Summer Retreat, Guizhou is So Comfortable [Lazy Self-Driving Loop Edition]

Coming to Guizhou during the rainy season, we were initially worried, but our luck was amazing—wherever we went, the rain stopped, and the weather was delightfully cool. Ctrip Car Rental even gave us the car a day early for free. This trip was destined to be perfect.

Day 1️⃣: Guiyang
Arrived in Guiyang and visited **Qianling Mountain Park**—a five-star recommendation! This free local zoo is home to hilarious wild monkeys.
Took a taxi to the South Gate, rode the cable car to the mountaintop, then hiked down to **Hongfu Temple**. After burning incense, we enjoyed a 10-yuan vegetarian meal. The pavilion at the temple exit was filled with playful monkeys—utterly adorable.
Rowed a boat on Qianling Lake at the foot of the mountain—so relaxing.

Day 2️⃣: Huangguoshu Waterfall
Morning: 8:00 Guiyang → Huangguoshu Scenic Area (🚗 2-hour drive)
Afternoon: 10:30 Had a simple lunch in the scenic area, then took the shuttle bus to explore the highlights: **Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall** → **Tianxing Bridge** (especially the Silver Chain Waterfall in the latter half) → **Doupotang**. Highly recommend buying the round-trip escalator ticket! Witnessed the seasonal waterfall in all its majestic glory—a unique sight.
Recommended hotel: **Huangguoshu New Century Resort Hotel**, featuring a huge lawn perfect for drinks and meals.

Day 3️⃣: Libo Small Seven Arches / Dragon Palace → Kaili → Qingyan Ancient Town
Morning: 8:30 Huangguoshu → Dragon Palace (🚗 1-hour drive)
Due to weather, many sites were closed, so we prioritized Small Seven Arches. Dragon Palace was a fantastic backup—super long underground boat cave exploration. Opted for the effortless round-trip route.
11:00 Dragon Palace → Kaili (🚗 3-hour drive)
Tried Kaili’s sour soup beef hotpot and bought a cute little bag at the market. Also customized a 🦋 butterfly necklace.
Afternoon: Kaili → Qingyan Ancient Town (🚗 1-hour drive)
Explored Qingyan Ancient Town—larger than expected. Strolled leisurely for 2 hours—decent but not extraordinary.

Day 4️⃣: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village
Morning: 8:30 Qingyan → Thousand Households Miao Village (🚗 3-hour drive)
Parked at the North Gate, took the sightseeing bus into the village. Bridges No. 3 and 4 were the most picturesque—great for photos and coffee. Near Bridge No. 1, enjoyed pastoral views. Window-seat coffee shots had great vibes. The grilled black pork was delicious.

Day 5️⃣: Fanjingshan
Morning: 8:30 Miao Village → Fanjingshan (🚗 3-hour drive)
Took the sightseeing bus → cable car → walked the forest boardwalk (staff blocked the "shortcut" route online) → reached Mushroom Stone in 30 minutes → summited. Pro tip: Book your summit slot while on the cable car.
Afternoon: Returned to Guiyang (🚗 4-hour drive)

Day 6️⃣: Guiyang
Planned to explore Shilong Cave, but it was closed due to rain. Switched to a city tour—saving the adventure for next time.
Visited **Jiaxiu Tower** and **Qingyun Market**.
Bought local specialties: crispy pork, spicy crisps, potato chips, and matcha milk tea.
🥒 Cucumber milk ice slurry—absolutely incredible 😋

Day 7️⃣: Departure
Guizhou was delicious, fun, and stunning—five-star recommendation!