A Travel Guide to Guizhou
Tucked away in Southwest China, Guizhou Province is a hidden gem that blends breathtaking natural landscapes, rich ethnic diversity, and a vibrant cultural heritage. Known for its dramatic karst mountains, cascading waterfalls, and ancient minority villages, Guizhou offers an off-the-beaten-path experience for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure. Often overlooked in favor of more famous destinations like Yunnan or Sichuan, Guizhou is gaining recognition as a must-visit region, ranked by Lonely Planet as the 6th best region to visit in 2020. This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this enchanting province.
Why Visit Guizhou?
Guizhou is a treasure trove of unique attractions. Its karst landscapes, with mist-shrouded peaks and lush valleys, create a painterly backdrop for exploration. The province is home to 48 ethnic groups, including the Miao, Dong, and Buyi, who make up over a third of the population, offering a deep dive into China’s minority cultures through festivals, crafts, and traditional villages. Iconic sites like the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the world’s largest single-drop waterfall, and Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase Guizhou’s natural splendor. Add to that its spicy-sour cuisine, the famous Maotai liquor, and modern marvels like the FAST telescope, and Guizhou promises a diverse and memorable journey.
How to Get There
Guizhou is well-connected to major Chinese cities, with Guiyang, the provincial capital, serving as the primary gateway.
By Air: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) offers daily flights to Beijing (3 hours), Shanghai (2.5 hours), Guangzhou (1.5 hours), and other cities. International flights connect to Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Seoul. Smaller airports in Tongren (for Fanjingshan) and Libo (for Xiaoqikong) serve domestic routes. A flight from Beijing to Guiyang costs around ¥500–1,500, depending on the season.
By High-Speed Train: Guizhou’s high-speed rail network links Guiyang to Guangzhou (4–5 hours), Shanghai (8–9 hours), Chengdu (3–4 hours), and Kunming (2 hours). Stations like Guiyang North and Kaili South are key hubs. Example: A second-class ticket from Guangzhou to Guiyang costs ¥250–350. Trains are ideal for exploring cities like Anshun, Kaili, and Tongren.
By Car or Bus: Highways connect major cities, but rural roads can be winding and uneven, especially in mountainous areas. Private car services (e.g., China Discovery) are recommended for remote villages. Buses from Guiyang to attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall or Xijiang Miao Village take 1–2 hours and cost ¥20–50.
Tip: Use Guiyang as your base and rent a private car with a driver for flexibility, as public transport to remote sites can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
Guizhou’s subtropical monsoon climate is mild, with cool summers (20–25°C) and mild winters (5–10°C). It’s ideal for year-round travel, but here’s a breakdown:
Spring (March–May): Perfect for festivals like the Sanyuesan Festival (Miao ethnic celebration) and blooming landscapes. Mild weather and fewer crowds make it ideal. Summer (June–August): Cool and green, great for escaping China’s heat. Popular for waterfalls and hiking, but expect occasional rain.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp weather and vibrant foliage, ideal for photography. The Miao New Year Festival in November is a cultural highlight. Winter (December–February): Quieter with fewer tourists. Visit Weining Caohai Lake for birdwatching, especially black-necked cranes.
Note: Pack layers, as temperatures vary between day and night. A raincoat is essential due to frequent showers. Avoid major holidays like Chinese New Year and National Day (October 1–7) to dodge crowds.
Must-Visit Destinations
Xijiang Thousand Miao village (西江千户苗寨)
Xijiang offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Miao people, one of China’s 55 ethnic minorities. The village’s iconic Diaojiaolou (stilted wooden houses) cascade down hillsides, creating a breathtaking landscape, especially at night when thousands of lights twinkle like stars. Visitors can explore ancient streets, witness traditional song and dance performances, and savor local cuisine. The village’s authenticity, combined with its accessibility from Guiyang and Kaili, makes it a must-visit for those seeking cultural and natural beauty.
Mount Fanjing (梵净山)
Mount Fanjing, or Fanjingshan, located in Tongren City, Guizhou Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and spiritual significance as one of China’s five sacred Buddhist mountains. Rising to 2,570 meters as the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains, it offers dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations like the iconic Mushroom Stone, and ancient temples perched on precarious summits.
Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布)
Huangguoshu Waterfall, located in Guizhou Province, is one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders and the largest single-drop waterfall in the country. Standing at 77.8 meters tall and 101 meters wide, it is the centerpiece of the Huangguoshu National Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark renowned for its dramatic cascades, lush forests, and unique karst landscapes. Part of a cluster of 18 waterfalls, Huangguoshu is famous for its thunderous roar, misty rainbows, and the rare opportunity to walk behind the falls through a natural cave.
Zhijin Cave National Geopark (织金洞)
Tucked away in the karst landscapes of Guizhou Province, Zhijin Cave National Geopark is a geological marvel and a UNESCO Global Geopark, celebrated as the “King of Karst Caves.” Located in Zhijin County, this magnificent limestone cave system stretches over 12 kilometers, showcasing a dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, and other karst formations. Known for its ethereal beauty and vast underground chambers, Zhijin Cave is a must-visit for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking to explore China’s hidden wonders.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town (镇远古城)
Tucked away in the lush mountains of eastern Guizhou Province, Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a hidden gem that blends over 2,200 years of history with stunning natural beauty. Often called the “Oriental Venice” due to the Wuyang River winding through it, this serene town in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture offers a tranquil escape from bustling cities. With its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, vibrant ethnic culture, and picturesque riverside scenery, Zhenyuan is perfect for history buffs, photographers, and travelers seeking an authentic Chinese experience.
Zhaoxingdong Village (肇兴侗寨)
Nestled in the lush, mountainous landscape of Liping County, Guizhou Province, Zhaoxing Dong Village is a cultural gem and one of the largest Dong ethnic villages in China. Known as the “No.1 Dong Village,” it is celebrated for its unique wooden architecture, vibrant traditions, and serene natural beauty. Designated as one of the “six most beautiful rural towns in China” by National Geographic, Zhaoxing offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the Dong people’s heritage, complete with iconic Drum Towers, Wind and Rain Bridges, and the soulful “Grand Songs.”
Wanfenglin Scenic Area (万峰林)
Nestled in the heart of Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, the Wanfenglin Scenic Area—also known as the Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks—is one of China’s most breathtaking karst landscapes. Located just 4.5 km from Xingyi City in Guizhou Province, this UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 2,000 square kilometers, featuring nearly 20,000 cone-shaped karst peaks, lush fields, winding rivers, and vibrant Buyi ethnic villages. Praised by Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake as a “marvelous spectacle,” Wanfenglin offers a serene escape for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers.
Malinghe Canyon Scenic Area (马岭河峡谷)
Tucked away in the rugged landscapes of Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, the Malinghe Canyon Scenic Area is a breathtaking national geopark often dubbed the “Most Beautiful Scar of the Earth.” This 74.8-kilometer-long rift valley, carved by the turbulent Malinghe River, boasts dramatic cliffs, over 100 cascading waterfalls, karst caves, and lush subtropical vegetation. Renowned for its thrilling whitewater rafting and stunning natural beauty, it’s a paradise for adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Xiao Qikong (小七孔)
Xiao Qikong is renowned for its stunning karst landscapes, where crystal-clear rivers weave through lush forests and dramatic limestone peaks. The area’s highlight is the Seven Small Arches Bridge, a 19th-century stone bridge that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007, the scenic area features a diverse array of attractions, including waterfalls, caves, lakes, and Yao ethnic villages, all set against a backdrop of vibrant greenery. Its tranquil beauty, combined with the rich cultural heritage of the local Buyei, Miao, and Yao ethnic groups, makes Xiao Qikong a perfect blend of nature and culture. Whether you’re hiking, boating, or simply soaking in the scenery, this destination promises an unforgettable experience.
Doupotang Scenic Spot (陡坡塘瀑布)
Doupotang Scenic Spot is celebrated for its Doupotang Waterfall, the widest waterfall in the Huangguoshu Waterfall cluster, measuring 105 meters across and 21 meters high. Its broad, cascading flow creates a spectacular sight, especially during the rainy season when the water roars with intensity, earning it the nickname “Roaring Waterfall.” The area’s lush vegetation, karst cliffs, and tranquil trails make it a perfect complement to the more famous Huangguoshu Waterfall. Additionally, Doupotang holds cultural significance as the filming location for the ending song of the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, adding a nostalgic charm for fans. With fewer crowds than its neighboring attractions, Doupotang offers a peaceful retreat into Guizhou’s natural beauty.
Jiabang Terraces (加榜梯田)
Tucked away in the remote mountains of Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, the Jiabang Rice Terraces are one of China’s most breathtaking and lesser-known natural wonders. Cultivated by the Miao ethnic group for generations, these cascading terraces stretch across 10,000 acres, creating a mesmerizing landscape that shifts with the seasons. Dotted with traditional wooden stilt houses and shrouded in morning mist, the terraces offer a serene escape into rural China, blending natural beauty with rich cultural heritage.
Where to Eat
Guizhou’s Qian cuisine is famous for its spicy and sour flavors. Must-try dishes include:
Suan Tang Yu (Sour Soup Fish): A tangy, spicy fish hotpot. Chang Wang Noodle: Noodles with pork intestines and spicy broth. Si Wa Wa: Grilled stuffed rice dumplings. Maotai Liquor: A potent sorghum-based spirit, perfect for toasting.
Guiyang: Head to Erqi Road or Qingyun Road snack streets for local delicacies (¥10–30 per dish). Lao Gan Ma chili sauce, born in Guizhou, is a great souvenir.
Villages: Homestays often serve home-cooked meals, like Miao-style grilled fish or Dong sticky rice.
Note: Inform guides if you prefer non-spicy options, as spice is a staple.
Tips for a Great Visit
Language: English is rarely spoken outside Guiyang. Download Pleco or Baidu Translate for communication. Standard Mandarin works in cities, but rural areas use local dialects. Transport: High-speed trains and private cars are best. Rural roads can be rough, so plan extra travel time.
Respect Culture: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially in villages. Dress modestly during festivals. Pack Smart: Bring hiking shoes, a raincoat, and layers for mountain weather. Mosquito repellent is useful in rural areas.
Connectivity: Google Maps is unreliable in China. Use Baidu Maps or Amap (with Chinese names provided in itineraries). Combine Destinations: Pair Guizhou with Guilin (4 hours by train) or Zhangjiajie (6 hours) for a broader Southwest China adventure.
Final Thoughts
Guizhou is a destination where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly. From the thundering Huangguoshu Waterfall to the serene Miao villages, every moment feels like a discovery. Its unspoiled landscapes, warm hospitality, and spicy flavors make it a refreshing contrast to China’s urban hubs. Plan ahead, embrace the challenge of rural travel, and let Guizhou’s charm captivate you.
Happy travels!
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