Nestled in Xingyi City, Qianxinan Prefecture of Guizhou Province, China, at the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi provinces, Maling River Gorge is a national 4A-level scenic spot and the core zone of Xingyi Global Geopark, famed as "the most beautiful scar on Earth". Unlike ordinary river valleys, it is a giant karst fissure carved by orogenic movements and water erosion over millions of years. Stretching 74.8 kilometers in total, the gorge reaches a maximum depth of 500 meters and narrows to merely 50 meters at its thinnest point. Rarely located on the outskirts of a city, it boasts convenient transportation and mild weather all year round, boasting great value for geological research and sightseeing.
The gorge’s most breathtaking sight lies in its densely clustered waterfalls, known for the unique spectacle of "72 waterfalls converging in one gorge". Within just 1.7 kilometers of its highlight section, Star Gallery, stand more than 20 waterfalls each towering over 100 meters. From May to September during the wet season, hundreds of streams cascade down the cliffs on both sides. The surging Ten-Thousand Steeds Waterfall spans over 100 meters wide with a drop of nearly 180 meters, its thunderous roar echoing through the valley. In contrast, the Pearl Waterfall spills down like scattered jade. The two waterfalls, one powerful and one gentle, set off each other beautifully, and rainbows often emerge amid rising mist.
Rich in calcium carbonate, the Maling River has deposited minerals onto the cliff faces over millions of years as water plunges down, forming travertine wall formations covering over 300,000 square meters — a rare geological wonder worldwide. Layered and flowing gracefully, the travertine formations resemble ganoderma lucidum, flying birds and draped curtains, forming a three-dimensional relief gallery carved by nature itself. Walkways run along the cliffs, allowing visitors to get close to the stacked travertine. Hanging green bamboo and interconnected karst caves dot the route, offering distinct views at every turn with rich layered scenery.
Reputed as "China’s No.1 Rafting Spot", it is the country’s unique destination for fissure gorge rafting. The main rafting route extends more than 50 kilometers with a natural drop of over 200 meters, passing over 80 rapids and dozens of deep pools. Rubber boats glide between sheer cliffs and plunging waterfalls. Visitors can thrill to rushing rapids while gazing up at cascades and travertine walls up close. The river unfolds shifting mountain and river vistas, blending sightseeing with outdoor adventure. The optimal rafting season runs from May to October each year.
The gorge preserves intact ecosystems blanketed with ancient trees and twisting vines, dotted with karst caves and clear springs, serving as a habitat for rare flora and fauna native to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Beyond natural scenery, ancient Buyi villages, post roads and stone bridges line the river valley, brimming with the distinctive culture of China’s southwest ethnic minorities. Combining grandeur, wonder, peril, grace and serenity, the gorge delivers both magnificent geological landscapes and tranquil, lively brookside views. It is an all-round scenic destination integrating natural aesthetics, geological science popularization and leisure travel.
