Sandu Travel Guide

Area: 2,400 sq km (927 sq mi)
Zip Code: 558100
Area Code: 0854
Nationalities: Shui, Miao, Yao, Zhuang, Dong, Hui, Yi, Li, Dongxiang

Sandu, the only Autonomous County of the Shui Nationality in China, is located in the southeast of Qiannan Miao and Buyi Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It neighbours Rongjiang in the east and is about 230 km (approximately 143 miles) from Guiyang City. 

Physical Features: Sandu is located in the southeast of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with an altitude of 500 - 1,000 meters (1,640 - 3,280 feet). Most of the area is covered with mountains and hills, where rivers and streams intersect. 

Products: woods, Jiuqian Wine, Jiuqian Plum, dry red pepper, Xixiang Snow Pear, Wotun mandarin orange, navel orange, Chinese grapefruit, Zhouqin figure cloth, bamboo coach, horsetail embroidery of Shui Nationality, black fungus, bamboo shoot, mushroom, tea, and peanut. 

Local Highlights: The traditional culture and custom of the Shui people are the highlight in Sandu. Shui people have their own language, written words, and calender. For Shui people, the biggest festival is the Duan Festival, which is as important as the Spring Festival to the Han people. The earliest Duan Festival was between late August and early October in the Chinese Lunar Calender. Later the Shui people changed the festival to November of Chinese Lunar Calender. During the Duan Festival, Shui people visit friends and relatives, and hold all kinds of ceremonies.

 Climate
Sandu County has a subtropical monsoon climate, which features a long summer and a short winter, and the climate is mild with an average annual temperature of 18°C (64.4°F).

 Attractions
Attractions in Sandu are known for the beautiful landscape and unique culture of Shui nationality. If you visit Sandu during festivals, you will be impressed by all kinds of ceremonies, such as singing and dancing. Famous attractions in Sandu are: Yaoren Mountain National Forest Park, Douliujiang River Scenic Area, Zhonghe Waterfall, Tangzhou Xianren Bridge, the Stone Barometer, Egg Laying Cliff, Dujiang Ancient Town, and Yangfu Tombs. 

 Transportation
Visitors from Guiyang can go to Guiyang Long-distance Bus Station to take the coaches to Sandu. Coaches depart at 06:30, 07:20, 08:10, 09:00, 10:40, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 and 17:00. The journey takes around 5 hours and costs CNY 35-79 according to the type of coach taken. In Sandu County, taxies are available. 

 Travel Tips
In Sandu, there are many minority groups with distinct customs. When touring in Sandu, please show respect for the local customs and life styles.