Guizhou Travel Guide
Explore the culturally rich and naturally beautiful province of Guizhou with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top places to visit and things to do during your stay in Guizhou.
- Introduction to Guizhou
- List of Places to Visit in Guizhou
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Guizhou
- Huanguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area
- Zhenyuan Ancient Town Scenic Area
- Best Things to Do in Guizhou: Activities and Tours
- Miao and Dong Ethnic Villages
- Guizhou Provincial Cultural Park
- Week-Long Itinerary for Guizhou
- Food and Drink Scene of Guizhou
- Where to Stay in Guizhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Guiyang
- Anshun
- What to Buy in Guizhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Miao and Dong Crafts
- Guizhou Tea
- Local Culture and Customs of Guizhou
- Best Time to Visit Guizhou
- Do’s and Don’ts of Guizhou
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Guizhou: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Guizhou
- Where to Go Next from Guizhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Guizhou
Located in Southwest China, Guizhou is a beautiful, mountainous province known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and diverse ethnic minorities. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, Guizhou is home to several ancient towns, breathtaking waterfalls, and picturesque villages, which have all contributed to the province’s popularity among tourists.
With its mild climate, beautiful landscapes, and unique cultural traditions, Guizhou is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring China.
List of Places to Visit in Guizhou
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Guiyang Provincial Museum
Located in Guiyang, the Guiyang Provincial Museum is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Guizhou province. The museum houses a large collection of cultural relics, including artwork, pottery, and ancient artifacts that date back to the ancient kingdom of Shu.
Qingyan Ancient Town
Qingyan Ancient Town, located about 30 kilometers south of Guiyang, is a well-preserved ancient town that dates back over 600 years. With its traditional architecture, narrow alleys, and ancient temples, Qingyan Ancient Town is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Guizhou’s ethnic tribes.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located in the east of the province, is a charming town that has been occupied by several ethnic groups throughout history. Visitors can explore the ancient streets, visit the traditional temples, and take a boat ride down the nearby Wuyang River.
Natural Attractions of Guizhou: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Huangguoshu Waterfall
Located in Anshun, the Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Asia and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Guizhou. Visitors can walk across a series of boardwalks for a closer view of the falls or take a boat ride to explore the surrounding area.
Fanjing Mountain
Fanjing Mountain, located in Wuling Mountain Range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit attraction in Guizhou. The mountain’s unique biodiversity and stunning natural scenery make it a popular hiking destination for nature enthusiasts.
Dragon Palace Cave
Located in the Anshun area, the Dragon Palace Cave is a vast karst cave system with several pools, underground rivers, and rock formations that have formed over millions of years. Visitors can take a boat ride through the cave or explore the trails on foot.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Guizhou
Huanguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area
The Huanguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area is a great place for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Guizhou. The scenic area has several trails that lead to different waterfalls, rock formations, and viewpoints.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town Scenic Area
The Zhenyuan Ancient Town Scenic Area has several hiking and biking trails that take visitors through the picturesque countryside and neighboring villages. The trails are well-marked and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Best Things to Do in Guizhou: Activities and Tours
Miao and Dong Ethnic Villages
Visiting a Miao or Dong ethnic village is a great way to learn about the unique culture and traditions of Guizhou’s ethnic minorities. Visitors can learn about traditional crafts, music, and dance, and enjoy delicious local cuisine.
Guizhou Provincial Cultural Park
The Guizhou Provincial Cultural Park is a large cultural theme park that showcases the history, culture, and traditions of Guizhou. The park has several museums, theaters, and gardens that are open to the public.
Week-Long Itinerary for Guizhou
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the city of Guiyang and visit the Guiyang Provincial Museum |
| Day 2 | Visit the Qingyan Ancient Town and the nearby Huaxi Park |
| Day 3 | Journey to Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area for a day hike |
| Day 4 | Take a boat ride down the Wuyang River and explore Zhenyuan Ancient Town |
| Day 5 | Explore the stunning natural scenery of Fanjing Mountain |
| Day 6 | Take a tour of a local Miao or Dong ethnic village |
| Day 7 | Spend the day at the Guizhou Provincial Cultural Park and enjoy the traditional music and dance performances |
Food and Drink Scene of Guizhou
Must-Try Dishes
Sour Soup Fish
Sour Soup Fish is a local dish made with fresh fish, pickled vegetables, and peppers. The dish is known for its sour and spicy flavor and is a staple of the Guizhou diet.
Guizhou Rice Noodles
Guizhou’s rice noodles are a local specialty that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The noodles are served in a flavorful broth with meat, vegetables, and spices.
Local Beverages
Maotai Liquor
Maotai Liquor is a strong, Chinese spirit made from fermented sorghum. The liquor is famous in China and is often served at formal events and banquets.
Wulong Tea
Wulong Tea is a famous Chinese tea that is grown in the mountains of Guizhou. The tea has a unique flavor and aroma and is considered a delicacy in China.
Where to Stay in Guizhou: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Guiyang
Grand Mercure Guiyang Downtown
Located in the heart of Guiyang, the Grand Mercure is a modern hotel with spacious rooms and great amenities.
Meiquan Hotel
The Meiquan Hotel is a luxury hotel in Guiyang that offers great views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Anshun
Qianxin Hotel
The Qianxin Hotel is a great budget option in Anshun that offers clean rooms and great service.
Anshun Hotel
Located in the city center, the Anshun Hotel is a great mid-range option for travelers looking for a convenient location and comfortable accommodations.
What to Buy in Guizhou: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Miao and Dong Crafts
The Miao and Dong ethnic minority groups are known for their intricate crafts, including embroidery, silverwork, and batik. Visitors can purchase these crafts at local markets or direct from artisans in the villages.
Guizhou Tea
Guizhou Tea is a great souvenir for tea lovers. The tea is grown in the mountainous regions of Guizhou and has a unique flavor and aroma.
Local Culture and Customs of Guizhou
Guizhou is home to several ethnic minority groups, including the Miao and Dong tribes, who have unique cultural traditions and customs. Visitors should be respectful of these traditions and take the time to learn about the local culture.
Best Time to Visit Guizhou
The best time to visit Guizhou is in the spring and autumn when temperatures are mild, and the natural scenery is at its best. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Guizhou
Do:
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions
- Try the local cuisine and teas
- Take your time exploring the local villages and natural scenery
Don’t:
- Take photos without permission
- Wear revealing clothing to religious sites or in rural areas
- Speak loudly or disrupt local traditions
Safety and Health
Safety in Guizhou
Guizhou is generally a safe place for travelers. However, visitors should take precautions against pickpocketing and be aware of their surroundings when traveling in unfamiliar areas. It is also important to take precautions against altitude sickness when visiting high-altitude areas.
Health in Guizhou
Tap water is not safe to drink in Guizhou, and visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled or treated. Visitors should also take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue fever and malaria.
Getting to Guizhou: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Guizhou
- Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
- Anshun Huangguoshu Airport
Bus Stations Near Guizhou
- Guiyang Jinyang Bus Station
- Anshun Bus Station
Other Options
High-speed trains and taxis are also available for travelers who prefer to travel by train or car.
How to Get Around in Guizhou
Public transportation, including buses and taxis, are available in Guizhou’s major cities. It is also possible to rent a car or bicycle to explore the countryside or take a boat ride down one of the province’s scenic waterways.
Where to Go Next from Guizhou: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Chengdu: Home of the Giant Panda Research Center and spicy Sichuan cuisine.
- Kunming: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Kunming is a great place to explore Yunnan province’s natural beauty.
- Yangshuo: Located in Guangxi province, Yangshuo is famous for its stunning karst landscape and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
As one of China’s most stunning provinces, Guizhou offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural traditions, and ethnic minority customs. From the picturesque ancient towns to the stunning waterfalls and mountain ranges, Guizhou has something to offer every type of traveler. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery through Guizhou.
