A Trip to Guiyang with Kids - My Spending Perspective Has Changed

Hey everyone👋! As a seasoned traveler, I just returned from a trip to Guiyang. April in Guiyang was absolutely stunning with plenty of fun activities and delicious food. I can't wait to share my travel guide with you all. Let's head to Guiyang together!

📍About Guiyang
Guiyang, located in central Guizhou, is a charming "mountain city"👏. Surrounded by mountains and filled with lush greenery, it enjoys a pleasant climate and is known as "Pleasant Guiyang." The city features colorful ethnic cultures of the Miao and Buyi minorities, the historical charm of Qingyan Ancient Town, the classical elegance of Jiaxiu Tower, and the natural beauty along the Huaxi River. In April, Guiyang comes alive with spring blossoms, as cherry blossoms and azaleas compete for attention in every street corner. The air is fresh and fragrant with flowers, making every step a scenic adventure.

🚗Transportation Guide
✈️By Air: Longdongbao International Airport offers extensive flight routes to meet most travel needs. Airport buses connect to various downtown areas, and taxis are convenient and quick, taking about 20-30 minutes to reach the bustling city center to start your journey.
🚄By High-speed Rail: Guiyang North Station has frequent trains whether you're heading south to Guangzhou, north to Chongqing, or east along the Shanghai-Kunming line. Public transportation from the station is extensive, making it easy to reach popular spots like Qianling Park and Huaguoyuan. Guiyang Station also offers many trains and is closer to downtown, making travel convenient.
🚗By Car: The highways to Guiyang are in good condition. However, city roads have significant elevation changes and some congested sections. Plan your route in advance and locate parking lots to avoid illegal parking.

🗺Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Qianling Park - Jiaxiu Tower - Erqi Road Food Street
Morning: Visit Qianling Park, "South Guizhou's First Mountain," with its dense vegetation and friendly monkeys. Experience the harmony between humans and nature, and visit Hongfu Temple for spiritual peace.
Noon: Try Si Wawa (rice paper rolls) nearby - thin rice paper wraps filled with various shredded vegetables, bean sprouts, and seaweed, topped with special sauce. One bite is refreshingly satisfying😋.
Afternoon: Visit Jiaxiu Tower, a Ming Dynasty pavilion spanning the Nanming River, with its red railings and green tiles showcasing historical grandeur. Evening at Erqi Road Food Street, sampling various Guizhou specialties.

Day 2: Qingyan Ancient Town - Huaxi Park
Morning: Explore Qingyan Ancient Town, built along the mountain with weathered walls and majestic gates. Experience Ming and Qing Dynasty charm and try Qingyan Pork Feet, tender and flavorful.
Noon: Enjoy Guizhou cuisine, especially Sour Fish Soup with its bright red broth, tender fish, and unique Sichuan pepper aroma - appetizingly sour and spicy.
Afternoon: Visit Huaxi Park, where April brings green lawns and blooming flowers along the Huaxi River. Enjoy boating and leisurely walks.

Day 3: Tianhe Pool - Return Journey
Morning: Visit Tianhe Pool, featuring caves, waterfalls, and landscapes. The cave formations are unique, and the outdoor waterfall creates a paradise-like scene.
Noon: Try local Yangyu Baba (potato pancakes) - shredded or mashed potatoes fried into pancakes, served with chili powder. Crispy outside, tender inside, and aromatic. Before leaving, shop for souvenirs like Lao Gan Ma chili sauce and Miao silver jewelry.

📝Practical Tips
🎫Tickets: Some attractions like Tianhe Pool and Qingyan Ancient Town require tickets. Book in advance online for discounts and to avoid queues. Some areas of Qianling Park and Jiaxiu Tower are free.
🕙Opening Hours: Varies by attraction. Check official websites or call ahead to plan accordingly.
📸Photos: Wear traditional Han or ethnic costumes in ancient towns, and bright sportswear in parks and scenic areas for great photos.

🍱Food Recommendations
1. Love Tofu: Crispy tofu filled with fish mint, chili, and other seasonings, offering a unique spicy flavor.
2. Gaba Rice Porridge: Made with lotus root powder, rice cakes, peanuts, and sesame, soft and sweet, nutritious.
3. Chang Wang Noodles: Chewy noodles with blood curd and pork intestines in a flavorful bright red broth, perfect for breakfast.
4. Spicy Chicken: Golden crispy chicken pieces stir-fried with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns, increasingly delicious with each bite.

💡Tips
1. April has temperature variations between morning and evening, bring a light jacket🧥.
2. Guizhou cuisine is typically sour and spicy; ask for adjustments if needed.
3. Don't feed monkeys in Qianling Park for safety.

Friends, April in Guiyang is full of surprises. Pack your bags and go💕, you'll fall in love with this charming city!