During their research days in Guiyang, the strategy team encountered weather that was either "raining" or "about to rain." I still remember the "Yunnan-Guizhou quasi-stationary front" learned from textbooks—this climatic phenomenon keeps Kunming "perpetually spring-like" and Guiyang "without three consecutive sunny days." To some extent, "refreshing Guiyang" also benefits from it—after enduring the damp and chilly winter, the city is greeted by the most pleasant summer in all of China.

Guiyang is a city embraced by forests. The persistent rainy days bring a lasting sense of security and shape the laid-back, cozy atmosphere of the city. Shared by the people of Southwest China, the innate belief of "food and drink first, fun above all" allows food lovers and night owls to instantly find a sense of belonging here.

Start from the old town, and get to know Guiyang

Estimated Tour Duration: 1 Day
Tour Route: Guizhou Provincial Museum → Qianling Mountain Park → North Guiyang Catholic Church → Wenchang Pavilion → Jiaxiu Tower

Traditionally the scope of "Old Guiyang" is quite compact primarily covering the areas of today's Yunyan District and Nanming District. In these two districts you can experience the most authentic old Guiyang charm. However with recent developments the Guanshanhu District on the western side of Qianling Mountain has become even more dazzling. One after another surrealistic structures rise from the ground piercing the sky. On foggy days bathed in neon lights the scene appears especially cyberpunk.

1. Guizhou Provincial Museum

Recommended Duration of Visit: 2–3 hours

If you want to understand the local culture, history, and traditions of a city, a museum is undoubtedly the best place to start. That’s why we recommend beginning your journey at the Guizhou Provincial Museum. Originally located on Beijing Road in the old city, the museum relocated to Guanshanhu District in 2016. Through four key themes—ethnic culture, ecological evolution, historical development, and revolutionary heritage—the museum vividly narrates the story of Guizhou’s past.

Operating Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 with free admission including holidays.

Address: No. 107 Lincheng East Road Guanshanhu District Guiyang City. Take the subway or bus and alight at the "International Convention Center" station.

2. Qianling Mountain Park

Recommended duration of stay: 3–4 hours

Guiyang is a city built along the slopes of mountains. When walking through the old town’s uphill and downhill roads, it’s often hard to catch a glimpse of the city’s skyline. Only after climbing to the top of Qianling Mountain at the city’s center do you truly discover Guiyang’s concrete jungle.

Once upon a time, the presence of Qianling Mountain hindered the city's expansion. But today, this urban mountain provides locals with an ideal spot for morning exercise and fresh air. Take the cable car to admire the panoramic view of Guiyang, offer devout prayers at the Hongfu Temple nestled in the mountains, get up close with the free-roaming monkeys, watch the national treasure pandas munch on bamboo at the zoo, or explore the Qilin Cave where General Zhang Xueliang was once imprisoned... Qianling Mountain is absolutely worth a visit.

Opening Hours: Daily from 07:00 to 20:00.

Ticket Prices: Round-trip cable car 30 yuan/person Hongfu Temple 2 yuan/person.

Address: No. 187 Zaoshan Road Yunyan District Guiyang City. Take the subway and get off at "Bageyan" Station then walk to the East Gate for entry. Alternatively take a bus and alight at "Beijing West Road Intersection" then walk to the South Gate for entry.

Please Note:

1. The cable car is located near the south gate of the park.

2. The monkeys on the mountain are aggressive. It is advised to observe them from a distance and avoid provoking them.

3. North Cathedral Church

Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 minutes

The people of Guizhou have their own unique aesthetic when it comes to architecture, and the construction of Catholic churches is no exception.

Located on Yunyan Road, the North Cathedral is a prime example of "East-meets-West" architecture in the city. The church was first built in 1876 under the design of French missionary Beatrix. It suffered damage several times during the late Qing Dynasty and was later restored and repaired after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Thus, the North Cathedral, with its tumultuous history over the past century, bears the marks of different eras and now stands proudly before the world in its present form.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 08:30 to 17:00 last entry at 4pm.

Address: No. 166 Shaanxi Road Yunyan District. Take the bus and get off at the "Hongbianmen" stop then walk to the destination.

4. Wenchang Pavilion

Recommended duration of stay: 30 minutes. The surrounding streets and alleys are ideal for strolling or sitting briefly.

Once the old eastern gate of Guiyang City, now the highest point in the bustling downtown. Built in 1609, the Wenchang Pavilion is nearly 500 years old and was dedicated to the Taoist deity Wenchang Dijun. Its three-tiered pagoda-style architecture is ingeniously designed, and its unique "nine-cornered structure" gives the tower a distinctive charm.

It is worth mentioning that the large slope paved with bluestone slabs has now become a "natural slide" for children to play on. Meanwhile, the area around Radio Street and Writing Brush Street near Wenchang Pavilion is well worth a visit. These unassuming alleys hide many idealistic artistic souls and skilled culinary masters.

Inside Wenchang Pavilion lies the Wenchang Tea House, a perfect spot for daytime tea sessions, with an average cost of around 25 yuan per person.

Be sure to try the famous delicacies around Wenchang Pavilion—those little treats that tantalize the taste buds of Guiyang locals. Among the big names are Wanjia Steamed Dishes, Granny Yang’s Barbecue, Old Yang’s No. 5 Barbecue, Little Fatty’s Barbecue, as well as icy desserts like Ice Jelly, Ice Slurry, and Mung Bean Soup.

Across from Wenchang Pavilion, a new food court has emerged, offering delights such as Copper Pot Potato Rice, Beef Noodles, Milk Tea, Duoduo BBQ Rice Bowls, Dry Pot Hotpot, and Clam Noodles… Every foodie can stuff themselves to the brim here at Wenchang Pavilion.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Ticket Price: Free admission; ID registration may require.

Address: Wenchang North Road Yunyan District Guiyang City. Take the metro and get off at "Zhongshan West Road" station then walk to the destination.

5. Jiaxiu Tower

Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes; even more beautiful at night.

When it comes to the scenic beauty of Guiyang, Jiaxiu Tower is a must-mention. This is the most renowned historic site in the city, a magnificent pavilion built atop a massive rock in the Nanming River. Having weathered the passage of dynasties, it still stands proudly today. As night falls and the lights along both banks of the Nanming River illuminate the sky, Jiaxiu Tower becomes the crowning jewel of Guiyang’s nightscape.

To the south, Cuiwei Garden (open daily from 09:00 to 17:00) shares a similar history with Jiaxiu Tower and can be visited together.

Opening Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00 with exterior areas accessible in the evening for 2 yuan/person.

Admission Fee: Free entry.

Address: No. 8 Cuiwei Lane Nanming District Guiyang City. Take the subway and alight at "Zhongshan West Road" station then walk to the destination.

From Qingyan Ancient Town, Discover a Different Side of Guiyang

After admiring the towering skyscrapers of Guanshan Lake and exploring the bustling, hilly old town, you can spare half a day to visit Qingyan, just outside Guiyang, and experience a different side of the provincial capital. There, away from the nightly revelry of the city, lies a place that remains serenely self-contained.

Originally built during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty the ancient town of Qingyan once served as a military stronghold of great strategic importance. Over the course of nearly a century it has been transformed to resemble "just another ancient town" like many others across the country. Yet its flaws do not overshadow its merits—you can still discover the town's rich heritage in the historical relics scattered throughout. At the same time it is also a renowned "food hub" in Guiyang offering authentic and delicious local specialties like Qingyan braised pork trotters fried tofu balls and rice tofu. Many locals still flock here on weekends to satisfy their cravings.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 08:30 to 17:30.

Ticket Prices: General admission is 10 RMB while a combo ticket (covering minor attractions like the ancient town walls Zhuangyuan Former Residence Longquan Temple and Ciyun Temple) costs 60 RMB.

Address: Qingyan Ancient Town Huaxi District Guiyang City. Take Bus 201 and alight at "Qingyan" Station or take a taxi from downtown for approximately 110 RMB.

Here are some suggestions:

1. You must try the Zhuangyuan Pig Trotters‼️ Paired with the signature double-flower vinegar dipping sauce the tangy flavor perfectly cuts through the richness of the pork 🍖 delivering a refreshing yet tender bite with every mouthful♨️

2. Other must-try dishes include sour soup beef🍲 sour soup fish glutinous rice cakes and rose-flavored ice jelly... You’ll definitely leave with a full stomach👏🏻👏🏻

3. The town boasts profound cultural heritage in history architecture religion agriculture cuisine and revolutionary traditions.

4. Don’t miss the immersive nighttime experience "Tales of the Ming Dynasty • Ode to Heroes" in Qingyan Ancient Town! The scenic area has launched the "Tales of the Ming Dynasty" themed event series packed with excitement‼️ (Visit during holidays—you won’t miss the performances❗)

Plan your trip

How many days are suitable for visiting?

1. The attractions in downtown Guiyang are relatively close to each other so setting aside 1 day is sufficient for sightseeing.

2. If you plan to visit Qingyan Ancient Town you can allocate an additional half to a full day for exploration.

Where is a good place to stay?

Before discussing accommodation in Guiyang let’s first take a look at the city’s transportation situation.

When talking about their hometown many Guiyang residents can’t help but flash a proud smile—after all this is the "Cool and Refreshing Guiyang!" But then they’ll quickly add a self-deprecating footnote—"a paradise for traffic jams." Fortunately with the successive openings of Guiyang Metro Line 1 and Line 2 getting around the city has become much more "refreshing" these days.

Therefore choosing accommodation along the metro lines is a smart move.

【1】Choosing a Location

1. Guiyang’s urban attractions are relatively concentrated so staying anywhere between "Guiyang North Station" and "Guiyang Station" on Metro Line 1 is very convenient. These areas are also quite lively making it easy to find great food and drinks.

2. For those prioritizing transit connections it’s recommended to stay along Metro Line 2 as it provides easy access to Longdongbao Airport and Longdongbao Bus Station (Zhongxing Road Metro Station).

【2】 2022 Mafengwo "Travelers' Choice" Recommended Hotels

1. Located in the city center Sofitel Guiyang Hunter and Kempinski Hotel Guiyang are both long-established five-star hotels in Guiyang. Among them the suites at Sofitel offer excellent scenic views.

2. In Huaxi District Dacheng Jingshe Hotel is a great choice for relaxation. The hotel is meticulously operated maintaining excellent condition even after six years of operation. Additionally it offers a variety of activities and provides high value for money.

What should I eat?

When traveling in the southwestern region, there’s a universal rule of thumb—if you step into a crowded small eatery, the food is likely to be good. As the capital of Guizhou, Guiyang brings together nearly all the local snacks of the province.

Sour soup hotpot, rice tofu, fish mint leaves, tofu balls... As long as you dare to try, Guizhou's cuisine will surely give you a soul-stirring surprise.