If you’re planning to explore Guizhou’s stunning natural and cultural heritages, a Guiyang travel guide is certainly what you need in the first place.
Guiyang is the starting point for most travelers exploring Guizhou. It’s a major transportation hub and also the gateway to famous attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Libo Xiaoqikong.
In fact, the city itself is also worth spending 2-3 days exploring. The journey will be rewarding as the city provides you with a mix of historic landmarks, karst scenery, ethnic culture, local cuisine, and a pleasantly cool climate.
This guide will introduce you to the fascinating Guiyang and help you create a perfect Guiyang itinerary.
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- Why Visit Guiyang?
- Attractions and Things to Do
- Recommended Itineraries
- Best Time to Visit & Guiyang Weather
- How to Get to & Get Around
- Where to Stay
- Must-Try Guiyang Food
- Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Travel to Guiyang with China Xian Tour
Why Is Guiyang Worth Visiting?
When traveling to Guiyang, you’ll be surprised by the city’s rich ethnic culture, delicious local food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Cool Summer Weather: Guiyang is known as one of China’s best escapes from the summer heat. Its high elevation brings naturally cool weather; temperatures in July and August average only a pleasant 23°C (73°F). Outdoor activities are pleasant throughout the year, so feel free to enjoy a hike or a night stroll whenever you want.
- Nature Meets the City: You don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature in Guiyang. Even if you only focus on the city itself, there are still natural sites such as Qianling Mountain Park, Jiaxiu Pavilion, and Huaxi Park. Besides, a 30-60 minute drive also takes you to nearby Qingyan Ancient Town and Tianhetan Scenic Area. That’s why people say historic streets, caves, waterfalls, and karst landscapes coexist in Guiyang peacefully and beautifully.
- Rich Local Culture: Guizhou is home to one of China’s most diverse ethnic populations, including the Miao, Buyi, and Dong peoples. While many traditional villages are located elsewhere in the province, there are still chances to experience local culture through Guiyang’s museums, historic streets, traditional festivals, handicrafts, and regional cuisine.
Best Guiyang Attractions and Things to Do
First-time visitors are recommended to focus on attractions in the Guiyang city center or nearby areas. Exploring the highlights takes about two days.
If you have extra time, consider expanding your visit to ancient towns, parks, and natural landscapes. Here are some best things to do in Guiyang during your trip.
1. Jiaxiu Pavilion (★★★★★ Must Visit)
Jiaxiu Pavilion is the most iconic landmark in Guiyang, which was built during the Ming Dynasty. It has stood on the Nanming River for hundreds of years, and visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding city from the pavilion.
During the day, you can enjoy its ancient architectural beauty. After sunset, the lights will turn on. The pavilion then becomes a true highlight of Guiyang’s night scenery.
- Recommended time:1-2 hours
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon to evening
Discover Guizhou's ethnic Miao culture in Langde and Shiqiao villages, learn Gejia batik art in Matang Village, and witness the thundering Huangguoshu Waterfall, Asia's largest.
2. Qianling Mountain Park
Qianling Mountain Park is a popular Guiyang attraction frequently visited by both locals and visitors. The park is beautifully composed of forests, temples, lakes, and walking trails; moreover, it even provides a chance to see wild macaques.
It is a great place to experience Guiyang’s natural side without leaving the city.
- Highlights: Hongfu Temple, the mountain viewpoint, and the monkey area.
- Recommended time: Half a day for a slow-paced and relaxing tour
3. Qingyan Ancient Town
Qingyan Ancient Town is located about 30 km from downtown Guiyang. It is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Guizhou.
Unlike many commercialized old towns, it attracts tourists with its well-preserved historical heritages: stone streets, city walls, temples, and traditional Ming and Qing architecture. Besides sightseeing, visitors can also try local snacks here.
- Recommended time:half-day or full-day
- Recommended Snacks: Tofu balls, fried potato pancakes
4. Guizhou Provincial Museum
If you want to understand Guizhou’s history and ethnic culture on your first-time visit, the Guizhou Provincial Museum is a great starting point. Exhibitions introduce local traditions, Miao silver jewelry, Buyi clothing, karst landscapes, and the development of Guizhou.
Most exhibitions are free, but it is recommended to make a reservation 3-7 days in advance during peak seasons, especially during summer holidays (July and August). Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
- Recommended time: About 2 hours
5. Yelang Valley
Yelang Valley is one of the most special Guiyang tourist attractions. It is an artistic valley created by Guizhou artist Song Peilun over nearly 30 years. There are stone sculptures, karst landscapes, and local cultural elements for visitors to explore.
You’ll see hundreds of stone figures, towers, and mysterious sculptures when walking into the site, and it may feel like stepping into a fantasy world.
- Recommended time: 2-3 hours
- Travel tip: Yelang Valley is close to Qingyan Ancient Town and Huaxi Park, so the three attractions can be combined into a southern Guiyang day trip.
6. Huaxi Park
In Huaxi Park, you can fully immerse yourself in Guiyang’s slow-paced vibe. A stroll along the streams, green trees, and peaceful walking paths brings out a deeper insight into locals’ daily life.
It is a popular place for summer walks and escaping the heat. Spring and autumn also offer the most beautiful scenery.
7. Tianhetan Scenic Area
For travelers who enjoy natural scenery, Tianhetan Scenic Area is one of the best places to visit around Guiyang. The area shows the typical Guizhou karst landscapes, including caves, underground rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and boat rides.
The visit is relatively easy and can be finished in 3-4 hours. While it doesn’t require a tiring walk, this site is suitable for families and travelers who prefer a relaxed itinerary.
Except for visiting the Guiyang attractions listed above, don’t miss Guiyang’s lively evening atmosphere at places like Qingyun Market and Minsheng Road, where you can try local specialties such as sour soup fish, silk dolls (Siwawa), and Changwang noodles.
How Many Days to Spend in Guiyang? Recommended Itineraries
Guiyang’s top tourist attractions are relatively close to each other, so you can easily move between them by either private or public transportation. So a 2-to-3-day itinerary is enough for most visitors to explore the city.
If you want to expand your visit to other attractions, including Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Miao Village, Libo Xiaoqikong, or Mount Fanjing, a 5-7 day trip is recommended.
Duration |
Recommended Itinerary |
1 day |
Jiaxiu Pavilion + Qianling Mountain Park + Qingyun Market |
2 days |
Add Qingyan Ancient Town + Yelang Valley or Guizhou Provincial Museum |
3 days |
Add Tianhetan Scenic Area + Huaxi Park for a slower city experience |
Guiyang 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Classic City Highlights
Visit Qianling Mountain Park, Guizhou Provincial Museum, and Jiaxiu Pavilion.
In the evening, head to Qingyun Market for local snacks and nightlife.
Day 2: Ancient Town and Nature
Take a day trip to Qingyan Ancient Town and Tianhetan Scenic Area.
Return to downtown Guiyang for a relaxed evening.
Discover Guiyang's urban charm and marvel at Asia's largest Huangguoshu Waterfall, then explore mystical karst caves and the unique stone architecture of Tianlong Tunpu Village.
Guiyang 3-Day Itinerary
If your time allows, on a 3-day trip, you can add the following destinations to your list, such as Huaxi Park, Wenchang Pavilion, local cafés, or the popular Huaguoyuan area and Tianhetan Scenic Area.
For travelers continuing their journey through other places in Guizhou, Guiyang is also the best transportation hub. It’ll be easy to reach popular sites such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xijiang Miao Village, and Libo Xiaoqikong by high-speed train or road.
Discover Guizhou's minority cultures hands-on — catch fish, try batik dyeing and silver crafting, cook farm-fresh food, and join a long-table banquet in remote mountain villages.
Best Time to Visit Guiyang & Guiyang Weather
Guiyang enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, so each season provides a unique and comfortable travel experience.
Overall, the best time to visit Guiyang is from March to June and September to November. These months have the most comfortable weather with relatively less rainfall.
Visitors can expect to have outdoor activities in cool weather. It’s more than rewarding to explore ancient towns, walk through city parks, admire flowers, and visit nearby natural attractions in these months.
Summer, from July to August, is also a popular time to travel to Guiyang. Although it coincides with the rainy season, the cooler temperature (around 23°C/73°F) still makes the city a perfect summer retreat in China.
However, July and August also see China’s summer vacation. So if you’re planning to visit during this time, prepare for larger crowds, and it’s helpful to book hotels and tickets in advance.
How to Get to & Get Around Guiyang – Transportation Guide
Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou Province and one of the major transportation hubs in Southwest China.
If you’re traveling from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to Guiyang, high-speed trains and flights are all available. If you’re heading to other cities or specific Guizhou attractions, Guiyang also helps make a convenient transfer.
For first-time international visitors, getting around Guiyang is easy with high-speed trains, metro lines, taxis, and ride-hailing services.
How to Get to Guiyang?
If you are wondering how to get to Guiyang, flights and high-speed trains are the two most convenient options.
Departure City |
Flight |
High-Speed Train |
Beijing |
About 3.5 hours |
About 8-10 hours |
Shanghai |
About 3 hours |
About 7-9 hours |
Guangzhou |
About 2 hours |
About 4-5 hours |
If your time is limited, flying is usually the fastest option. If you’re having a relatively flexible schedule, you may opt for high-speed trains, which are more comfortable and convenient, especially with luggage.
Tip: no matter if you’re taking a flight or high-speed train, you’ll need to spend extra time on the road and prepare for taking you train/flight. Usually, an extra 2-3 hours will be added to the traveling time of the flight, and around an extra 1-1.5 hours will be added to that of the train.
Main Transportation Hubs in Guiyang
- Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport: Located about 25 km from downtown. Metro, taxis, and ride-hailing services are all
- Guiyang North Railway Station: The city’s biggest and major high-speed railway station. It serves most bullet trains.
- Guiyang East Railway Station: Handles only some high-speed train services.
Getting Around Guiyang City
Guiyang’s urban area is relatively compact, so generally speaking, the public transportation is convenient.
Metro (Recommended)
Guiyang currently operates four metro lines (Metro Lines 1, 2, 3 and S1). They connect most major areas, including the airport, railway stations, Guanshanhu District, and downtown areas. Many popular attractions in the city can be reached by metro or with a short transfer.
Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Didi are more affordable compared with major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. It takes roughly 20-30 minutes to travel between most attractions in the city. This is the most suitable transportation option for groups and families.
Bus
Buses cover a wide area in the city. However, for first-time visitors, traveling by bus is less convenient than traveling by the metro and ride-hailing services.
Important Tips:
Destinations outside the city are worthy to explore; the most attractive ones are Huangguoshu Waterfall, Libo Xiaoqikong, or Xijiang Miao Village. If you decide to include them in your itinerary, consider traveling by a high-speed train, joining a day tour, or arranging a private transfer.
These options can save time and make your journey easier. China Xian Tour also offers such services. Contact us if you’re interested.
Where to Stay in Guiyang
Choosing the right area to stay in Guiyang can greatly improve your travel experience. For first-time visitors, the downtown popular locations are the best since they are usually equipped with convenient transportation, easy access to metro stations, and close proximity to major attractions.
Compared with many other popular Chinese tourist cities, Guiyang hotels are generally affordable. Your options range from budget accommodations to international hotel brands.
1. Jiaxiu Pavilion & Fountain Area (★★★★★ Recommended)
Best for: First-timers, people with a 2-to-3-day itinerary
Most first-time visitors would choose to stay near Jiaxiu Pavilion. Despite the proximity to the Jiaxiu Pavilion, the area also has easy access to many other popular attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, and metro stations.
2. Huaguoyuan Area
- Best for: younger travelers, visitors seeking a more vibrant atmosphere.
Huaguoyuan is one of the liveliest commercial areas in Guiyang. There are many hotels, apartments, shopping centers, restaurants, and night markets, together offering you a convenient journey.
If you want to experience Guiyang nightlife, Huaguoyuan definitely fulfills your expectations. It has plenty of cafés, bars, and entertainment options waiting for you to explore.
3. Guanshanhu District
- Best for: families, business travelers, or visitors who prefer a peaceful stay.
For travelers arriving by high-speed train or those looking for a more modern and quieter environment, Guanshanhu District is a good choice.
It’s quite near Guiyang North Railway Station, and the whole area has many higher-quality hotels, modern facilities, and a more spacious urban environment.
Must-Try Guiyang Food
In addition to the stunning tourist attractions, Guiyang is also famous for its local cuisine. Guiyang food captivates visitors with its bold flavors and the combination of sour, spicy, and fresh ingredients.
While Guiyang dishes shine through their spicy taste, there are also plenty of delicious options for people who prefer milder flavors.
- Sour Soup Fish – It’s likely to be Guizhou’s top signature dish. Many people are captivated by the tangy and savory broth. It’s a good starting point for first-time visitors to get to know Guizhou.
- Huaxi Beef Rice Noodles– Tender beef served with smooth rice noodles in a rich broth. Locals like to have it as
- Siwawa (Silk Dolls) – Thin pancakes filled with fresh vegetables. Dip it in a flavorful sauce, and you’ll be amazed by its light and refreshing taste.
- Changwang Noodles– A classic Guiyang specialty. Ordering it and you’ll get a bowl of handmade noodles, topped with pork intestine and pork blood in a rich, spicy broth.
- Fried Tofu Balls– Crispy on the outside and soft inside. They are a popular local street snack, which can be enjoyed with special sour and spicy sauce or soup.
Where to Eat in Guiyang
The best local flavors are hidden in places like
- Qingyun Market
- Erqi Road Snack Street
- Huaguoyuan Night Market
- Minsheng Road Food Street
When you step in, you’ll see a wide variety of authentic restaurants and street food stalls.
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Guiyang
China has now introduced the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to help eligible international visitors to travel more conveniently. Besides, international flights are also gradually recovering to allow travelers to plan their itinerary in a flexible way.
Traveling to Guiyang is no longer a difficult thing for overseas travelers. While the city’s transportation, mobile payment systems, and tourism services are well developed, every step of your trip is going to be smooth and easy with only a little preparation.
Before your trip, keep the following tips in mind:
- To make payment smoothly, it’s better to link an international bank card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before your visit. These are the most widely accepted payment methods in China.
- Metro tickets can be paid for by QR code payment via Alipay and WeChat or bought with cash for a single trip.
- Booking tickets in advance for popular attractions contributes a lot to a smooth trip. This step is even more important during public holidays and the summer travel season.
- Guiyang has a humid climate, so don’t forget to bring a compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket.
- If you visit mountain or nature attractions, be sure you wear comfortable and non-slip shoes, especially after rain.
- When going to the ethnic minority villages, show respect for local customs and avoid photographing religious ceremonies without permission.
- To travel beyond Guiyang to places such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, you may consider the three most convenient transportation options: high-speed trains, guided tours, and private transfers.
Travel to Guiyang with China Xian Tour
Guiyang is a vibrant and diverse city, widely loved for its natural scenery and ethnic culture. An exploration of this city can be filled with unique and novel experiences.
While there are many highlights to add to the list, China Xian Tour is here to help you tailor an itinerary that includes all attractions you’re interested in without visiting at a rushed and busy pace. Get in touch right now to start your perfect Guiyang tour.
