R
ising from a landscape of mist-shrouded peaks, cascading waterfalls and ancient villages, the mountainous province of Guizhou in southwest China is an intriguing destination.
Long known for its dramatic karst mountains and rich ethnic heritage, it offers a tapestry of experiences, from visiting sacred summits like Fanjing Mountain to centuries-old towns where traditions are still vividly alive – and playing basketball deep inside a cave in Heishui town in Yanhe Tujia autonomous county, which was among the most memorable experiences for a group of international journalists who visited Guizhou recently.
Imagine a basketball court constructed inside a massive limestone cavern (known as Fengming Cave) nestled within Yanhe Tujia’s karst mountains along the Wujiang River. Its towering limestone formations and year-round cool temperatures create an ideal setting for an extraordinary sports venue.
The journalists were even invited to play a few friendly matches with the local villagers, who proved to be formidable players and kept the visitors on their toes.
Yanhe Tujia’s “cave basketball” started as a grassroots initiative supported by the local community, and has since evolved into an attraction, drawing teams and spectators from various regions.
It is, indeed, an innovative approach to rural development, combining sports, tourism and natural resources to generate economic and social benefits for the locals.
A basketball match takes place inside a natural karst cave in Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County, Guizhou, showcasing the province’s unique blend of sports and tourism.
The Guizhou visit took place under the ‘China Storyteller Partnerships: Explore Colourful Guizhou’ programme, held from March 27 to 31 and organised by China’s English-language newspaper ‘China Daily’.
The programme had 38 participants, comprising 15 international journalists, including this writer, and content creators; and representatives from ‘China Daily’, relevant provincial departments and major provincial media organisations.
They were taken on a curated journey across the cities of Tongren and Guiyang – the capital of Guizhou province – and the surrounding areas, allowing them to witness how the province is transforming its natural and cultural assets into compelling global narratives.
STUNNING LANDSCAPES
Guizhou’s defining feature is its dramatic and diverse landscapes, with mountains and hills covering the vast majority of the land.
Among the most iconic sites is the 2,570-metre-high Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage area known for its exceptional biodiversity, located in the northeastern part of the province.
The writer (third from left) with fellow international journalists in front of the Red Clouds Golden Summit at Fanjing Mountain during the China Storyteller Partnerships programme.
The mountain’s iconic Red Clouds Golden Summit (situated at an altitude of 2,336 metres) can be reached via a scenic 15-minute cable car ride, followed by a 45-minute to one-hour hike.
The trek itself is rather challenging, marked by steep inclines and narrow stone steps, particularly along the final stretch leading to the Golden Summit. However, the path is well-maintained, with railings in place for added safety. Those who make the ascent are richly rewarded with sweeping panoramic views, mist-draped peaks and dramatic rock formations, including the famed Mushroom Rock.
The Fanjing Mountain site also reflects China’s strong emphasis on environmental conservation, with measures in place to ensure that tourism development is balanced with the protection of its fragile ecosystems.
MATCHA INDUSTRY
Guizhou is also gaining recognition for its agricultural transformation, particularly in the matcha (finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves) industry.
Jiangkou county, located in Tongren, has emerged as a leading centre for high-quality matcha production, supported by expansive plantations and advanced processing facilities. The region’s matcha products are now exported to numerous countries.
The writer and fellow international journalists experience traditional matcha-making during a visit to Jiangkou County.
The integration of modern technology with traditional tea cultivation methods has enhanced both productivity and quality, positioning Guizhou as a competitive player in the global matcha industry.
The industry has also provided stable income opportunities for the local farmers, contributing to broader efforts in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation.
Guizhou also has its share of historical sites. At the Zhongnanmen Historical and Cultural Tourist Area in Tongren, centuries-old architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties has been carefully preserved, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
The area features a network of ancient buildings, courtyards and narrow lanes, and comes alive in the evening with cultural performances and light displays, transforming it into a vibrant hub while retaining its historical charm.
The programme participants were also taken to Lizhi gorge, a key attraction within Guizhou’s ecotourism portfolio. Situated along the Wujiang River, the gorge stretches across a picturesque landscape of cliffs, waterfalls and emerald waters, offering visitors a tranquil yet awe-inspiring experience.
Beyond its visual appeal, the area also carries cultural significance, with local legends adding depth to the visitor experience.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMS STORYTELLING
In Guiyang city, the delegation explored the Long March Cultural Digital Art Museum, an immersive digital art museum. It utilises advanced technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and interactive displays to present historical narratives in a more engaging format.
Rather than relying solely on traditional exhibitions, the immersive experience allows visitors to “walk through” key moments in history, offering a multi-sensory approach to learning.
The delegation visits the Long March Cultural Digital Art Museum.
Guiyang itself stands as a testament to Guizhou’s rapid development and urban transformation. Known for its cool climate, the city has evolved into a vibrant centre that combines natural landscapes with modern amenities.
From the historic ancient town of Qingyan to the lively Qingyun market, Guiyang offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to both traditional and contemporary interests.
Once considered relatively remote, Guizhou province’s transformation has been supported by significant improvements in infrastructure, including extensive networks of expressways and high-speed rail connectivity.
This enhanced connectivity has played a crucial role in supporting tourism growth, economic development and regional integration.
