AS cross-province group tourism resumes in China, the 648km Chengdu-Guiyang high-speed rail line that was recently put into service once again becomes popular, as it connects 26 national 5A tourist attractions and 386 national 4A scenic spots, including Huangguoshu Waterfalls, Baili Azalea, Emei Mountain and Leshan Giant Buddha. It’s the most magnificent high-speed rail in China, which travels from the Sichuan Basin at 240 meters above sea level to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at 2,400 meters above sea level. The rail line is the first high-speed rail for tourism in China which connects three provinces: Sichuan, Yunan and Guizhou. Yibin, an intoxicating city Located at the intersection of the Jinsha, Minjiang and Yangtze rivers, Yibin is reputed as “the first city of the Yangtze River,” “China’s capital of liquor” and “China’s capital of bamboo.” Bestowed with a profound cultural heritage, it’s home to the renowned Chinese baijiu liquor Wuliangye, which is made from proso millet, glutinous rice, long-grain rice and wheat, and is also home to the mouth-watering Yibin burning noodles. The stunning Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea and spectacular Xingwen Global Geopark are also located here. As the “First 4A Class Tourist Attraction,” the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea was made famous worldwide by Ang Lee thanks to the movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Literally a world of different types of bamboo trees covering over 500 hills, the forest stretches as far as the eye can see and fills the air with the fragrance of bamboo. With an altitude ranging from 389-1,795 meters, Xingwen Global Geopark is part of the transitional zone of the Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Across the geopark, limestones of different ages are widely distributed. The so-called Xingwen-type karst landform is unique to the area’s particular geography, geology, climate and environment. Once you arrive in Yibin, don’t forget to check out Lizhuang Ancient Town, which was built during the Ming Dynasty (1369-1644). The ancient town contains numerous preserved old streets and historic structures, including palaces and temples in classical styles, traditional courtyards, and narrow streets paved with blue stones. When you have time, do go to Yibin to get drunk by the intoxicating liquor and scenery. Zhaotong, one of the most mysterious places in Yunnan The operation of high-speed railway stations of Weixin County and Zhen-xiong County means Zhaotong in the northeast of Yunnan has entered the era of high-speed railway. Zhaotong, also known as Qiucheng, always enjoys the nickname of “l(fā)ittle Kunming.” It was an important passage for the movement of Central Plain culture into Yunnan as well as one of the three birthplaces of Yunnan culture, besides Dali and Kunming. Here you will find the most beautiful creature in winter — Grus nigricollis, the black necked crane — and the mysterious hanging coffins. In Zhaotong, there is a place with an earthy name which is called Dashanbao (literally “a huge mountain bag”). However, the scenery here is so beautiful that there is always something to touch your heart, be it the Grus nigricollis that spend the winter here, the Jigong Mountain grand canyon with stunning views, the gorgeous grass sea, or the time-honored and unaffected village. The Dousha Ancient Town in Zhaotong is a welcoming place that enjoys ancient paths, waterways, national highways, railway and high-speed railway. With a history of more than 2,200 years, Dousha Ancient Town is one of the important ancient passages linking Yunnan and Central China as early as the 3rd century B.C. The hanging coffins of Bo People still remain a mystery. Bo People disappeared in the mid and late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), leaving behind only the hanging coffins and cliff paintings. How they managed to place the coffins on the cliff is still unknown to us. Bijie, kingdom of karst caves and ocean of flowers When you come to Bijie, one thing you definitely should not miss is the karst caves. Bijie is home to over 2,000 karst caves, among which Zhijin Cave and Guanyin Cave are quite famous. Another must-do in Bijie is to indulge yourself in the flower sea, whether it’s the 100-mile rhododendron flower sea or the wild Chinese chives sea at the Weining grass sea. In spring, Bijie turns into a colorful flower world full of rhododendron flowers. In summer, it becomes a summer resort with temperatures reaching only 22 degrees Celsius. In autumn, it is a poetic city with idyllic scenery. And in winter, it’s a warm paradise for migrant birds. (Chen Xiaochun) | 