
Guiyang
Guiyang Travel Guide with WakaChina Service - Explore the Green City of Southwest China
Guiyang Travel Guide 2025 - Waterfalls & Ethnic Culture
Your complete guide to exploring Guiyang - where spectacular waterfalls meet rich ethnic minority traditions in Southwest China
1 Welcome to Guiyang - The Green City
Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is known as the "Green City" for its lush mountains, fresh air, and year-round mild climate. Nestled in the heart of Southwest China, this vibrant city blends natural beauty, ethnic minority culture, and modern urban life.
Steeped in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, Guiyang serves as a gateway to explore the unique landscapes and traditions of Guizhou Province. Home to spectacular waterfalls, ancient towns, and diverse ethnic minority communities, Guiyang offers a fascinating blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences that showcase the authentic side of Southwest China.
Quick Guiyang Facts
- Best Time to Visit: March-October for pleasant weather and outdoor activities
- Language: Mandarin Chinese, with local Guizhou dialects
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) - approximately $1 = ¥7.2
- Getting Around: Efficient metro, buses, taxis, and private cars for waterfall trips
- Must-Try Food: Sour soup fish, Siwawa rice wraps, Changwang noodles
2 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Guiyang

2.1 Huangguoshu Waterfall
As one of China's largest and most spectacular waterfalls, Huangguoshu Waterfall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of Guiyang's natural attractions. The main waterfall drops 77.8 meters into a misty pool, surrounded by lush karst forests.
Visitors can take a scenic trail to view the falls from multiple angles, including behind the cascading water via the Water Curtain Cave. The thunderous roar and magnificent spray create an unforgettable sensory experience that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
WakaChina offers day-trip packages from Guiyang, including transportation, skip-the-line tickets, and guided tours to help you appreciate the waterfall's ecological and cultural significance.
Ticket Price: ¥160 ($22.2) Duration: 4-5 hours
Explore Huangguoshu Waterfall with WakaChina
2.2 Qingyan Ancient Town
Qingyan Ancient Town, a 600-year-old military fortress, showcases Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and the heritage of the Buyi and Miao ethnic groups. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with stone houses, ancestral halls, and temples.
Don't miss the Ancient Town Wall, Zhao Lianggong Ancestral Hall, and the St. Sophia Cathedral, a rare example of Western architecture in rural China. The town's well-preserved layout and traditional atmosphere offer a fascinating glimpse into Guizhou's history.
WakaChina can arrange guided tours to highlight the town's history and recommend local specialties like Qingyan roast chicken and rose sugar.
Ticket Price: Free (some attractions have separate fees) Duration: 3-4 hours
Visit Qingyan Ancient Town with WakaChina
2.3 Qianling Mountain Park
Qianling Mountain Park is a urban oasis known for its natural scenery, Buddhist temples, and wild macaque population. Hike to Hongfu Temple, a 300-year-old monastery, or take a cable car to the summit for panoramic views of Guiyang.
The park's lake is perfect for boat rides, while the White Elephant Cave and Dragon Pool add to its mystical charm. The resident macaque monkeys are a popular attraction, though visitors should be cautious with food and belongings.
WakaChina provides park maps and tips for interacting with the monkeys safely, as well as booking private tours for a more immersive experience.
Ticket Price: ¥5 ($0.70) Duration: 2-3 hours
Explore Qianling Mountain Park with WakaChina
2.4 Jiaxiu Pavilion
Jiaxiu Pavilion, a symbol of Guiyang's scholarly heritage, is a three-story wooden pavilion built in the Ming Dynasty. Situated on a stone pillar in the Nanming River, it features elegant architecture and calligraphy plaques.
The surrounding Fuyu Bridge and Cuiwei Garden offer peaceful spots for photography and reflection. The pavilion has long been associated with academic excellence and literary pursuits, making it an important cultural landmark.
WakaChina recommends visiting at night when the pavilion is illuminated, creating a picturesque scene that beautifully contrasts with the modern city skyline.
Ticket Price: Free Duration: 1-2 hours
Visit Jiaxiu Pavilion with WakaChina
2.5 Hongfeng Lake
Hongfeng Lake, a vast man-made lake surrounded by red maple forests, is ideal for nature lovers. Take a boat tour to explore its islands, including Turtle Island and Snake Island, or visit the minority villages along the shore to experience Buyi and Miao customs.
The lake's name comes from the beautiful red maple trees that line its shores, creating spectacular scenery especially during autumn. The area offers a peaceful retreat from the city and opportunities for various water activities.
WakaChina can arrange customized lake tours, including traditional ethnic performances and local food tastings for a complete cultural experience.
Ticket Price: ¥45 ($6.3) Duration: 3-4 hours
Explore Hongfeng Lake with WakaChina3 Accommodation Options in Guiyang
Guiyang's accommodation ranges from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, with options to suit every preference:
WakaChina helps you filter by price, amenities, and location, ensuring a comfortable stay that matches your travel style and itinerary preferences.
Find Accommodation in Guiyang4 Taste Guiyang's Spicy Delights
Guiyang cuisine is famous for its bold, spicy flavors and sour notes, influenced by Guizhou's ethnic minorities. Must-try dishes include:
- Sour Soup Fish: A tangy fish stew cooked in fermented rice soup with local herbs and spices
- Siwawa (丝娃娃): Mini rice wraps filled with shredded veggies and spicy sauce, a popular street food
- Changwang Noodles (肠旺面): Noodles with blood jelly and pork intestines in a rich, spicy broth
- Laoganma Chili Crisp: The famous chili sauce that originated in Guizhou province
- Qingyan Rose Sugar: A local specialty candy made with rose petals and sugar
WakaChina's food guides highlight local spots like Hebin Road Night Market and Laowu Sour Soup Fish Restaurant, ensuring you experience the most authentic flavors of Guiyang.
Explore Culinary Delights in Guiyang5 Popular Activities in Guiyang
6 WakaChina Services in Guiyang
Essential Guiyang Travel Tips
- Carry your passport - required for hotel check-ins and certain attractions
- Download WeChat or Alipay before arrival - essential for payments in China
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases - "nihao" (hello), "xiexie" (thank you)
- Respect ethnic minority customs - ask before taking photos in villages
- Bring rain gear - Guiyang has frequent rainfall throughout the year
- Pack comfortable walking shoes - many attractions involve hiking and walking
- Carry cash - some rural areas and smaller vendors may not accept digital payments
7 Plan Your Guiyang Adventure
Guiyang's natural wonders, cultural richness, and mild climate make it a hidden gem in Southwest China. From spectacular waterfalls and ancient towns to vibrant ethnic markets and spicy cuisine, there's something to captivate every interest.
With WakaChina's professional services, you can seamlessly explore its waterfalls, ancient towns, and vibrant food markets. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Guiyang promises an unforgettable journey.
Ready to Explore Guiyang?
Book our private car service with English-speaking drivers and expert guides. Experience Guiyang's highlights with comfort and convenience.
Start Your Guiyang JourneyGuiyang Travel Guide 2025 for International Visitors
Huangguoshu Waterfall, Qingyan Ancient Town, Qianling Mountain Park & Ethnic Culture Experiences
Complete guide to Guiyang travel for international tourists. Learn how to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, explore Qingyan Ancient Town, experience Qianling Mountain Park, and enjoy ethnic minority culture. Essential reading for travelers planning to visit Southwest China.
Our private car service in Guiyang with English-speaking drivers makes your travel experience seamless. Book your transportation and tours with WakaChina for business or leisure travel in Guiyang.
- Guiyang Huangguoshu Waterfall UNESCO site
- Qingyan Ancient Town Ming Qing architecture
- Qianling Mountain Park temples and monkeys
- Jiaxiu Pavilion Ming Dynasty landmark
- Hongfeng Lake boat tours and ethnic villages
- Guiyang accommodation options
- Private car service Guiyang English speaking drivers
- Guiyang cuisine food guide sour soup fish
- Miao and Buyi ethnic minority experiences
- Guiyang travel tips for foreign visitors