Guiyang Travel Guide |

Overview

Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province in southwest China, is a hidden gem known as the "Forest City" and "Cool Guiyang." Located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at an elevation of 1,100 meters, this city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, ethnic diversity, and modern development. With its pleasant climate and strategic location, Guiyang serves as an ideal gateway to explore Guizhou's spectacular karst landscapes and fascinating minority cultures.

Quick Facts

Population: 3.5 million (urban area)
Elevation: 1,100 meters
Area: 8,034 square kilometers
Best For: Summer retreat, ethnic culture, karst landscapes, spicy cuisine

Top Attractions

1. Jiaxiu Tower (甲秀楼)

An iconic landmark of Guiyang, this elegant three-story pavilion stands on a large rock in the Nanming River. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it offers stunning views especially when illuminated at night.

2. Qingyan Ancient Town

Founded in 1378, this well-preserved ancient town features wonderful Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Don't miss trying the local rose-candy tea while exploring its stone-paved streets and ancient temples.

3. Qianling Mountain Park

A peaceful urban oasis featuring Buddhist temples, hiking trails, and resident monkeys. The park offers panoramic views of the city from its summit.

4. Cuiwei Garden

A large-scale complex of ancient buildings founded around 1488-1505, beautifully integrating Buddhist temples with traditional garden scenery.

5. Huaxi Park (Flower Stream Park)

Known as the "Back Garden of Guiyang," this scenic area features beautiful landscapes with streams, pavilions, and lush vegetation.

6. Baihua Lake and Red Maple Lake

These scenic lakes offer boat rides and stunning natural scenery, especially beautiful during autumn when the maple leaves turn red.

Food & Cuisine

Guiyang's cuisine is characterized by spicy and sour flavors, similar to Sichuan and Hunan styles but with unique local twists:

Must-Try Dishes:

Changwang Noodles: The city's most famous dish featuring spicy oil, pork intestines, and coagulated pig blood
Fish in Sour Soup: A Miao specialty with a distinctive sour and spicy flavor
Siwawa (丝娃娃): Thin flour wrappings filled with shredded vegetables and chili sauce
Huaxi Rice Noodles with Beef: A local breakfast favorite
Rice Tofu: Soft and smooth with various toppings
Glutinous Rice: Available in sweet, salty, sour, or spicy varieties

Food Streets:

North Ring Road
Erqi Road
Hequn Road
Bo'ai Road (great for late-night barbecue)

Transportation

Getting There:

By Air: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport connects to major cities including Seoul, Osaka, Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
By High-Speed Train: Direct connections to Chongqing, Chengdu, Kunming, Guilin, and other major cities
240-hour Visa-Free Transit: Available for eligible international travelers

Getting Around:

City Buses: Extensive network with improved loop lines
Metro: Growing subway system
Taxis: Readily available and affordable
Ride-hailing Apps: Didi is widely used

Best Time to Visit

Guiyang enjoys a subtropical humid climate with mild temperatures year-round:

Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, flowers blooming
Summer (June-August): Peak season, cool escape from heat elsewhere (avg 23°C/73°F)
Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, beautiful fall colors
Winter (December-February): Mild but can be damp

Recommended: April to October, with summer being especially popular as temperatures rarely exceed 30°C (86°F).

Shopping

What to Buy:

Ethnic handicrafts: Embroideries, costumes, silver jewelry
Maotai (Moutai) Rice Wine: China's famous liquor originates from Guizhou
Batik products: Traditional wax-resist dyeing crafts
Local teas: Including unique varieties from nearby tea plantations

Where to Shop:

Beijing Road
Zhonghua Road
Yan'an Road
Carrefour and Walmart for local products

Nightlife

Guiyang comes alive after dark with locals keeping late hours:

Jiaxiu Tower Area: Beautiful illumination and riverside walks
Shaanxi Road: Bar street with clubs and snack stalls
Night Markets: Erqi Road and Bo'ai Road for street food and barbecue
Cafés and Bookstores: Quiet options for coffee and reading

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions

Within 2-3 Hours:

Huangguoshu Waterfall (Anshun): China's largest waterfall
Xijiang Miao Village (Kaili): Largest Miao ethnic village
Dragon Palace Cave (Anshun): Spectacular underground river system
Zhijin Cave: Magnificent karst cave formations

Cultural Villages:

Various Miao, Dong, and Buyi villages offering authentic ethnic experiences
Traditional handicraft demonstrations
Folk performances and festivals

Practical Tips

Language: Mandarin is widely spoken, but English is limited. Have translation apps ready.
Weather: Pack layers and rain gear as weather can be changeable.
Spicy Food: If you're not used to spicy food, specify "不要辣" (bu yao la - not spicy) when ordering.
Cash: While mobile payments are common, carry some cash for small vendors.
Area Code: 0851

Festivals

Sisters' Meal Festival (March/April): Miao courtship festival with elaborate costumes
Dragon Boat Festival (June): Traditional races and celebrations
Lusheng Festival: Features traditional reed pipe performances

Modern Guiyang

Beyond its traditional attractions, Guiyang has emerged as China's "Big Data Valley" with major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft establishing data centers here. The city has experienced remarkable economic growth, ranking highest among Chinese provincial capitals in 2018.

Conclusion

Guiyang offers a unique travel experience combining natural beauty, ethnic diversity, delicious cuisine, and modern development. Whether you're using it as a gateway to Guizhou's stunning landscapes or exploring the city itself, Guiyang rewards visitors with its cool climate, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences. Plan at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate what this "Forest City" has to offer before venturing into the spectacular surrounding regions.¹²³⁴