Guiyang is a charming city, blending unique karst landforms, rich ethnic culture, and tempting cuisine. Here is a Guiyang travel guide:
Must-Visit Attractions
Qianling Mountain Park: Known as Guiyang's "green lung," admission is free with reservations. Climb the pavilion for panoramic city views, and visit Hongfu Temple for Buddhist worship. Wild macaques are present; please do not feed them.
Jiaxiu Tower: Guiyang's iconic landmark, free admission, open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00, closed Mondays. The night view is particularly stunning.
Qingyan Ancient Town: One of Guizhou's four ancient towns, first entrance fee 10 yuan. Stroll along the stone-paved streets, visit the Zhuangyuan Mansion and Wanshou Palace, and sample local delicacies such as braised pig's feet and rice porridge.
Tianhetan Tourist Resort: Known as "a unique wonder of Guizhou," first entrance fee 10 yuan. Enjoy views of calcified waterfalls and karst caves. Huaxi Yelang Valley: Entrance fee 20 yuan. A mysterious valley created by artists over nearly 30 years, blending karst landforms with ancient Yelang culture.
Food Recommendations
Sour Soup Fish: Recommended is Lao Kaili Sour Soup Fish (Provincial Government Branch). Its sour soup fish has been awarded intangible cultural heritage status; it's tangy and appetizing. Sour Soup Beef: Guichu Sour Soup Beef (Huijin Xingli City Branch) is worth a visit. The red sour soup base paired with freshly sliced beef is incredibly satisfying. Intestine and Blood Noodles: Jinpai Luoji Intestine and Blood Noodles (Caijia Street Branch) is a famous local noodle shop. The noodles are chewy, the blood tofu is tender, and the fatty intestines are soft and glutinous. Glutinous Rice: Aunt Mao's Glutinous Rice at Liuguangmen is rich in ingredients and a memorable breakfast for Guiyang locals.
Accommodation Suggestions
Old Town: Nanming District is a bustling commercial area, close to Jiaxiu Tower and Qingyun Market. The Hunter Sofitel Hotel is a good option. Yunyan District boasts a vibrant local atmosphere and is close to Qianling Mountain Park. Hotels around Xiaoshizi and Dashizi offer excellent value for money.
For a comfortable getaway: The Guiyang Anantara Resort Hotel, located in the Shuanglong Airport Economic Zone, offers a tranquil and comfortable environment, ideal for family trips. Qingyan Wenfan Huajiantang·Zhuangyuan Bieyuan is situated within Qingyan Ancient Town, offering easy access to the town.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Morning: Visit Qianling Mountain Park. Lunch: Intestine and meat noodles at Caijia Street. Afternoon: Visit Jiaxiu Tower and photograph the night view. Dinner: Enjoy snacks at Qingyun Market.
Day 2: Morning: Explore Qingyan Ancient Town. Afternoon: Head to Tianhetan Tourist Resort. Evening: Enjoy a sour soup feast at Lao Kaili Sour Soup Fish Restaurant.
Day 3: Morning: Visit the Guizhou Provincial Museum. Breakfast: Local specialties on Minsheng Road. Afternoon: Visit Huaxi Yelang Valley. Before returning home, consider buying Danjia Wan'ergao (a type of steamed rice cake) as a souvenir.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation: Guiyang North Railway Station is the largest transportation hub in Southwest China. Longdongbao International Airport provides access to the entire country, and Metro Line 2 provides direct access to the city center.
Internal Transportation: Buses and metro lines cover major attractions. Taxi fares start at around 10 yuan. For trips to suburban attractions, shuttle buses are available.