Guizhou Treasure Journey | Keep this guide safe

Hey guys👋, have you ever felt that sometimes after getting tired of the skyscrapers in the city, you just really want to explore the tranquility and beauty hidden among the mountains and waters? Guizhou is exactly such a place that can fulfill all your fantasies! It’s like a treasure privately kept by nature, with unique mountains, clear waters, mysterious caves, and beautiful stones, each place exuding its own charm. Today, I’m sharing my Guizhou treasure travel guide with you, making your trip to Guizhou easy and perfect!

Itinerary

Day 1: Guiyang → Qingyan Ancient Town

● Morning: After arriving in Guiyang, take a bus or taxi to Qingyan Ancient Town. This ancient town is one of Guizhou’s four major ancient towns, with a history of over 600 years. Once you step into the town, it feels like traveling back in time, with antique architecture and streets paved with bluestone slabs, every step filled with historical charm.

● Noon: Find a specialty restaurant in the town to try local delicacies like Qingyan Zhuangyuan Pork Knuckle and rice cake porridge, the taste is absolutely amazing👍.

● Afternoon: Visit various attractions in the town, such as Ciyun Temple and the Former Residence of the Zhuangyuan. You can also explore the backstreets for photo ops; many TV dramas have been filmed here, and the photos come out fantastic📷.

● Evening: Enjoy the night view of the ancient town, with lights reflecting on the old buildings, creating a unique atmosphere.

Day 2: Guiyang → Huangguoshu Waterfall

● Morning: Set off early for Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area. The area is large, so it’s recommended to buy a sightseeing bus ticket to save time and energy. First, visit Duopotang Waterfall, the widest waterfall in the Huangguoshu group, with rushing water and magnificent momentum.

● Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant inside the scenic area and try the local sour soup fish, which is sour, spicy, and very appetizing.

● Afternoon: Head to the main Huangguoshu Waterfall, a landmark of Guizhou. You can also walk through the Water Curtain Cave to experience the thrill of the waterfall pouring down right above your head.

● Evening: Return to Guiyang and visit a night market in the city to taste various local snacks like Siwawa and Love Tofu Fruit.

Day 3: Guiyang → Libo Xiaoqikong

● Morning: Take a car to Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area. The area has mountains, water, forests, and lakes, like a natural oxygen bar. Start with the Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, a symbol of Libo.

● Noon: Dine at a nearby restaurant and try Libo’s specialties like Yangmei Soup and Water Fern.

● Afternoon: Visit Wolong Pool and Mandarin Duck Lake. You can row a boat on Mandarin Duck Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery, feeling very relaxed.

● Evening: Stay in Libo County, stroll around the town at night, and experience the local lifestyle.

Day 4: Libo → Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village

● Morning: Head to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, the largest Miao ethnic village in China, with over a thousand stilted buildings built along the mountains, very spectacular.

● Noon: Enjoy a long table feast in the village and experience the traditional Miao dining culture. During the meal, Miao girls sing and toast, creating a lively atmosphere.

● Afternoon: Explore the village’s streets and alleys, check out Miao handicrafts like silver jewelry and embroidery. You can also go to the viewing platform to overlook the entire village.

● Evening: Admire the night view of the village, with thousands of lights shining like stars scattered over the mountains, breathtakingly beautiful.

Day 5: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village → Zhenyuan Ancient Town

● Morning: Leave Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village and head to Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Zhenyuan is a historic water town known as the "Venice of the East."

● Noon: Find a restaurant in the town to try Zhenyuan specialties like Dao-style braised pork and red sour soup.

● Afternoon: Visit attractions in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, such as the Qinglong Cave ancient buildings and Shiping Mountain. You can also take a boat tour on the Wuyang River and enjoy the natural scenery on both sides.

● Evening: Enjoy the night view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, with lights reflecting on the Wuyang River, dreamy and magical.

Food Recommendations

● Sour Soup Fish: One of Guizhou’s signature dishes, made with sour soup base, tender fish, and rich flavor.

● Siwawa: A special snack made by wrapping various shredded vegetables and seasonings in thin pancakes, with a rich taste.

● Love Tofu Fruit: Crispy outside and tender inside, served with special chili sauce, tastes amazing.

● Qingyan Zhuangyuan Pork Knuckle: Bright red color, fatty but not greasy, melts in your mouth.

● Sour Soup Rice Noodles: Made with sour soup base, rice noodles, and various toppings, sour and spicy and delicious.

Accommodation Suggestions

● Guiyang: Stay in city hotels for convenient transportation and plenty of nearby food options.

● Huangguoshu Waterfall: There are many guesthouses and hotels near the scenic area, choose according to your budget.

● Libo Xiaoqikong: It’s recommended to stay near the scenic area for easy access the next day.

● Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village: Stay in stilted inns in the village to experience Miao living culture.

● Zhenyuan Ancient Town: Stay in riverside inns in Zhenyuan to enjoy beautiful river views.

Notes

● Weather: Guizhou’s weather is changeable, it’s recommended to carry rain gear and warm clothes.

● Transportation: Guizhou’s attractions are scattered and transportation is not very convenient, so plan your itinerary in advance and choose suitable transportation.

● Tickets: Some popular attractions require advance booking to avoid delays.

● Ethnic Culture: Guizhou has many ethnic minorities; please respect local customs and religious beliefs.

Guys, Guizhou is truly a place worth visiting. It has magnificent natural scenery, rich ethnic culture, and various delicious foods. I believe if you follow my guide, you will have an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags and set off now🎉