As a landlocked province, Guizhou has maintained a low profile for centuries. Even for me, a native, my knowledge about Guizhou seems to have also been blocked by the mountains. Until l walked out from my cozy zone and tried to know more about my motherland, I found it's like opening a gift box full of surprises.

Huangguoshu Waterfall is a must see natural site in Guizhou. As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, the roar of the water can be heard miles away. When I was little, it was the only thing I knew and was proud of for my homeland. 

However, Guizhou has more surprises than that.

Sitting in the southwest of China, Guizhou is located at an average altitude of around 1,100 meters above sea level. It is said that 80 percent of the land is mountains, 10 percent is water, and 10 percent is farmlands. The description might not be that accurate but can simplify the geographic feature of Guizhou: a mountainous province.

One of the famous ones is Mount Fanjing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a hub of biodiversity and home of the gray snub-nosed monkeys.

The highest point of Guizhou is called Jiucaiping at an altitude of 2,900 meters. Jiucaiping literately means leek terrace, and is the world's largest area of wild leek fields and the country's only protection area of wild leek flowers. Beneath the ocean of flowers are Triassic fossils of marine life, such as the Ichthyosaur.

Besides the world's largest wild leek fields, Guizhou also has the world's largest natural azalea forest in the Baili Azalea Forest Park. During the flowering season, 42 species of rhododendron with different colors and shapes are swaying on the mountains.

Being away from home for two years has helped me notice the changes in the province. Except for the growing economy, I can see that environmental protection and conservation has been put in the priority. 

Cities such as Liupanshui have successfully transferred from industrial cities into ecological tourist cities. Just by walking in the Minghu Wetland Park a few days ago, I saw more waterbirds than before. Herons, waterhens and common coot have settled their new homes in the wetland inside the city. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing my hometown getting better and better to live in.

About Nostalgic Nature

"Nostalgic Nature" is a series of articles about nature in different provinces and regions in China.

For more: 

Nostalgic Nature: Jiangsu, a province shaped by water

Nostalgic Nature: Ningxia, a hidden jewel in NW China

Nostalgic Nature: Shandong, a nice place to grow up in

Nostalgic nature: Guangdong, where there's more than meets the eye

(Cover designed by CGTN's Yin Yating)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)