Tianhe Pool Scenic Area
23 kilometers (14.3 miles) away from the southwest suburb of Guiyang in Guizhou Province, the Tianhe Pool Scenic Area combines waterfalls, crystal springs, deep pools, stone bridges, unusual caves, and strange rock formations. The Tianhe Pool Scenic Area is a typical Karst cave that features a stone curtain plus a great number of stalagmites, stalactites, and stone pillars. It occupies an area of 15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles). The scenic area is an outstanding tourist destination, full of beautiful natural scenery and cultural displays.
The Scenic Area was originally a large crypt, and the pool formed as water accumulated at the bottom. Full of clear rivers, hidden caves, silos, cliffs, and stone bridges, the area can be divided into three parts: the Water Cave, the Drought Cave, and the Outer Scenic Area.
The Water Cave is 1,000 meters (0.6 miles) long, 80 meters (262.5 feet) across at its widest, and 20 meters (65.6 feet) across at its narrowest. Boats are available to visit the water cave. Rowing a boat and enjoying the journey from the outside brightness to the inside darkness, and then returning to the sunshine, is a wonderful experience for tourists. An electric torch (flashlight) is recommended - the inside of the cave is rather dark. Outside, below the water cave, is Crouching Tiger Lake, where various farm equipments such as a water mill can be seen at a farmhouse. Caves and verdant vegetation can be seen everywhere.
Near the Water cave is the Drought Cave. Just in front of these two caves is a deep pool surrounded by crags. Drought Cave consists of three levels, and has a total length of 200 meters (656.2 feet). Of the three levels, the third one is the most breathtaking. Here, a stone bridge spans two cliffs. This is the so-called Naihe Bridge, under which is a seemingly bottomless pool. Right by the exit of the Drought Cave is a Miao (an ethnic minority of China) village. Tourists can experience a native Miao wedding there.
Transportation around Tianhe Pool Scenic Area is well developed. The scenic area is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away from Guiyang Longdong Bao International Airport, and six kilometers (3.7 miles) away from Guiyang Leizhuang International Airport. From Guiyang city, you can get to the Tianhe Pool Scenic Area by public bus or special line. In addition, for a more rustic experience you can take carriages pulled by horses or oxen to the scenic area.
Tianhe Pool Area is a great place for visitors from home and abroad to admire the pretty lakes, hills, caves, and the marvelous spectacle of the Karst peaks. It is a must-see attraction while visiting Guiyang.