Things to do in Daguan
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Top 10 attractions in Daguan
The Huanglian River Scenic Area
The Huanglian River Scenic Area is located in the Daguan County of Zhaotong City. With waterfall views as its main attraction, it presents natural wonders such as caves, rain forests, and rare animals and plants, as well as cultural exhibits such as ancient tombs, prehistoric relics, and ethnic customs. A great getaway destination, it is a multipurpose sightseeing district for tourism, vacation, rock climbing, scientific expeditions, and other recreational activities.Daguan · 3.9km from downtown
Sanhaidong
The Shanhai Cave Attraction is based on the Classic of Mountains and Seas and is built around the main story line of "Searching for the Secret Realm of Mountains and Seas and Tracing the Origin". The cave uses sound, light, electricity and other technological means to perfectly present more than 40 dream scenes such as Nuwa mending the sky, Chiyou's battlefield, birds paying homage to the phoenix, and Yu killing Xiangliu, allowing you to be immersed in the scene and enjoy a visual feast.Daguan · 15.4km from downtown
Huangguoshu Scenic Area
The Huangguoshu Scenic Area is located in Anshun, Guizhou, centered around the Huangguoshu Waterfall. Surrounded by deep gorges, dense vegetation, and dotted with limestone caves and stone forests, it is a typical karst landscape area. The waterfall's name originates from the locally abundant "Huangguoshu" (Ficus virens). Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake visited and documented this site, contributing to its fame. The scenic area primarily consists of three main sections: the Great Waterfall, Tianxing Bridge, and Doupotang. Most travelers follow the sequence of Doupotang, Tianxing Bridge, and finally the Great Waterfall, saving the most spectacular view for last. The grand waterfall has a drop of nearly 80 m and a width of over 100 m. The Baishui River plunges from the cliff top into Rhinoceros Pool, creating a vast mist. Multiple viewing platforms around it allow visitors to experience its grandeur, wonder, steepness, and beauty from different angles—above, below, front, back, left, and right. A particularly unique experience lies behind the waterfall: a 100 m long Water Curtain Cave runs horizontally through its midsection, featuring cave windows and halls. Reaching through a window, one can touch the cascading water. The cave served as the filming location for the Water Curtain Cave in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West. Due to the heavy humidity inside, bringing a raincoat in advance is recommended. Tianxing Bridge is renowned for its harmonious blend of rocks, water, trees, and caves—where rocks rise from the water, caves hide within rocks, and trees stand beside caves. The stepping stones along the path are engraved with dates, allowing travelers to find their own "birthday stone." The attraction is divided into upper and lower sections. Many travelers turn back after completing the upper section, missing the Silver Chain Waterfall in the lower part—where water cascades like silver chains into a funnel-shaped pool, the highlight of Tianxing Bridge. The Doupotang waterfall is located approx. 1 km upstream from the grand waterfall. With a width of over 100 m at its crest, the water spreads out smoothly like a beaded curtain. During the high-water season, its deep roar earns it the nickname "roaring waterfall." The scene of the four pilgrims leading their horse across the river in the 1986 TV series Journey to the West was filmed here. In summer and fall, the waterfalls are full and powerful, while in winter and spring, the flow becomes gentler, offering different viewing experiences. Nearby, visitors can also enjoy local snacks like sticky rice, love tofu, and Anshun spring rolls.China · Zhenning
Mount Emei
Mount Emei is one of the four famous mountains of Chinese Buddhism, and it is also the temple of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries in the mountains that combine to give this place a holy and serene atmosphere. The scenery in the mountains are beautiful. The four seasons each have their own characteristics. If you are lucky, you can see the sunrise and sea of clouds. Do note that the monkeys in Mount Emei are notoriously naughty. They are not afraid of people, and even take the initiative to ask tourists for food.China · Emeishan City
Leshan Giant Buddha
The Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as the Lingyun Giant Buddha, is situated on the cliff of Qiluan Peak on Lingyun Mountain at the confluence of the Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River in Leshan, Sichuan. It is a colossal seated stone statue of Maitreya carved during the Tang Dynasty, standing approx. 70 m tall, with a single instep spacious enough to accommodate over a hundred people. Legend has it that the turbulent waters at the confluence once frequently capsized passing boats. To calm the currents, the monk Haitong of Lingyun Temple initiated the carving of the Buddha. Over several generations, craftsmen continued the construction, which took approx. ninety years to complete. On the cliff to the right of the Buddha, an inscription from the Tang Dynasty titled "Jiazhou Lingyun Temple Great Maitreya Stone Statue" remains to this day, revealing its original name—the Great Maitreya Stone Statue of Jiazhou Lingyun Temple. The common route to visit the giant Buddha is to first arrive at Lingyun Temple beside the Buddha's head, then descend along the winding Jiuzhaigou plank road built against the cliff. View the Buddha's spiral hair buns and robe folds up close, and reach the platform at the Buddha's feet to look up at the full figure. Only then can one truly appreciate the grandeur of "a mountain being a Buddha, and a Buddha being a mountain." Lingyun Temple has continuous incense offerings, and many travelers also join their palms here to pray for blessings. For a different perspective, take a boat cruise or view from the riverside of Leshan ancient city: the continuous mountain outlines of Wuyou Mountain, Lingyun Mountain, and Guicheng Mountain resemble a giant reclining Buddha facing upward, with the grand Buddha seated precisely at its chest—creating the marvel of "Buddha within Buddha." The river view also captures the grand Buddha's full profile alongside the scenery of three rivers, making it especially effortless for travelers with limited stamina or those seeking panoramic shots.China · Leshan
Zhijin Cave Scenic Area
Zhijin Cave Scenic Area is a magnificent and uniquely shaped treasure trove of cave resources discovered in China. The cave is filled with various formations such as stalagmites, stone pillars, stone buds, and flagstones, creating a mesmerizing array of karst views. Since the entire attraction features a one-way walking route, visitors must complete the full journey upon entering. After exiting, they can take electric bikes back to the entrance. In the cave, you can admire various rock formations such as stalagmites, stone pillars, stone sprouts, and flagstones, creating diverse karst views. The cave passages crisscross in twists and turns, with stone peaks scattered throughout. The myriad of breathtaking scenes leaves visitors marveling at nature's craftsmanship.China · Zhijin
Loong Palace
Loong Palace attraction is located in the southern suburbs of Anshun, adjacent to Huangguoshu scenic area. It consists of three parts: the western Loong Palace central area featuring the essence of karst caves, the eastern Loong Palace scenic area - Xuantang showcasing pastoral scenery, and Qunfang valley - a small hilly area between them. There are various ways to explore Loong Palace: you can visit just the central area and return, take a boat tour followed by hiking through Qunfang valley before continuing by boat to Loong Palace scenic area - Xuantang, or explore in reverse order. During peak season like golden week when crowds are large, the reverse route is recommended to avoid long queues of group visitors. The central attraction of Loong Palace consists of two karst cave groups, with several cave halls connected by an underground river, collectively known as the first section.Loong PalaceHe'erjinLoong PalaceYou can only enter by boat, and it usually takes about half an hour to visit. Once inside,Loong PalaceStretching over 800 m, this section represents the essence of Loong Palace, featuring massive stalactites of diverse shapes that spark the imagination. The dim lighting inside may make photography challenging, so please take note. Qunfang valley is a hilly area where you can climb up and down amidst lush greenery while breathing fresh air - an exhilarating experience. Along the way, you'll encounter several karst caves including Yulong cave, Loong Palace scenic area - Guanyin cave, and Dizang hall. However, at Loong Palace scenic area - Guanyin cave, please note: if you're not a devout Buddhist, it's advisable not to touch anything or accept so-called "free incense" to avoid unexpected expenses.China · Anshun
Wumeng Grass Plain
Located in the north of Pan County, the Wumeng Grassland boasts a cool, comfortable climate that makes it a great summer retreat. Here, verdant grass stretches to the horizon, and you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities - horseback riding, archery, camping, barbecuing, and more - making it a great travel destination. Experience the beautiful life of the grasslands. In the morning, soak up the sun or take a horseback ride. At noon, come to an outdoor barbecue. Camp in the evening and view the stars and moon.China · Panzhou
Dazu Rock Carvings
The Dazu Rock Carvings in the Dazu District of Chongqing City is a world cultural heritage site. The Dazu Rock Carvings include Baoding Mountain, Beishan Mountain, Nanshan Mountain and others. Here, you can enjoy seeing the well-preserved stone carving art from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Among the many stone carving groups, the Baoding Mountain and Beishan Stone Carvings are the most famous. Baoding Mountain's “Picture of the six stages of reincarnation” and “Picture of the retribution for the ten deadly sins” are worth savoring in detail. The Buddha statues in Beishan Mountain include both the simplicity of the Tang Dynasty's sculpture and the beauty of the Song Dynasty's sculpture.China · Chongqing
Huajiang Canyon Bridge Tourism-Integrated Service Area
The Huajiang Canyon Bridge stands 625 m vertically above the river surface, serving as a benchmark cultural tourism landmark where Guizhou's super project deeply integrates with karst natural wonders. Leveraging the high bridge resources, the service area has created a mountain tourism destination combining high-altitude immersive sightseeing, bridge engineering education, and karst geological exploration. From a 625-meter cloud perspective, it unlocks the dual awe of China's bridge construction marvels and the canyon's hidden wonders. 1. Cloud ladder·fully transparent sightseeing elevator in bridge tower: Located in the south bridge tower (Zhenfeng side), it is a rare fully transparent sightseeing elevator built inside a high bridge tower in China. The elevator climbs steadily at a speed of 4 m per second, taking only 24 seconds to reach the second floor of the bridge tower approx. 625 m above the river. The fully transparent glass cabin provides an unobstructed vertical view. During the ascent, the lush vegetation at the valley bottom, the winding river in the canyon, the steel trusses of the bridge deck, and the towering structure at the tower top unfold layer by layer before your eyes. With a 100-meter abyss beneath your feet, the entire journey immerses you in the visual impact of soaring through the air. It is not only a popular "cloud ladder" check-in spot in the service area but also a step-by-step high-altitude experience. 2. Sky spine·box girder built-in sightseeing hall: A high-altitude view corridor built within the main box girder of the bridge, standing 625 m above the river surface, creating a unique sightseeing space inside the bridge. Walking through the "steel spine" of the bridge, one side features the intricate and robust steel truss structure, allowing close observation of suspension bridge components and appreciation of large-scale engineering wisdom. The other side offers panoramic windows to overlook the majestic Huajiang Grand Canyon, with rolling karst peaks and the river winding like an emerald ribbon through the mountains. The corridor also features bridge science exhibition points, providing an easy-to-understand guide on the construction process and technological breakthroughs of Guizhou's high bridges, combining sightseeing with educational insights. 3. Cloud walk·high-altitude glass hall: Located in the middle section of the box girder corridor, 625 m above the river surface, it is constructed with high-strength special laminated glass. Standing on the transparent glass floor, you can directly overlook the vast canyon abyss, with the Beipanjiang River valley and karst peak forest in full view. When clouds drift in, it feels like floating in a sea of clouds. The hall features a check-in observation deck, cultural and creative exhibition area, and high bridge post office, combining sightseeing, photography, and leisure experiences. It is the most iconic viral photo spot in the entire attraction. 4. Super project·Bridge wonder: The Huajiang Canyon Bridge itself is the core attraction of the service area, and it is also a prominent steel-truss suspension bridge with a remarkable span in China's mountainous regions. The two main towers stand on both sides of the canyon, with a km main span soaring across the sky. The two main cables bear a tensile force of tens of thousands of tons, showcasing the grandeur of a major national project. Whether viewed from afar or up close, one can feel the awe-inspiring transformation of "a natural chasm into a thoroughfare." It is a highly representative landmark in Guizhou's "Bridge Museum" and a recommended destination for engineering and photography enthusiasts.China · Zhenfeng
Free things to do in Daguan
The Huanglian River Scenic Area
Daguan · 3.9km from downtownBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeSanhaidong
Daguan · 15.4km from downtownBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeHuangguoshu Scenic Area
China · ZhenningBook now for tomorrowMount Emei
China · Emeishan CityBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeLeshan Giant Buddha
China · LeshanBook now for tomorrowZhijin Cave Scenic Area
China · ZhijinBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeLoong Palace
China · AnshunBook now for tomorrowWumeng Grass Plain
China · PanzhouDazu Rock Carvings
China · ChongqingBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytimeHuajiang Canyon Bridge Tourism-Integrated Service Area
China · ZhenfengBook now for tomorrow, Cancel anytime
What travellers say about Daguan
M29***2221 June 2026
5.0
It doesn't require much physical exertion, and you can reach all the checkpoints. The scenery is beautiful, with many waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. The air is incredibly rich in oxygen ions. You can take a water slide down the mountain. The price is reasonable, and it's just a few minutes to the parking lot at the scenic area entrance.
The Huanglian River Scenic Area
帝国统帅664 October 2025
4.0
Shanhai Cave, located in Shanggaoqiao Township, Daguan County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, was formerly known as Qinglong Cave. It is a karst cave formed by an underground river and stalactites. The cave's towering cliffs and golden stalactites create a unique karst landscape. It is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating natural scenery, historical culture, and leisure and entertainment.
Sanhaidong
某某公子17 October 2026
5.0
I'd heard so much about this scenic spot, and finally made the long journey to see it during the National Day holiday. Even after the rainy season, the water volume was still considerable, especially when you got close, the deafening sound of the water was truly impressive. The panoramic view from Doupotang was also fantastic. It was definitely worth the trip.
Huangguoshu Scenic Area
Lawrence KSC17 October 2026
5.0
A must-visit sightseeing destination near Chengdu! The entire area has a beautifully clean and nice environment with breathtakingly beautiful scenery as you walk up to the summit. It is an incredibly nice place to take photos, making it the perfect spot for a holiday that leaves you with nothing but good memories.
Mount Emei
_TI***r417 October 2026
5.0
A little too much commercialised as you can find a gift shop inside a temple or vending machine even at the foot of the Buddha where people stay in the queue and wait for a long time just to get there. But generally it's really worth your time and money. Don't skip Moruo Memorial Hall, it is the best view on Lingbao Pagoda from there.
Leshan Giant Buddha
程程for16 October 2026
4.0
The scenery is nice, but it gets monotonous after a while. Be prepared for a long walk, at least three hours. Halfway through the journey, everyone is basically just waiting to reach the exit; it's really tiring, with all the ups and downs. There's a small shop right outside the entrance, but the items aren't cheap. I suggest walking a little further out; there are plenty of food stalls there.
Zhijin Cave Scenic Area
shi***ng9 September 2026
5.0
It's worth a visit, though quite tiring; we probably took the easiest route. From the visitor center, take the sightseeing bus to the scenic area entrance, then walk one kilometer along the river to Longmen Waterfall. Take the elevator up, then walk 800 meters to Tianchi for the boat tour. Take the boat into the Dragon Palace twice, but don't get off at the second entrance (from there you have to walk an hour and a half to Xuantang). Return by boat to Tianchi, then walk to the scenic area exit, then another kilometer through Buyi Town to the sightseeing bus station. Take the sightseeing bus back to the visitor center. The whole trip takes about three and a half hours.
Loong Palace
元元子31613 October 2026
5.0
The Wumeng Grassland is definitely worth a visit. The grassland stretches as far as the eye can see, and there are many cattle and horses, making it a great place for children to play. However, the road to the exit is quite winding, so you need to drive carefully.
Wumeng Grass Plain
还好就是你15 October 2026
4.0
Not bad... (The rest of the text appears to be random characters and symbols, possibly a corrupted or incomplete string of characters.)
Dazu Rock Carvings
153***075 October 2026
5.0
We arrived at Huajiang Bridge in the afternoon. Although it was during the holiday, there was no congestion in either direction, and traffic flowed smoothly. There were queues to enter and exit parking lots 1 and 2. There's a bridge viewing platform at Yundu, and the Guanlan Restaurant offers excellent views. There's a water curtain light show at 8:30 PM and a drone show at 8:45 PM. The karst waterfall on the bridge is creative; the high bridge and cascading waterfall, illuminated day and night, create a beautiful scene.
Huajiang Canyon Bridge Tourism-Integrated Service Area
