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Travel across China, discover the most beautiful and colorful Guizhou
Guizhou Province is located in the southeastern part of southwest China, bordering Hunan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan and Chongqing on all four sides. Its capital is Guiyang.
Guizhou's terrain is dominated by plateaus and mountains, earning it the nickname "eight parts mountains, one part water, and one part farmland." It is the only province in China without any plains. Guizhou boasts beautiful, pristine, and picturesque scenery, boasting one of the most typical karst landforms in the world, boasting the most vibrant and colorful karst landscapes. Famous attractions include Huangguoshu Waterfall, Chishui Danxia, Zhijin Cave, Hongfeng Lake Scenic Area, Fanjing Mountain, and the Zunyi Meeting Site.
Subtropical humid monsoon climate, best in spring and autumn
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village
Enjoy Miao song and dance performances and experience Miao culture at the Lusheng (Lusheng) Field, China's largest Miao village. Composed of more than ten naturally built villages nestled against the mountain, it's the largest Miao settlement in China and perhaps even the world. At the end of the village lies a bucolic landscape of neatly arranged terraced fields, creating a breathtaking scene.
Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in China and Asia, is also one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Six observation platforms offer stunning views of the waterfall from above, below, front, back, left, and right. Its scenic areas, including the Water Curtain Cave and the Doupotang, were filming locations for the 1986 TV series "Journey to the West."
Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
This pristine wonderland, a blend of mountains, water, forests, caves, lakes, and waterfalls, has earned the reputation of a "super bonsai." Located amidst peaks over 30 kilometers south of Libo County, the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area derives its name from the seven-arch bluestone bridge spanning the Xiangshui River. The scenic area, a blend of mountains, water, forests, caves, lakes, and waterfalls, is beautiful and tranquil, imbued with the rich customs of the Tujia and Yao ethnic groups.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan, the oldest city on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, boasts a panoramic view of the ancient city and the Wuyang River from Yuping Mountain. Established as a county in the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty, Zhenyuan boasts a history of over 2,200 years, making it the oldest city on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The Wuyang River, Zhenyuan's mother river, flows through the city in an S-shaped pattern, forming the Bagua diagram, earning it the nickname Bagua Ancient Town.
Guizhou has a long history as a meeting point of various ethnic cultures in southwest China. It is known for its diverse ethnic minority heritage, including Miao, Dong, and Buyi communities, and its significance lies in its cultural diversity, traditional festivals, and stunning natural landscapes. Historically, it was part of important trade routes and played a role in cultural exchanges between inland China and Southeast Asia.
Guizhou Province is located in southwest China, bordered by Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Hunan, and Chongqing. The capital, Guiyang, is the main entry point. You can reach Guizhou by flight to Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, by high-speed train from major Chinese cities, or by long-distance bus. Within the province, buses, taxis, and high-speed trains connect major attractions.
For popular attractions like Fanjing Mountain and during major holidays, it is recommended to book at least a few days in advance online. For smaller villages, same-day tickets are usually fine.
Most attractions offer half-price tickets for students and seniors with valid ID, and free or reduced entry for children under a certain height or age.
Visitors need to carry a valid passport or Chinese ID to buy tickets and check into hotels. No vaccination certificates are required under normal circumstances.
Most attractions in Guizhou are open year-round. However, some mountain trails may close temporarily in extreme weather conditions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes English at major sites like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Fanjing Mountain. Some attractions offer audio guide devices or app-based guides in multiple languages.
Large drones often require permission, and some temples restrict flash photography. No special dress code, but modest clothing is appreciated in villages and religious sites.
Some attractions allow re-entry on the same day (e.g., Huangguoshu Waterfall) if you keep your ticket. Check at the entrance gate for confirmation.
Xijiang Miao Village offers cultural performances and a beautiful night view. Some towns and villages have night markets and local shows. Major waterfalls and mountains usually close at night.
Major attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Xijiang Village are crowded during national holidays and summer. The least crowded times are weekdays in spring and autumn.
Most major attractions have toilets, small restaurants, souvenir shops, and rest areas. Mountain sites also sell bottled water and snacks.
Main attractions have shuttle buses and paved paths. However, places like Fanjing Mountain require long climbs, which may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Baby strollers and wheelchairs are allowed in flat areas, but not practical in mountain trails. Some scenic areas provide wheelchair rental.
Yes, some larger attractions like Fanjing Mountain and Huangguoshu Waterfall offer lockers near the entrance.
Some attractions and hotels provide free Wi-Fi, but remote areas may have weak or no signal.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is useful in remote villages where electronic payment may not work.
ATMs can be found in cities and larger towns. Small villages may not have ATMs, so bring some cash in advance.
Local restaurants serve traditional Guizhou dishes near major attractions. In Xijiang Village, many homestays and cafes offer local specialties. Guiyang has a vibrant food scene with street food and modern restaurants.
Vegetarian dishes are available (tofu, vegetables, rice noodles). Halal food can be found in Guiyang and larger towns with Hui Muslim communities.
Respect local ethnic traditions, especially in villages. Always ask before photographing locals. Participate politely in cultural activities and avoid interrupting ceremonies.
No strict dress codes, but modest dress is encouraged in religious or minority areas. Do not touch sacred objects or relics without permission.
Yes, many festivals such as the Miao New Year Festival, Sisters’ Meal Festival, and Lusheng Festival feature traditional dances, songs, and parades.
Local legends tell stories of the origins of the Miao and Dong people, and Fanjing Mountain is linked to Buddhist legends about enlightenment. Guizhou is also known as the “kingdom of waterfalls” due to its high concentration of waterfalls.
Some Chinese films and documentaries highlight Guizhou’s ethnic villages and landscapes. Writers often describe its karst landscapes in travel literature. Fanjing Mountain is recognized in UNESCO heritage records.
Guizhou reflects the coexistence of multiple ethnic cultures, each with unique architecture, festivals, and traditions. Its natural landscapes also shaped the livelihoods and folklore of local communities.
Guizhou is generally safe for tourists. Standard travel precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded areas, avoid unofficial tour guides, and beware of overpriced souvenirs in tourist zones.
First aid services and small clinics are available at major attractions. Larger hospitals are in cities like Guiyang, Kaili, and Anshun.
Cities like Guiyang and tourist villages are safe at night, but avoid remote mountain paths after dark. Off-season visits (winter) are generally safe but may have fewer transport options.
