have gained some foundational water sports skills. The third day’s journey is more thrilling, featuring multiple Class II and III white-water rapids such as Xintan and Mayatan. Under the command of experienced helmsmen, everyone paddles together to ride the waves and safely navigate the rapids. The route then passes through Erlang Town, home to Langjiu and Xijiu, the Chishui River’s largest tributary Tongzi River, and ends at the Red Army Campsite Station within Xishui County.
For ordinary tourists, traveling by rafting offers views that cannot be seen from land. The unique perspective makes the surrounding peaks and canyons even more spectacular, and the areas close to the river, nourished by abundant water sources, are especially lush with flora and fauna. Experiencing the Chishui River by rafting allows you to see its most vibrant side. Rafting is more fun and thrilling than traditional tourism activities, but most people lack relevant sports experience and knowledge. However, the Chishui River rafting project company’s wealth of experience and outstanding organizational and safety capabilities compensate for this. Guided by their professional team, even those with no water sports background can safely complete the Chishui River rafting trip, creating many unforgettable and wonderful memories.
The Most Suitable River for Cycling160.9KMAlong the Chishui River from Maotai Town Station to Chishui City, an international-standard bicycle sightseeing path has been built, stretching2.4in total length. It is separated from motor vehicle lanes and pedestrian walkways, with a width of12meters. The entire path is covered with rubberized lanes and stainless steel guardrails, with complete cycling traffic signs. Key sections are equipped with video surveillance and alarm points. The route also features2cycling stations and
Cycling along the Chishui River offers breathtaking scenery. From Maotai Town to Chishui, there are numerous natural scenic areas such as the Chishui Grand Waterfall, the Turning Stone Wonder Scenic Area, China Jurassic Park, Yanziyan National Forest Park, and the Bamboo Sea National Forest Park, as well as cultural sites including the Datong Ancient Town, Bing’an Ancient Town, Fuxing Ancient Town, and the Red Army Long March historical sites. The cycling path follows the Chishui River downstream, sometimes stretching into the distance under the shade of trees, and at other times winding through the mountainside cliffs. While riding, one side is flanked by deep valleys lush with vegetation and blooming flowers, while the other features steep cliffs dotted with rushing waterfalls and streams. There are no vehicles or pedestrians on the road—only the sound of the wind and birdsong, creating a peaceful and carefree experience.
The Chishui River cycling path is equipped with12cycling stations along the way, which not only make it convenient to return your bike but also offer places to rest, enjoy a cup of coffee, have lunch, or even stay overnight in guest rooms. Most of the stations are built by the river, offering prime locations where you can overlook the rushing Chishui River from your room. After a day’s journey, taking a quiet moment to relax at one of these stations is undoubtedly a rare treat.
Exquisite and comfortable guesthouses
A series of stations and guesthouses have been built along the Chishui River, among which the most representative is the Shengdi Guesthouse located in Tucheng Ancient Town, Chishui County. This is a boutique-themed guesthouse heavily invested in and developed by the Zunyi Transportation & Tourism Group, and is a key project personally spearheaded by Mr. Wang Zuqian, Chairman of Zunyi Cycling Travel Culture Company. He poured a great deal of effort into it. To ensure the guesthouse could better serve visitors to the Chishui River, Mr. Wang personally traveled the entire length of the Chishui River, driving to Yinchan Village, Chishuiyuan Town, Zhenxiong County, Yunnan Province—the source of the Chishui River—and then journeyed downstream all the way, later drifting from Bijie to Zunyi. Whether rafting, cycling, hiking, or driving, he experienced the diverse charm of the Chishui River in different seasons using various methods. Based on his personal understanding and experiences, he built this distinctive guesthouse.
The Shengdi Guesthouse is located at No.1on Zizhou Commercial Port in Tucheng Ancient Town, Xishui County, Zunyi City. It is adjacent to the Chishui River and the old street of Tucheng Ancient Town, situated in a tranquil environment near the Red Army’s Second Chishui Campaign Memorial Hall. With a total construction area of5100square meters, it features Sino-Western buffet restaurants, conference rooms, reception halls, foot baths, and more. It is classified as a luxury boutique-themed guesthouse, aiming for the highest-end hardware facilities, item configurations, and the most distinctive services. The Tucheng Shengdi Guesthouse enjoys convenient transportation, with a highway2-hour economic circle covering scenic areas such as Maotai, Xishui, and Chishui, making it easily accessible for both group and individual self-driving travelers.
Compared to the development of other rivers in China, the entire Chishui River basin still maintains a complete and vibrant state of natural ecology. Yang Yong, a veteran explorer who participated in the1986Yangtze River rafting expedition, once remarked, “The Chishui River is still a river that breathes freely.” The pristine river environment, thrilling yet safe rafting experiences, professional and beautiful cycling paths, and comfortable yet refined guesthouses together create a new travel experience for rafting and cycling along the Chishui River.+A new travel experience on two wheels.