Three Days and Two Nights in Guiyang: A Blast of Fun, Food, and Adventure

Standing atop Jiaxiu Tower, overlooking the Nanming River, I suddenly realized: Guiyang's beauty lies in the surprises hidden within its mountainous folds—this city of landscapes constantly redefines the depth of travel with a mountain, a pond, or an ancient alley when you least expect it.
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🌄 Ultimate Attraction Guide | Guiyang’s "Mountain and River Code"
✨ Natural Wonders · Must-See Soul Landscapes
1. **Qianling Mountain Park** (Free / Sightseeing car ¥20)
• **Guide**: Enter at 7 AM to feed macaques (hold food in a fist, do not chase or hit them), enjoy panoramic views from Hongfu Temple at the summit, and avoid crowds by boating on the lower lake.
• **Hidden Gem**: Hike the eastern trail to Qilin Cave (about 1 hour), where ancient temples and waterfalls create a scene straight out of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*.

2. **Xiaohe Wetland Park** (Free)
• **Must-Do**: Rent a shared e-bike (~¥20/hour) for a 3 km ride along the river, passing reed marshes and duck ponds, ending with a picnic at "Wildcat Slope."
• **Tips**: Best light at dawn or dusk; bring snacks (park food is pricey).

3. **Moon River Canyon** (Qingzhen)
• **Adventure**: Drive 1 hour from the "Sky Eye" scenic area for canyon rafting (~¥150/person). The cliffside cave walkway hides Ming Dynasty rock carvings.
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🏯 Cultural Heritage · Timeless Guiyang Memories
1. **Qingyan Ancient Town** (Free / Commercial area requires tickets)
• **Pro Tip**: Enter via "Qingyan Slow Life Square" to avoid the overpriced east gate commercial zone.
• **Authentic Experience**: Stroll Zhuangyuan Street (non-commercial) in the afternoon, admire old doorways along stone paths, and attend a guqin performance at "Zhao Zhuangyuan Mansion" at dusk.

2. **Confucian Academy** (Free / Reservation required)
• **Cultural Dive**: Weekend activities include Hanfu dress-up and guqin gatherings. Pick up a free classic scripture-copying kit at "Minglun Hall."
• **Easter Egg**: The eastern "Zhishan Garden" is a hidden spot for vintage photos, with bamboo groves and flowing water.

3. **Xiuwen Yangming Cultural Park** (Free)
• **Deep Dive**: Hike 20 minutes to Longchang Academy, where philosopher Wang Yangming attained enlightenment. Pass rice fields and bamboo forests to find the engraved *Epitaph for a Traveler*—perfect for quiet reflection.
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🌆 Urban Landmarks · Guiyang’s Modern Aesthetics
1. **Guantan Avenue Art Corridor** (Free)
• **Visual Feast**: A 2 km stretch of colorful asphalt, blending sculptures and graffiti. Don’t miss the "Starry Tunnel" light show (7–9 PM).

2. **Guizhou Geological Museum** (Free)
• **Science Buffs**: AR interactions near the prized "Guizhou Dragon" fossil. The rooftop offers views of the old city and Guanshan Lake’s "Tale of Two Cities."
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⏰ 48-Hour Itinerary
**Day 1: Nature Meets History**
Qianling Mountain hike → Xiaohe bike ride → Qingyan’s non-commercial zone → Scripture copying at Confucian Academy

**Day 2: Tech and Scenery Collide**
Huangguoshu Waterfall (play in the backflow at Shupotang) → Dragon Palace Cave → Night stroll on Guantan Avenue
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**Pitfall Alerts**:
• "Zhuangyuan Cake" in Qingyan’s west gate is overpriced; walk 200m to the old street for 50% off.
• Skip the forced "Miao Three-Course Wine" outside Huangguoshu—enter via the main gate for better deals.
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Guiyang’s travel philosophy is simple: Follow the mountains, pause at the waters, and step into history. These tips reveal the fabric of local life—may you find your own "cool" in the landscape.