Live Your Best Lives
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is located in central Guizhou and surrounded by mountains, earning it the nickname "mountain city." Midsummer in Guiyang is an ideal escape from the heat. The climate is pleasant, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C during the hottest months. The perfect blend of greenery and urban splendor not only imbues the city with a continuous lush greenery, but also creates a natural oxygen bar. Guizhou also boasts a week-long menu of breakfast options, street snacks like silk dumplings, love tofu cakes, and potato cakes, night market delicacies like boiled pork, barbecued meat, and grilled fish, and specialty dishes like sour soup fish and spicy chicken. Trying them all would require a significant stay.
Beyond its picturesque scenery and delicious food, Guiyang's other hallmark is its relaxed, carefree lifestyle. Life here is relaxed, free from the hectic pace of a metropolitan city. Elderly residents enjoy playing cards in parks and on the sidewalks, while working professionals frequently enjoy dining at the night markets. This laid-back, generous, and tolerant nature may be another hallmark of this city.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 15.3°C and an average annual relative humidity of 77%;
Summer is the best season to travel to Guiyang:
Guiyang's summers from June to August are pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C, making it a truly popular summer escape. The city is lush and green, and canyon rafting in the suburbs is thrilling and exciting, with ice cream and other summer treats available. However, since it's rainy season, be sure to bring rain gear.
Qingyan Ancient Town
Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, it boasts a wealth of well-preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's considered one of Guizhou's four great ancient towns, along with Zhenyuan, Bing'an, and Longli. Nestled on a mountainside, its walls are built of massive stones on the cliffs, with four gates located in the east, west, south, and north. The town's exquisite stone and wood carvings are a major attraction.
Qianling Mountain Park
Known as the "First Mountain in Southern Guizhou," Qianling Mountain Park boasts stunning mountains, picturesque waters, secluded forests, ancient temples, sacred springs, and fascinating monkeys. The Hongfu Temple atop the mountain is the largest Buddhist monastery in Guizhou and the first monastery there. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it is said to be highly effective for praying there. Macaques are particularly abundant at Hongfu Temple and along the trail leading down the mountain. Many tourists visit Qianling Mountain Park specifically to see these monkeys, who are kept free-range at the park.
Guiyang Huaxi National Urban Wetland Park
Also known as the Shili River Beach Scenic Area, located in Guiyang's Huaxi District, it is a scenic natural landscape. Entering the scenic area is like stepping into a paradise, with lush green trees, rivers, wet meadows, and rice paddies, all imbued with rural charm. In summer, the lotus paddies are particularly captivating. The scenic area boasts lush vegetation, offering opportunities for spring outings and mountain blossoms, summer festoons with lotus ponds, and autumn's vibrant golden rice paddies, perfect for photography.
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is known for its rich history and diverse ethnic culture. Historically, it has been an important military and cultural center. The city is significant for its role as a transportation hub linking southwestern China to other regions, and it is renowned for its unique blend of traditional Miao, Dong, and other ethnic cultures. The city is also famous for its picturesque landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and caves.
Guiyang is located in the southwest of China, in Guizhou Province. It is accessible by air through Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, which has domestic and international flights. By land, Guiyang is connected to other major cities in China via high-speed rail and buses. Within the city, you can use taxis, buses, or the metro to get around.
Most tourist attractions in Guiyang are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best time to visit is in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and rainy, while winter is cold and less popular for tourism.
The entrance fees for major attractions like Jiaxiu Tower, Qianling Park, and Hongfu Temple vary between 10-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the attractions, but it’s possible to buy tickets online through tourism websites or apps in advance to avoid queues.
For most attractions, it is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, especially during off-peak times. However, during peak seasons (holidays, weekends), booking tickets a day or two in advance is recommended to avoid waiting in long lines.
For Guiyang's key attractions, 2-3 days is sufficient to explore the major sites like Jiaxiu Tower, Qianling Park, and ethnic villages. If you plan to visit nearby scenic areas, you might need an additional day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some private tours offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides may be available at some attractions, but it's best to check in advance if you require one in English.
Some attractions, such as Jiaxiu Tower, offer night views, which can be a great opportunity for photography. Light shows are not common, but special cultural performances can be found at the Guiyang Ethnic Village, especially during festivals.
Guiyang is generally less crowded than other Chinese tourist destinations, but it can get busy during public holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
Most tourist sites in Guiyang are well-equipped with toilets, food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Major attractions like Qianling Park and Jiaxiu Tower have visitor centers with basic amenities like water and snacks.
Many of Guiyang’s attractions are accessible for children and elderly visitors. However, some areas, especially Qianling Park, may require walking on uneven terrain, which could be difficult for disabled visitors. It’s advisable to check with local providers for accessible options.
Cash is still widely accepted, but most places in Guiyang, especially major tourist attractions, accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay). Credit cards may be accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
There are plenty of local restaurants near the attractions offering Guizhou’s famous spicy cuisine, such as sour fish soup, rice noodles, and pickled vegetables. International cuisine is available in larger hotels and malls.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, particularly in restaurants that focus on local dishes. Halal food can be found in specific halal restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
Guiyang offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Popular hotels near the city center include the Sheraton Guiyang Hotel and Guiyang Parkview Hotel.
Souvenir shops around Guiyang offer traditional Guizhou crafts, including Miao embroidery, ethnic jewelry, and local tea. You can also find local snacks and specialty food items.
After visiting Guiyang, you can travel to nearby attractions by bus or train. Guiyang's high-speed rail station connects to many other cities in the region, and taxis are available for shorter distances. Buses also run to scenic spots like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Fanjing Mountain.
