Explore the Hidden Wonders of Qiannan in Duyun for 3800 RMB: A 3-Day, 2-Night Journey to Savor Scenic Beauty and Encounter Legendary Film Locations
Introduction: Where is Duyun?
As the capital of Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Duyun may not be as famous as Guiyang or Zunyi, but it holds a unique place on Guizhou’s tourism map with its titles as the "Plateau Bridge City" and "City of Beautiful Mountains and Rivers." It is the filming location for popular dramas like "The Untamed" and "Joy of Life," the original home of Maojian tea, and a cool secret tucked within the karst landscape. This guide will take you on a deep dive into Duyun’s natural wonders, film culture, and tea aromas with a budget of 3800 RMB over 3 days and 2 nights.
1. Itinerary Overview & Budget Allocation
· Total Budget: 3800 RMB (per person; traveling with a companion can reduce costs)
· Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
· Budget Breakdown:
· Transportation: about 1000 RMB (including round-trip major transport and local transit)
· Accommodation: about 600 RMB (2 nights in comfortable hotels or unique guesthouses)
· Food: about 500 RMB (sampling local specialties)
· Tickets & Experiences: about 700 RMB (core attraction tickets and tea experiences)
· Contingency Fund: about 400 RMB (shopping, emergencies, etc.)
2. Itinerary Plan: Three-Day Highlights Tour
Day 1: Discover the "Earth’s Green Gem" and Enjoy the Bridge City Nightscape
· Morning: Arrival and Check-in
· From your departure point, take a high-speed train or flight to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport or train station, then transfer by high-speed train or bus to Duyun (about 1-1.5 hours). Check into a hotel, preferably in the city center or along the Jianjiang River for easy sightseeing.
· Cost: Round-trip major transport (depending on departure, estimated 600 RMB), local transfer about 100 RMB, accommodation 300 RMB/night.
· Afternoon: Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area (Xiaoqikong)
· Take a vehicle from Duyun city to Libo Xiaoqikong (about 2.5-3 hours), the highlight of this natural scenery trip. Allocate at least 4 hours here.
· Must-see spots:
· Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge: Iconic site with crystal-clear water and a picturesque ancient bridge.
· Laya Waterfall: Cascading down the mountain beside the road, splashing cool water.
· 68-Step Waterfall: A majestic series of layered waterfalls.
· Water Forest: Walk through the water for a fun experience.
· Wolong Pool: Deep blue waters like a fairyland, perfect for photography.
· Cost: Round-trip car rental or shared ride about 300 RMB, Xiaoqikong entrance and sightseeing bus about 170 RMB.
· Evening: Return to Duyun and Enjoy Jianjiang River Night View
· Return to Duyun city, try local snacks like Duyun Taishibing and Jianfen for dinner.
· After dinner, stroll along the Jianjiang Riverbank to admire the dazzling night views of the "Plateau Bridge City," with bridges like Wenfeng Bridge and Baizi Bridge each showing unique charm.
· Cost: Dinner about 80 RMB.
Day 2: Journey Through Film Worlds and Savor Maojian Tea
· Morning: Qin and Han Dynasty Film City
· Visit Duyun Qin and Han Dynasty Film City, a key filming location for dramas like "Joy of Life" and "The Untamed." The large ancient-style architecture will transport you back to the Qin and Han eras. Find Fan Xian’s "Danzhou" mansion and the streets walked by Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji for photo ops and immersive experiences.
· Tips: Study drama stills in advance to replicate shots at the same spots for extra fun.
· Cost: Taxi or bus about 50 RMB, film city ticket about 60 RMB.
· Afternoon: Luosike Mountain & Maojian Tea Experience
· Head to Luosike Mountain, the core production area of Duyun Maojian tea. The tea gardens stretch across the hills with fresh air and beautiful scenery.
· Experience: Tour the tea gardens, learn about Maojian tea production, and try your hand at tea picking and frying under the guidance of tea farmers. Most importantly, sit down to savor an authentic pre-Qingming Duyun Maojian tea, appreciating its "three greens and three yellows" characteristics and delicate fragrance.
· Cost: Round-trip car rental about 200 RMB, tea experience about 150 RMB (including tea tasting).
· Evening: Shiban Street and Food Exploration
· Return to the city to explore Shiban Street with its ethnic charm, and shop for local specialties like Maojian tea and Mawei embroidery as souvenirs.
· Dinner recommendation: Try Duyun sour soup fish, a representative dish of Guizhou cuisine, with its sour and spicy flavor and tender fish—an absolute must.
· Cost: Dinner about 120 RMB, shopping costs vary.
Day 3: Leisurely City Park Stroll and Relaxed Departure
· Morning: Xishan Park or Dongshan Park
· Choose one based on your schedule. Xishan Park is the city’s high point with panoramic views of Duyun; Dongshan Park features Kuiwen Pavilion and a more tranquil atmosphere. Both are great places to experience local leisure life.
· Cost: Parks are usually free or have a minimal entrance fee (about 10 RMB).
· Afternoon: Pack Up and Head Home
· Enjoy a simple lunch, such as a bowl of authentic Duyun Chongchong Cake or lamb rice noodles.
· Then proceed to the station or airport to conclude your pleasant Duyun trip.
· Cost: Lunch about 40 RMB, return transport as before.
3. Estimated Expense Table
Item Details Estimated Cost (RMB)
Transportation Round-trip major transport + local transfers and car rentals/taxis 1000
Accommodation 2 nights in comfortable lodging 600
Food 3 days of meals, snacks, and drinks 500
Tickets & Experiences Xiaoqikong, film city, tea experience, etc. 700
Contingency Shopping, emergencies, and other unplanned expenses 400
Total 3200
Balance: 600 RMB, which can be used for transport upgrades (such as more comfortable seats), better accommodation, finer dining, or purchasing more souvenirs to make your trip more relaxed and enjoyable.
4. Practical Tips
1. Best Seasons: Spring and autumn (April to June, September to November) with pleasant weather. Summer is hot but Xiaoqikong is very cool, making it a great summer retreat.
2. Transportation Advice: Public buses are convenient within Duyun, but for Xiaoqikong and Luosike Mountain, car rental or day tours are recommended to save time.
3. Food Recommendations: Besides those mentioned, try fish-wrapped chives and spicy chicken noodles.
4. Gear Reminder: Comfortable walking shoes are essential (Xiaoqikong requires a lot of walking); bring rain gear (Guizhou weather is changeable); sunscreen; and a camera.
5. Itinerary Adjustments: If time is tight, skip the city park on the third morning and return directly from Luosike Mountain in the afternoon of the second day.
Conclusion:
Duyun, a small city blending natural wonders, cinematic brilliance, and the charm of tea and Zen, awaits your exploration. This 3800 RMB, 3-day, 2-night guide aims to offer you a perfect trip combining depth and value. Pack your bags and set off to Duyun to find your own piece of Qiannan’s beautiful mountains, waters, and exhilarating adventures!