Daqikong Scenic Area

Daqikong is part of a much larger outing: the ticket covers both Daqikong and Xiaoqikong, with a shuttle linking the scenic area’s main stops. That makes this a good way to see more than one corner of Libo’s karst scenery without arranging transport at every turn.

I like two things here: the 45-kilometer shuttle route takes the strain out of moving between far-flung sights, and the ticket is valid for two days, so you can give the area more time than a rushed day trip allows. The route also links very different stops, from waterfalls and forest paths to Yuanyang Lake and the old bridge.

The main caution is practical, not scenic: this is an admission and bus package, not a guided tour, and the real-name ticket rules are strict. Check every ID detail carefully, and leave time to exchange your voucher for a paper ticket before you start.

Key points to know before you go

• The ticket covers two areas: Daqikong and Xiaoqikong are included in one scenic-area admission.
• The shuttle route is about 45 kilometers: You must board and get off at designated stops, not wherever you please.
• You have two days to use the ticket: It allows unlimited rides during that validity period, starting with the first ticket check.
• Several popular activities cost extra: Boat rides at Yuanyang Lake and Daqikong, Wolongtan rafting, and Tianzhong Cave admission are not included.
• Plan for a long visit: The full Xiaoqikong scenic area takes about six to eight hours; the Daqikong portion alone is listed at three to five hours.
• The last entry is 4 pm: Attractions close earlier in the off season, so an afternoon arrival leaves little room to explore.

Daqikong is one part of a full-day scenic area

The name can make this sound like a single-attraction ticket. It is more useful to think of it as access to a connected natural area, with Daqikong at one end and Xiaoqikong’s bridge, waterfalls, forest, and lake stops along the shuttle route.

That distinction matters when you plan your day. The stated three-to-five-hour duration is a reasonable starting point for Daqikong, but a complete visit to Xiaoqikong takes roughly six to eight hours. If you want both areas, treat this as a substantial outing rather than a quick stop between other Guizhou sights.

The park bus is part of the package, not an optional extra. Its circular route runs between the East Gate, Daqikong, Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, 68-level Waterfall, Water Forest, Cuigu Waterfall, Yuanyang Lake, Wolongtan, and the West Gate. That connection saves a great deal of walking between distant stops, although you still need to explore each stop on foot.

Following the bus route from Daqikong to Xiaoqikong

Daqikong is the first named scenic stop after the East Gate on the listed route. You can make it the focus of a shorter visit, or continue along the circuit toward Xiaoqikong’s better-known bridge, waterfalls, forest, and lake. A boat ride in Daqikong is available for an extra charge, but the package does not include it.

The route’s named stops give you a useful sense of the day’s variety. At Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, you reach the area’s historic landmark. The 68-level Waterfall and Cuigu Waterfall make water the main event, while Water Forest offers a different kind of stop among wooded paths and water. The names are good reminders that this is not one viewpoint with a few nearby photo stops; moving around is part of the visit.

Yuanyang Lake is another key stop, and it stays open until 6 pm in peak season, half an hour later than the other core attractions. Boat rides there are paid separately. Wolongtan also offers an extra-cost rafting option, so bring enough time and budget if you want to add activities beyond the included admission and bus.

The shuttle’s circular connections make it possible to adapt your route, but they do not mean you can get on or off anywhere you like. You must use the designated stations, and the bus does not make unofficial stops between them. Keep track of where you are and where you want to go next, especially if you are trying to reach a particular attraction before closing.

Choosing your direction and pace

The park’s suggested route is from the West Gate toward the East Gate, described as a downhill direction that can save effort. That can be a useful choice if you plan to cover much of the scenic area on foot. The shuttle itself serves both gates and all listed stations, so check your arrival point and transport plans before settling on a direction.

A two-day validity period is a real advantage here. It gives you the option to split a long visit, revisit a stop, or avoid trying to see every attraction at a hurried pace. The ticket is valid for unlimited shuttle rides during its two-day window, which is more forgiving than paying for each ride separately.

Still, the clock at the park gates matters. Opening begins at 8 am, and the latest admission and ticket sales time is 4 pm in both peak and off-peak seasons. Core attractions generally close at 5:30 pm from March through November, with Yuanyang Lake open until 6 pm. From December through February, they close at 5 pm, subject to the park’s daily announcement.

Arriving early gives you more room to travel between stops and walk the trails without racing the closing time. During peak season and holidays, crowds increase; booking at least 10 days ahead and choosing an early entry slot are suggested ways to avoid the busiest periods. The first shuttle arrival and actual queue conditions are not specified, so do not build a tight schedule around an assumed bus frequency.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The adult package is listed from US$28.49 and includes scenic-area admission, a round-trip sightseeing-bus ticket with circular service, and personal accident insurance. A separate starting price of US$13.69 is also shown for the activity, so do not assume that figure buys the same adult package. Check the selected package and date before paying.

For a large site with roughly 45 kilometers of internal transport, combining admission and the shuttle is practical value. The bus is essential for moving between the distant stations, and unlimited rides over two days give you flexibility. If you are planning to visit several stops, this package is more useful than admission alone.

The extras can change your total. Boat rides at Yuanyang Lake and Daqikong, rafting at Wolongtan, and entry to Tianzhong Cave are all self-funded. You can choose whether to pay for them on site, which is helpful if you would rather decide after seeing how much time and energy you have.

A preferential package is available for eligible children and seniors, but the supplied details do not give its price or exact qualification rules. Confirm those terms before booking rather than assuming the adult rate or discount applies.

Tickets, ID checks, and getting to the gates

This is a real-name booking. Each valid ID is limited to one ticket per use date, and the name and document number entered at booking must match the original travel document exactly. Bring that original document, such as your passport or Hong Kong and Macau travel permit, to the East Gate or West Gate tourist center and exchange the reservation for a paper ticket.

The exchange detail is easy to miss. You do not simply show the booking voucher and walk straight onto the bus: you need the paper ticket issued at the gate’s tourist center. Because a ticket redemption can be held up by an ID-number check, allow time for the exchange and double-check your information before booking. A note also says time-slot divisions do not apply to Hong Kong and Macau residents; confirm the relevant entry instructions for your own document.

If you are driving, the scenic area has parking lots at both the East Gate and West Gate. Parking is charged by the hour, and a shuttle runs between the parking lots and ticket gates. From Guiyang, the stated drive is about three and a half hours via the Xiarong and Sanli expressways; the stated drive from Chengdu is about eight hours.

By rail, you can travel to Libo Station. Bus routes 11 and 13 are listed as direct options to the East Gate for 5 yuan per person, while a scenic-area shuttle or taxi to either gate takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The supplied transit details focus on the East Gate for the public bus, so check your onward route if you plan to start at the West Gate.

Shoes, weather, and trail safety

Expect steps and wet sections. Non-slip walking shoes or wading shoes are recommended, and the park warns that some surfaces can be slippery. Water levels and conditions can change, especially in the rainy or flood season, when parts of the area may be temporarily controlled.

Guizhou’s subtropical monsoon climate can bring changeable weather. Check the forecast, carry sun and rain protection, and consider a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. A disposable raincoat may be useful in high-water season; a charged phone, power bank, waterproof phone pouch, water, and a few snacks are sensible too. Food stops are not evenly spread throughout the area.

Follow marked routes and staff instructions. Some areas are closed for ecological protection, and entering undeveloped zones for hiking, climbing, canyoning, or camping is prohibited. Drones are also restricted: flights require prior registration, and flying is forbidden in crowded areas, near core attractions and facilities, and in no-fly zones. For emergencies, the scenic area lists 0854-3561176 as its rescue number.

Who will get the most from this visit?

This works well for you if you want a full day among waterfalls, forest, lake, and karst scenery, and are comfortable walking between stops after the bus drops you off. It is also a practical fit if you would rather handle transport within the park with one included shuttle ticket than arrange separate rides.

Families and older visitors may appreciate the bus, but the bus does not remove the need to manage steps, slippery paths, and water sections. Children and seniors should be accompanied, and anyone with limited mobility should plan conservatively because no accessibility details are provided.

If you only want to see Daqikong, the three-to-five-hour estimate may suit a shorter visit. If you want the full Xiaoqikong circuit as well, give it most of a day or use the ticket’s two-day validity. The extra time is not a luxury when closing hours, shuttle connections, and walking all have to fit together.

Should you book this ticket?

Book it if you plan to visit more than one stop and value the included shuttle, or if you want the option to spread the outing over two days. Before paying, confirm that you are selecting the adult admission-and-bus package, check the price for your date, and enter your ID details exactly as shown on your document.

Skip it, or choose another arrangement, if you want a guided tour: no guide is included. And if you have only a few hours, decide whether Daqikong alone or the wider Xiaoqikong circuit matters more to you. The park is large enough that trying to do everything after a late start is a poor bargain.

FAQ

How long should I allow for Daqikong and Xiaoqikong?

The Daqikong activity is listed at three to five hours. A full tour of Xiaoqikong Scenic Area takes about six to eight hours, so allow most of a day if you plan to see both areas.

Does the ticket include the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area?

Yes. The package includes Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area admission, including Daqikong, plus the scenic-area sightseeing bus and personal accident insurance.

Is the sightseeing bus included?

Yes. The package includes a round-trip sightseeing-bus ticket with circular shuttle service to the listed stations in Daqikong and Xiaoqikong. The route is about 45 kilometers, and you may board and get off only at designated stops.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for two days from its first verification. It allows unlimited sightseeing-bus rides during that period.

Are boat rides and rafting included?

No. Boat rides at Yuanyang Lake and Daqikong, rafting at Wolongtan, and admission to Tianzhong Cave cost extra and can be purchased on site.

What time does the scenic area open, and when is the last entry?

The scenic area opens at 8 am. The latest admission and ticket sales time is 4 pm in both peak and off-peak seasons.

What should I bring to exchange the ticket?

Bring the original travel document used for the real-name booking, such as a passport or Hong Kong and Macau travel permit. The name and ID number on the booking must match the document, and you need to exchange the reservation for a paper ticket at the East Gate or West Gate tourist center.

Can I reach the scenic area by public transportation?

From Libo Station, bus routes 11 and 13 are listed as going to the East Gate for 5 yuan per person. A scenic-area shuttle or taxi to the East Gate or West Gate takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation is free more than 24 hours in advance. A cancellation within 24 hours incurs a 30% handling fee; same-day or expired unused tickets incur a 100% fee, and tickets already used for entry are non-refundable.