Written by Natalia |
Guizhou is a hidden gem in southwest China, and the whole province is praised as “a green park”. With the dramatic landscapes like Huangguoshu Waterdfall and kast caves plus the living ethnic traditions lying in the Miao and Dong villages, Guizhou offers opportunities for you to enjoy both natural wonders and authentic minority culture.
This guide is designed to help you plan your Guizhou tour. There will be facts about the most essential attractions, practical travel tips, sample itineraries and more. Now, let’s explore the best Guizhou attractions together and discover the secrets that make this province one of China’s most captivating regions.
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- Top Natural Wonders in Guizhou
- Ancient Towns & Historic Sites
- Ethnic Villages & Cultural Experiences
- Major Attractions of Guizhou at a Glance
- Top Tourist Destinations in Guizhou & Their Highlights
- How to Plan a Guizhou Tour: Suggested Itineraries
- Travel Tips & Practical Information
- FAQs about Guizhou Travel
- Explore Deep into Guizhou with China Xian Tour
Top Natural Wonders in Guizhou
Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布)
- Location: Huangguoshu Town, Zhenning Buyi & Miao Autonomous County
- Ticket Price: ~160 ¥ (Mar–Nov), ~150 ¥ (Dec–Feb)
- Opening Hours: 6:30–18:00
- Best Time to Visit: June–October
- Time Needed: Around 3-5 hours
- Highlights: Asia’s largest waterfall cluster.The spectacular Water-Curtain Cave behind the falls. Multiple viewing platforms for different perspectives.
Huangguoshu Waterfall is one of nature’s grandest masterpieces and it is an iconic Guizhou attraction that many people come to visit. What makes it so unique is the grand view formed by a group of cascades, with the main drop plunging nearly 78 meters in an unstoppable manner. And behind the falls, you’ll see a more dramatic and unreal scenery, the Water-Curtain Cave. You can walk behind the waterfall and feel the power of the roaring water from within.
Travel & Tips:
- Accessible by bus or private car from Guiyang (about 2 hours). Or you can travel directly from Anshun.
- To avoid heavy crowds, you can stay overnight in the town nearby enter the site early.
- Bring a raincoat or waterproof gear. This is quite important as there can be in tensemist around viewing platforms especially near the cave.
Suggested tour
Fanjing Mountain (梵净山 / Mount Fanjing)
- Location: Tongren(in Wuling Mountain range)
- Designation: UNESCO World Natural Heritage & Biosphere Reserve
- Elevation: Highest peak ~2,572 m (Red Cloud Golden Summit)
- Time Needed: Full day
- Best Time to Visit: April-June & September-November
- Highlights: Golden Summit. “Mushroom Stone.”
- Ticket: 100¥ (cable car costs extra)
Fanjing Mountain is a mystical natural wonder, and people love it both for its spiritual significance and its rugged beauty. And it is widely remembered for the mountain’s twin peaks, which culminate in the Red Cloud Golden Summit and they are connected by a narrow bridge. Another stunning site in this mountain is the “Mushroom Stone”. This is a bizarre geological formation that looks quite surreal, and one may even wonder whether it’s been plucked out of a fantasy novel. The area is often shrouded in mist, you can enjoy being coated by the sea of clouds at dawn or dusk.
Travel Tips:
- Cable car is available while hiking is also an option. However, the final climb to the summit is moderately strenuous.
- Stay at a guesthouse in the mountain area can give you better experience of seeing the sunrise above the sea of clouds.
- Bring layers and warm clothingeven in summer.
Recommended tour
Libo — Xiaoqikong (荔波小七孔 / Seven Small Arches)
- Location: Libo County
- Time Needed: 4–6 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn
- Highlights: Karst forest.Seven-Arched Bridge. Wolong Pool
- Ticket: 100-120¥
Xiaoqikong (literally “Small Seven Arches”) is tucked within Libo’s karst forest and riverscape. It is one of the most serene and photogenic spots in Guizhou. The area has lush greenery and you can walk through the forest along the trails.You’ll also find the delicate Seven-Arched Bridge spanning the river below, making the whole scene even more like dream. The surrounding forest is reflected in the clear, jade-colored waters. Every moment is cool and calm, and time seems to stop its pace around pools like Wolong (Crouching Dragon).
Travel Tips:
- You can first travel from Guiyang to Libo County and stay one night for a more relaxed visit.
- Wear good walking shoes.
- Consider hiring a small boat or joining a guided walk to discover hidden spots
Maling River Canyon (马岭河大峡谷)
- Location: Southwestern Guizhou (near Xingyi)
- Time Needed: 2–4 hours
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to autumn
- Highlights: Towering cliffs. Waterfall clusters. Plank walkways
- Ticket: 60-70¥
The Maling River Canyon cuts dramatically through Guizhou’s karst terrain. Nature’s incredible beauty is lying in a deep gorge, being lined with limestone walls and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can walk along the wooden plank walkways hugging the cliffs, and it’s a thrilling and rewarding experience.
Travel Tips:
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes
- Guided walk can take you to safer routes and better viewpoints.
Recommended tour with Maling River Canyon
Karst Caves
When coming to Guizhou, you cannot miss visiting karst cave landscapes, shaped over millions of years. These caves are known for their underground chambers, dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, hidden rivers, and surreal rock formations. They are usually described as a natural palace beneath the earth, with colorful lighting enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere. Some caves are easy to explore with walkways, suitable for everyone. Some others are vast, wild systems suited for adventure seekers.
What to Expect
- Enormous caverns
- Crystal formations, flowstones, and underground waterfalls
- Cool temperatures year-round (a nice retreatin summer)
- A mix of developed scenic caves and untouched sites
Cave Name |
Location |
Highlights |
Experience |
Zhijin Cave (织金洞) |
Zhijin County, Bijie |
Vast halls, “Silver Rain Tree” |
Easy, well-developed |
Shuanghe Cave (双河洞) |
Suiyang County, Zunyi |
437 km system, rivers, fossils |
Adventurous, guided |
Longgong Cave / Dragon Palace (龙宫) |
Anshun |
Underground rivers, boat rides |
Scenic, accessible |
Getu River Cave System (格凸河溶洞群) |
Ziyun County, Anshun |
Giant caves, cliffs, hanging coffins |
Nature + culture |
Wanfenglin Scenic Area & Wanfeng Lake (万峰林 / 万峰湖)
- Location: Xingyi, Qianxinan Buyei-Miao Autonomous Prefecture
- Best Time to Visit: Spring & Autumn
- Time Needed: Half to a full day
- Highlights: Karst peak fores. Bagua Fields.
- Ticket: 60-70¥
Wanfenglin Scenic Area’s name literally means “forest of ten thousand peaks,” which has cone-shaped karst peaks rising all together to shape a forest of stone. When it’s at dawn or dusk, you can see light and shadow play sharply across the limestone silhouettes.
Nearby Wanfeng Lake provides a gentle contrast to the jagged peaks, it’s quiet and calm, and even the reflections of peaks become more gentle on the water surface.
Travel Tips:
- For the best photography, aim to visit early in the morning or at sunset.
- A boat ride on Wanfeng Lake is highly recommended. It allows you to capture reflections and the stillness of the scenery.
Recommended tour with Wanfenglin and Zhijin Cave
Ancient Towns & Historic Sites
Zhenyuan Ancient Town (镇远古镇)
- Location: Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Miao & Dong Autonomous Prefecture
- Ticket / Entry: Free
- Boat Cruises: Day boat (~120 ¥ for combined ticket).Night boat (~80 ¥)
- Opening / Access Hours: All day
- Highlights: Tai chi-shape river layout.Cave-based temples. Historic bridges. Illuminated night river scenery.
You’ll find Zhenyuan Ancient Town between winding mountains and the Wuyang River. It is a picturesque riverside settlement, which snakes through the town in a reminiscent of a Tai Chi diagram. Ming- and Qing-era architecture is still living in this town, so the old-time grandeur is visible in the stilted buildings and narrow cobbled alleys. Boat cruises can take you to experience its charm in a magical way, and both day-time and night-time cruises provide unparalleled experiences.
Travel Tips & Highlights:
- For architecture lovers and photographers, you can get a panoramic view over the town on the Shiping Mountain.
- The Black Dragon Cave complex provides both cultural and scenic insights
- Stay in a riverside guesthouse to fully enjoy the town’s charm.
Qingyan Ancient Town (青岩古镇)
- Location: About 29 km south of Guiyang
- Ticket: Town itself for free. ~60 ¥ for the scenic area.
- Opening Hours: ~09:00–17:30
- Highlights: Ming-Qing dynasty stone architecture. Four gates. Carved temples. Religious diversity.
Qingyan Ancient Town is a “stone town” as its name has suggested (Yan 岩 in English means rock). And most of the town, such as the buildings or streets, is largely constructed from local rocks. Its well-preserved stone walls with watchtowers and the famous four gates (North, South, East, West) have given this place a unique vibe, so when traveling here, you may feel like stepping into a fortress from the past.
Experiences & Travel Tips:
- Try local snacks like the famous deep-fried tofu balls and iced rice noodles
- For a cultural stroll, walk the ancient city wall, especially from the South Gate (Dingguang Gate)
- The religious diversity is striking: within this small town you can find Taoist temples, Buddhist monasteries, a Catholic church, and a Christian church
Tianlong Tunpu / Longli / Hailongtun
Site |
Key Highlights |
Condition |
Visit Tips / Transportation |
Tianlong Tunpu (天龙屯堡) |
Ming-dynasty military garrison town; Tunpu stone houses; Dixi opera folk culture. |
Well preserved; still inhabited by Tunpu descendants. |
Near Anshun; easy half-day trip; combine with nearby Wulong Temple. |
Longli Ancient Town (隆里古镇) |
Quiet, less-touristy ancient town; Ming–Qing architecture; good for photography. |
Authentic atmosphere; many original buildings intact. |
Best with private car; limited buses; stay in local guesthouses for immersion. |
Hailongtun Tusi Fortress (海龙屯) |
UNESCO Tusi Site; cliff-top fortress ruins; battlefield viewpoints. |
Mainly ruins but dramatic mountain setting. |
Located near Zunyi; moderate hiking required; visit in dry season for safety. |
Ethnic Villages & Cultural Experiences
Authentic Miao Villages: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village & More
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (西江千户苗寨)
- Location: Leishan County, Qiandongnan
- Ticket: ~¥90
- Open: All day
- Scale: ~1,400+ households
- Highlights: Diaojiaolou (stilt houses), terraced hillsides, silver jewelry, festivals, long-table banquets
Xijiang is the largest Miao village in the world and the best place for you to experience Miao culture. The village is built along steep hillsides, its wooden stilt houses rise layer by layer. The view is breathtaking, especially if you’re traveling at night when the entire village glows with warm lights. In addition to the view, you can also explore local cultural heritage and try making your own crafts like silverwork. If time allows, enjoy festival performances, and immerse yourself in authentic Miao traditions.
More Other Authentic Miao Villages in Guizhou
Miao Village |
Location |
Highlights / Features |
Ticket / Access |
Suggested Visit Time |
Basha Miao Village (岜沙苗寨) |
Near Congjiang |
“Last tribe of gunmen.” Ceremonial gun rituals. Indigo clothing. |
¥40-100 |
2–3 hours |
Langde Miao Village (朗德苗寨) |
Near Kaili |
Traditional dances. Authentic atmosphere. Less commercial |
¥50-60 |
3–4 hours |
Matang Gejia Village (麻塘革家寨) |
Kaili area |
Batik craftsmanship. Gejia culture. Stilt houses |
free |
2 hours |
Kaili Miao Villages (凯里周边苗寨) |
Kaili |
Festival hub (Sisters’ Festival). Cultural gateway |
Free–¥50 |
Half day |
Suggested Guizhou ethnic village tour
Authentic Dong Villages: Zhaoxing & Beyond
Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨)
- Location: About 5–10 km from Congjiang Railway Station.
- Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day or overnight
- Ticket: CNY 80-100 (Entry is CNY 80)
- Highlights: Five Drum Towers, Wind-and-Rain Bridges, Dong Grand Song (UNESCO), festivals
Zhaoxing is one of the largest and most representative Dong villages in China. When traveling there, you’ll see its iconic drum towers built by different clans. This traditional architecture serves as the cultural and social heart of the community. A unique experience I also recommend is the famous Dong Grand Song, a unique polyphonic singing tradition. It’s especially rewarding during festivals or evening performances.
More Other Authentic Dong Village in Guizhou
Dong Village |
Location |
Highlights / Features |
Ticket / Access |
Suggested Visit Time |
Tang’an Dong Village (堂安侗寨) |
Near Zhaoxing |
Terraced fields. Peaceful lifestyle |
Often free or minimal |
2-3 hours |
Sanbao Dong Village |
Rongjiang County |
Wooden architecture. Folk music. Less touristy |
free |
2-3 day |
Congjiang & Sandu (Shui) Cultural Spots
Congjiang Dong Villages:
- Rich in wooden architecture and traditional music.
- These villages often appear in Guizhou ethnic tours.
Sandu Shui Ethnic Town (水族):
- Inhabited by the Sui (Shui) people, another recognized minority group.
- The Shui culture is known for its water-related traditions, and this relation has left a major influence on their daily life.
Beyond the more famous Miao and Dong villages, many people would say Guizhou’s Congjiang region and Sandu Shui Autonomous County can provide them with a more profound exploration of cultural diversity. In Congjiang, you’ll find multiple Dong settlements with their wooden architecture and folk singing. Meanwhile, Sandu is the cultural heartland of the Sui (Shui) people, and their culture is built on and flowing around water. The Shui people’s unique customs have made this site a must-visit in a Guizhou ethnic culture tour.
For more information: Top 12 Ethnic Villages in Guizhou: Discover Hidden Guizhou Ethnic Minority Cultures
Major Attractions of Guizhou at a Glance
Attraction |
Location / City |
Key Feature(s) / Highlight |
Huangguoshu Waterfall |
Anshun |
Asialargest waterfall cluster, watercurtain cave, karst scenery |
Fanjing Mountain (Fanjingshan) |
Tongren |
UNESCO reserve, Golden Summit, “Mushroom Stone,” sea of clouds |
Qianling Mountain Park |
Guiyang |
City mountain park, Hongfu Temple, monkeys, panoramic city views |
Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town |
Near Anshun |
Ming-era military town, Tunpu culture, Dixi opera |
Zhijin Cave (Zhijindong) |
Bijie |
Large karst cave system, stalactites, geological wonder |
Caohai Lake |
Bijie (Weining) |
Plateau wetland, birdwatching (e.g., cranes) |
Related reading: Guiyang White House
Top Tourist Destinations in Guizhou & Their Highlights
Guizhou is a rich and vast land, and after the brief introduction of its natural and cultural highlights above, you might already get an initial understanding of its beauty. And to go deeper into its heritage, we would now give you a quick look at some key destinations that can be included in a Guizhou tour:
Guiyang
Guiyang is the provincial capital. It is a major hub and the most convenient base for travelers no matter which site you want to explore. There are also highlights in this city, including Qianling Mountain Park (best to go hiking), Hongfu Temple, and watching macaques in their natural habitat. When night falls in the city, go to Jiaxiu Pavilion and bustling night markets, especially on Shanxi Road, and there you can try the most authentic local Guizhou street food in a lively evening vibe.
Anshun
Known as Guizhou’s “waterfall city,” Anshun is most famous for the Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area, which has been introduced above. And this area is so lively with the waterfall and the dramatic karst landscapes. Also nearby is the Anshun Confucius Temple, a significant historic and cultural site.
Tongren
This city is located in eastern Guizhou and it’s home to Fanjing Mountain, which has peaks like the Red Cloud Golden Summit and Buddhist temples. To find the historical charm in this city, go to the ancient Miao fortress towns (“Miao Wang City”) and Yamugou Valley, and they can also give you some cultural and natural immersions.
Suggested tour
Qiandongnan (Kaili region)
This area is the cultural heart of Guizhou’s Miao and Dong ethnic groups. Kaili serves as a base to explore ethnic villages and everything that would happen in such villages, such as vibrant markets, and traditional performances.
Bijie
Bijie has a rather unique plateau landscapes. When visiting here, people would all tell you to explore Zhijin Cave (a massive karst cave system). And after visiting the cave, you may also fell like seeing the nearby Caohai Lake. It is a high-altitude wetland which attracts countless migratory birds. So that if you enjoy bird-watching, then this must be a dream place for you.
How to Plan a Guizhou Tour: Suggested Itineraries
5-6 days in Guizhou is enough for you to balance both nature and culture sightseeing, and you’ll be able to travel with a moderate travel pace.
Here are three sample itineraries based on different trip length and style:
3–4 Days: Quick Guizhou Nature & Culture Tour
Day 1: Arrive at Guiyan. Explore Jiaxiu Pavilion and the riverside area of Guiyang.
Day 2: Drive (~2–3 hours) to Huangguoshu Waterfall. Return to Anshun or Guiyang for overnight
Day 3: Karst Caves & Mount Fanjing (Optional)
Option A: Visit a nearby karst cave (for example, Dragon Palace Cave)
Option B: Drive to Fanjing Mountain, catch the sunset or early evening
Stay overnight either near Fanjing or in Guiyang.
Day 4: Fanjing Peak or Departure
If staying: hike or take a cable car up Fanjing Mountain. Visit its Golden Summit and enjoy the sea of clouds.
Return to Guiyang for departure, or extend your trip into a longer Guizhou tour.
Recommended Tour Package
5–6 Days: Classic Guizhou Nature & Ethnic Culture Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Guiyang. Optional evening walk along the Nanming River.
Day 2: Guiyang Historic Tour. Visit Qingyan Ancient Town. Return to Guiyang: visit Jiaxiu Pavilion, and possibly the Republic-era villa.
Day 3: Drive (~2.5 hours) to the FAST Radio Telescope (Guizhou Observatory). Afternoon: head to Miao villages near Kaili or Leishan area.
Day 4: Miao Village Immersion. Participate in a welcome ceremony with local traditions. Try ancient crafts: paper-making workshop (wood pulp). Walk through the village, visit stilted houses, learn about Miao architecture & daily life.
Day 5: Visit a wax-dyeing workshop in a Miao village. Then, go to a “short-skirt” Miao village (famous for very short pleated skirts) and learn about traditional costumes. Enjoy a long-table banquet, and watch or even join a Miao dance/music performance.
Day 6: Return to Guiyang / Departure
Leisure morning. Drive back to Guiyang for airport or train station.
Recommended tour
7+ Days: In-Depth Guizhou Exploration (Nature + Ethnic + Hidden Gems)
Day 1: Arrive at Guiyang and transfer to hotel. Leisure evening to rest and prepare for the tour.
Day 2: Guiyang → Huangguoshu Waterfalls. Follow the route: Doupotang → Tianxing Bridge → Huangguoshu main fall. Return to Guiyang.
Day 3: Guiyang → Qingyan Ancient Town → Libo
Day 4: Libo (Seven Small Arches) → Kaili
Day 5: Visit Matang Gejia Village, learn batik/weaving with a local master. Drive to Kongbai Miao Village (silver-making), visit a workshop and try making a small silver piece yourself. Overnight in Kaili.
Day 6: Kaili → Langde Miao Village (culture & long-table banquet)
Day 7: Kaili → Guiyang Departure. Drive about 3 hours back to Guiyang
Suggested tour
Travel Tips & Practical Information
- Travel between attractions:
Roads in Guizhou are mountainous and winding, which means you would probably spend more time on the road than you expected. So that allows buffer times when you move from different cities and towns.
- Best seasons:
Spring–early summer and autumn are often considered the best time to visit. These periods allow comfortable exploration of both nature and culture.
- Clothing & Gear
Prepare layers: lightweight shirts and a warm jacket. These are all important as mountain weather changes fast and also bring non-slip shoes
Umbrella or raincoat is also useful, since rain is common from May to October.
- Health & Safety
Guizhou has many mountain roads and high terrain, so remember to bring a small first-aid kit.
Be careful when navigating rural, remote areas. Avoid picking up unlicensed rides.
- Cultural Etiquette
In ethnic minority regions (e.g., Miao, Dong), please respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people or their homes.
- Money, Payment & Communication
In cities, WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, but in remote villages some vendors only accept cash.
- Accommodation & Booking
Guizhou is also one of the popular destinations for domestic travel, so book accommodation (village guesthouses recommended) in advance, especially during peak season or ethnic festival time.
FAQs about Guizhou Travel
Is Guizhou worth visiting?
Yes. Although Guizhou may not be as famous as many other famous destinations, it still offers a wonderful mix of all kinds of tourist opportunities.
How do I reach Huangguoshu Waterfall / Fanjing Mountain?
- Huangguoshu Waterfall: take a high-speed train from Guiyang to Anshun West (about 30-40 mins) and then a shuttle to the scenic area. Or you can take a direct bus from Guiyang’s Jinyang Bus Station (2–2.5 hrs).
- Fanjing Mountain: Usually reached via Tongren.
How to get to and travel around Guizhou?
- Gateway cities: Guiyang is the main entry point to Guizhou. Both train and flights can take you here.
- Inter-city transport: Use trains (e.g., Guiyang ↔ Anshun) and then buses or private cars to travel between Guizhou’s cities.
- Remote areas: Self-drive or hiring a private vehicle is recommended. The hassle-free option is to join a Guizhou tour with private vehicles included.
What are the Top Tourist Destinations in Guizhou?
- Guiyang: Guiyang is the provincial capital, top attractions here including Qianling Mountain, Hongfu Temple, and lively night markets.
- Anshun: Anshun is known as the “waterfall city.” The famous Huangguoshu Waterfall and many dramatic karst landscapes are concentrated here.
- Tongren: There are many highlight in this city, such as Fanjing Mountain, Buddhist temples, and ancient Miao fortress towns.
Explore Deep into Guizhou with China Xian Tour
Guizhou has long been praised as a hidden gem as even though it possesses extraordinary cultural and natural heritage, still it’s not as widely visited as many other region. With all those highlights that one may find irresistible, now it’s time to consider planning a Guizhou Tour with China Xian Tour. With experience of over a decade, our professional guides know the best of how to make all your expectations come true in a customized itinerary. And while we will be there 24/7 to take care of everything for you along the way, the only thing you’ll need to do is get ready for an amazingly arranged tour which can you so many unforgettable memories.
