Guiyang 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Explore the Splendors of Guiyang's Natural Wonders

Discover Guiyang's iconic landmarks like Huangguoshu Waterfall, Qingyan Ancient Town, and Qianling Mountain Park. Enjoy scenic hikes, ancient temples, and panoramic views.

See macaques at Qianling Mountain Park

Stroll through Qianling Mountain Park, enjoy the natural scenery, observe the wild macaques, and experience the feeding interaction. You can also enjoy the beauty of nature by hiking, visiting Hongfu Temple, and boating on the lake.

Sample Local Cuisine

Guiyang is famous for its spicy and flavorful dishes like sour fish soup, spicy chicken, and ""Tofu in love"". Explore street food markets for culinary delights.

Discover Unique Treasures at Local Markets

Explore Guiyang's vibrant markets like Huaxi Night Market for unique souvenirs and local products. 

Capture the Beauty of Jiaxiu Tower at Night

Jiaxiu Tower is beautifully illuminated at night, perfect for stunning nighttime photography with reflections on the Nanming River. 

Guiyang is a city rich in cultural and natural attractions, offering experiences that blend ancient architecture, traditions, and scenic landscapes, from the historical Ming and Qing architectural styles of Qingyan Ancient Town to the dramatic karst formations and cultural performances of Tianhetan.

Established in 1378, Qingyan Ancient Town is renowned for its Ming and Qing architectural styles and its deep historical and cultural essence. Guests can explore various preserved structures, from temples to residences, all showcasing the town's rich cultural tapestry. The town not only captivates with its ancient stone constructions and scenic landscapes but also provides insight into a blend of religious traditions, enhancing its value as an educational and photographic site. Being a national 5A tourist spot, it promises an enriching experience for every visitor.

Huaxi Yelang Valley envelops visitors within the depths of Guizhou's Karst landscape and local indigenous cultures. Created by artist Song Peilun, the valley is a living canvas displaying a blend of architectural styles and natural beauty, ideal for exploring ancient Yelang culture. The valley also hosts daily Nuo Opera Shows, emphasizing its cultural significance.

Qianling Mountain Park, established in 1957, is known for its lush greenery and historical sites such as the Hongfu Temple, dating back to 1672. This urban park combines natural attractions like verdant forests, springs, and a rich diversity of plants with cultural elements, exemplified by the temple and the natural macaque sanctuary. Visitors can explore the temple via a scenic hike, enjoying the serene environment and panoramic city views, making it a perfect blend of nature and spirituality.

Tianhetan in Guiyang is renowned for its dramatic karst scenery and historical features. Highlights include varied karst formations, significant stone bridges, and captivating waterfalls. A haven for explorers, it offers boat and walking tours through enchanting caves and past the imposing Wolong Waterfall. Cultural elements enrich the experience with ethnic performances, while the best visiting times span from spring to autumn for optimal natural beauty.

Jiaxiu Tower, Guiyang's distinguished cultural emblem, showcases traditional Chinese architecture with its red pillars and green tiles, providing magnificent night views as it lights up and reflects on the Nanming River. Inside, the tower narrates local history through extensive exhibits and ancient texts, highlighting its role in motivating academic achievements historically. The attached Fuyu Bridge and serene Cuiwei Garden contribute to the scenic beauty and cultural depth, offering a peaceful escape with panoramic views.

The cuisine in Guiyang is celebrated for its authentic flavors and distinct seasoning. Dishes like the flavorful Changwang noodles, tender Huaxi beef noodles, appetizing sour soup fish, and crispy golden tofu balls provide a deeply satisfying taste experience.

Guizhou-Style Sour Beef Hotpot is a culinary delight originating from the mountainous province of Guizhou in Southwest China. Known for its bold flavors, this hotpot features tender slices of beef cooked in a vibrant, sour broth that's infused with local herbs and spices. The sourness comes from the use of traditional fermented tofu and tomatoes, which adds a tangy depth to the dish. The Guizhou-Style Sour Beef Hotpot is typically served with a variety of fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles, allowing diners to customize their meal with a range of textures and tastes. It's a perfect blend of spicy, sour, and savory notes that warm the heart and satisfy the soul, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Guizhou.

Huaxi beef rice noodles feature a deliciously fresh soup and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The beef pieces are evenly cut, juicy, and tender. The rice noodles are silky smooth with just the right amount of chewiness. Enjoying them with the original broth offers a lingering, memorable flavor.

Sour fish soup is a renowned local dish in Guiyang, crafted with a unique secret recipe for the sour broth. To preserve freshness, only live fish are used. The addition of tomatoes, chili peppers, and spices creates a deliciously sour and spicy flavor that's exceptionally tender. Once the fish is consumed, the remaining broth can be used for hot pot, offering a versatile and distinctive dining experience.

Guizhou crispy tofu balls are a traditional delicacy in Guiyang. These tofu balls are fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a soft, smooth interior. Depending on personal preferences, these tofu balls are often served with a dipping sauce made from fish mint, pickled radish, and a mix of scallion and ginger.

Guiyang's transportation network is well-developed, with Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport and Guiyang East Railway Station being two of the major transportation hubs.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (IATA: KWE) is located 21.4 km southeast of the city center and serves as a key hub for air travel in the region. The airport has undergone expansions to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo traffic, with the recent addition of Terminal 3. To reach the city from the airport, travelers can use the Guiyang Metro or take a taxi.

Guiyang East Railway Station, situated 15 km northeast of downtown Guiyang, is a major railway hub that serves high-speed trains on several key routes, including the Shanghai-Kunming and Guangzhou-Guiyang high-speed railways. The station is equipped with modern facilities and offers a variety of services to passengers. To get to the city from Guiyang East Railway Station, the most convenient options are taxis or buses, as there is currently no metro service directly to the station.

Guiyang North Railway Station, located 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) northwest of the city center, 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport. A major hub for high-speed rail, it serves crucial routes including the Shanghai–Kunming, Guiyang–Guangzhou, and Chongqing–Guiyang high-speed railways.

Guiyang Railway Station, centrally located, is the city's original and main station, primarily handling regular (conventional) passenger trains. Serves older, traditional rail lines, such as the Liuzhou–Guiyang, Guiyang–Kunming, and Chongqing–Guiyang railways.

Taxis in Guiyang offer a convenient way to navigate the city, with fares starting at 10 RMB for the first kilometer during the day and 12 RMB at night. Drivers are known to be helpful, and hotels provide cards with instructions in Chinese and English to assist visitors in returning to their accommodations.

The Guiyang Metro, also known as Guiyang Urban Rail Transit (GYURT), efficient way to travel, especially for covering long distances across the city and avoiding traffic jams. Fares are mileage-based and can be paid for with a "Smart Card," which provides a small discount, or with a mobile payment app like Alipay.

Public buses in Guiyang are an affordable transportation option, charging only 1 to 2 RMB for travel throughout the city. This mode of transport is popular among locals and visitors alike for its extensive coverage and low cost.

From bustling city centers to serene scenic spots, the city caters to a variety of experiences and budgets.

Spray Pool area is a vibrant and dynamic part of Guiyang, ideal for younger travelers or those interested in e-sports. The proximity to Guiyang Railway Station and Spray Pool Subway Station offers hassle-free connectivity to various parts of the city. 

Attractions nearby include Wenchang Pavilion and Jiaxiu Tower, adding cultural excursions to the visit. Staying in this area provides an enjoyable nightlife experience with accommodations offering impressive facilities.

Located in the Nanming District, the area around Jiaxiu Tower is steeped in culture and history, marked by the iconic Ming Dynasty tower itself. With easy access through various bus routes, visitors can explore nearby historical sites like the Cuiwei Pavilion and Avalokitesvara Temple.

The area comes alive at night with a stunning view of the tower lit up, reflecting its beauty in the Nanming River. The charm of old Guiyang is palpable here, making it a must-stay for heritage lovers.

As one of the busiest and most expansive commercial areas in Guiyang, Huaguoyuan offers a plethora of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The area boasts modern homestays and impressive facilities like fitness centers and laundry rooms.

It's particularly suitable for families or travelers who prioritize convenience and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. The local mall and proximity to major hotels make it a hub of activity that’s both exciting and convenient.

The best time to visit Guiyang is during the summer months from June to September. This period offers warm and pleasant weather, with temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C, ideal for appreciating the grand waterfalls and exploring the city's natural beauty. Additionally, spring, particularly March and April, is a great time to experience traditional Miao festivals and enjoy the blooming countryside. Autumn also presents a colorful palette in the landscape, making it another recommended season for visiting Guiyang.

Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is home to a diverse population that includes various ethnic minority groups, which contributes to the multilingual landscape of the city. Mandarin Chinese is the official language, widely spoken and understood, with local dialects and minority languages also present. For travelers, language barriers can be mitigated through English-speaking tour guides provided to visitors, and staff in star-rated hotels often speak English. Translation apps and interpretation services can further ease communication challenges. When encountering language difficulties, using maps, gestures, and facial expressions can be effective communication strategies.

Alipay: Widely used across China for simple QR code payments and accessing public transport options.

WeChat: An essential app in China providing communication, payment, and social networking services. New visitors should have it downloaded for convenience and connecting with others.

Baidu Maps: The most reliable mapping service in China offering real-time traffic updates, navigation, and public transportation information.

Amap: Known for accurate navigation and detailed public transportation information, helpful for maneuvering through cities.

MetroMan: Useful for navigating major city metros and planning routes, covering all cities with metro systems.

Mobile data packages for travelers in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts.

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.

Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, experiences a subtropical moist temperate climate. The city enjoys mild weather, with no extreme heat in summer or severe cold in winter. Average temperatures range from 4.6°C in January to 24°C in July. Rainfall is abundant, particularly from March to August, with the city receiving an annual average of 1197mm. Due to its elevation, Guiyang can have significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.

When packing for Guiyang, include a variety of clothing options to accommodate the temperature changes. Rain gear is essential year-round due to frequent precipitation. For protection against intense ultraviolet radiation, bring sunscreen and hats. A windproof coat is advisable for cooler mornings and evenings. In winter, layering with jackets, fine sweaters, and thermal bottoms is recommended.

In Guiyang, the predominant payment methods are mobile payments, including WeChat Pay and Alipay, along with credit/debit card usage featuring major brands like Visa and Mastercard.

WeChat Pay and Alipay are extensively accepted across various services in Guiyang. The addition of global card brands such as Mastercard and Visa to these platforms has further streamlined payments for foreign tourists. Credit/debit cards with UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, and other logos are accepted at many locations, from tourist attractions to supermarkets and hotels. Additionally, cash withdrawal and currency exchange services are available at numerous bank branches and ATMs throughout Guiyang.

Foreign tourists should note that mobile payments like WeChat Pay may involve transaction fees, particularly for transactions exceeding certain amounts. Similarly, ATM withdrawals and currency exchanges may include a service fee, which varies depending on the bank and the type of transaction.