Known as "China's Cool City" for its pleasantly mild summer climate, Liupanshui offers dramatic karst landscapes, ethnic minority culture, and a fascinating coal-industry heritage.
Liupanshui, located in the western part of Guizhou Province, has earned the well-deserved nickname "China's Cool City" (Zhongguo Liangdu). While much of southern China swelters in summer heat, Liupanshui enjoys average July temperatures of just 19.7°C, making it a perfect summer escape. The name Liupanshui combines the names of three former counties — Liuzhi, Panxian, and Shuicheng — reflecting the city's origins as a coal-mining region. For decades, it was known primarily as a coal and steel centre. Today, the city is reinventing itself as a destination for eco-tourism and summer retreats. The surrounding landscape is classic Guizhou karst — dramatic limestone peaks rising from green valleys, underground rivers, and caves. Yushe National Forest Park offers some of the region's most accessible natural beauty, with cable cars, hiking trails, and sweeping mountain views. Liupanshui is also home to significant ethnic minority communities. Miao, Yi, and Buyi villages dot the countryside, each with their own unique festivals, costumes, and culinary traditions. The annual Torch Festival of the Yi people is particularly spectacular.
Liupanshui's history as a major settlement began with the discovery of coal deposits in the early 20th century. Large-scale mining started in the 1960s, and the city was formally established in 1978 as a prefecture-level city. The coal industry drove rapid urbanisation, transforming small mountain towns into an industrial centre. Liupanshui became one of China's key coal producers, supplying energy to industries across southern China. In the 2010s, as China prioritised environmental protection, Liupanshui began a difficult but necessary transition. The city invested in tourism infrastructure, environmental remediation, and green industries. The "Cool City" brand was developed to attract summer tourists. Today, Liupanshui is a model of post-industrial transformation in mountainous western China.
Liupanshui's economy was historically dominated by coal mining and steel production. The Panzhihua Steel and Liupanshui Coal Industry were major state-owned enterprises. Economic diversification is underway. Tourism is the fastest-growing sector, with the "Cool City" summer tourism brand attracting millions of visitors. The Liupanshui Summer Marathon and other events promote the city's pleasant climate. Modern manufacturing, new energy, and agricultural processing are emerging sectors. Local products including kiwi fruit, tea, and traditional medicine are gaining market recognition.
Discover the culinary treasures of Liupanshui, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Liupanshui Yuezhao Airport has flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
Liupanshui Station serves the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway, reaching Guiyang in 1 hour and Kunming in 1.5 hours.
City buses and long-distance buses connect tourist attractions. Taxis are available.
Available throughout the city
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