Welcome to Liupanshui, a cool and captivating city located in the western region of Guizhou province, China. The city’s name is derived from the first character of its three constituent counties: Liuzhi, Panzhou, and Shuicheng. Liupanshui covers an expansive area of 9,926 square kilometers and has a population of over 2.8 million people as of 2006. Although only a small portion of this population lives in urban areas, Liupanshui is still considered the second-largest city in the province. The city’s nickname, ‘The Cool City’ or ‘Cool Capital,’ comes from its low average summer temperature, making it a comfortable destination to visit year-round.
Liupanshui is a city steeped in history that is worth exploring. It was established in 1978 as a prefecture-level municipality and is the seat of the historic Yelang political entity, a confederation of tribes that once dominated parts of modern-day Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces.
The city is divided into several county-level jurisdictions, including Zhongshan District, Shuicheng District, Liuzhi Special District, and Panzhou City. Visitors to Liupanshui can admire the rich and diverse ethnic groups that reside in the city, such as the Bai and the Gelao people.
Liupanshui is a major rail hub in southwestern China, served by several railways such as the Shanghai-Kunming, Liupanshui-Baiguo, and Neijiang-Kunming. The city is also home to Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport, offering domestic flights to several major cities in China.
Tourism in Liupanshui is centered around minority folk culture and karst landform tourism. Visitors can explore the underground lake in Qilin Cave Park, Danxia Mountain, and Yushe National Park. The Jiucai Ping Scenic Zone in Yushe National Park offers stunning views of the tallest mountain in Guizhou Province and hosts the annual Jiucai Festival, celebrating the traditional deity of strong-smelling herbs. Other attractions include the Tiansheng Bridge, the Shuicheng Francoiss Leaf Monkey Nature Reserve, and many more.
In addition to offering rich cultural experiences, Liupanshui also boasts delicious local cuisine. Visitors can savor the taste of lamb rice noodles, or Yangrou Fen, and fried potatoes, known locally as Luoguo Yangyu. These dishes are just a small sample of the many culinary delights that Liupanshui has to offer.
Come experience the magic of Liupanshui, where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable travel destination.