Guiyang

Guiyang is often underrated. Its cool climate and concentrated selection of local food make it well suited to a relaxed 3-day, 2-night trip.

• Qianling Mountain Park: Admission is 5 yuan. This park in the city center is ideal for a morning visit. You may see wild macaques and pandas, and visit Hongfu Temple.

• Jiaxiu Pavilion: An important landmark in Guiyang’s old city. After the lights come on in the evening, you can enjoy views of the night scenery from across the Nanming River; it is also worth visiting during the day.

• Qingyun Market: A nighttime district converted from old factory buildings, with neon signs and a concentration of local snacks. It is a good place to walk around and eat in the evening.

• Huaxi Yelang Valley: A complex of stone buildings created by an artist. Its unusual forms have an exotic and mysterious atmosphere, making it a good place for photos.

• Qingyan Ancient Town: A stone town from the Ming dynasty with more than 600 years of history. Its flagstone lanes retain a rustic character, and the braised pork feet are worth trying.

• Huaguoyuan White Palace: A large European-style building that is especially eye-catching when illuminated at night. The pedestrian bridge and the wetland park are both good spots for panoramic photos.

A Relaxed 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (Old-city atmosphere and night views): Visit Qianling Mountain Park in the morning to see the macaques and visit Hongfu Temple. At noon, head to Minsheng Road or Caijia Street to try changwang noodles and glutinous rice dishes. In the evening, go to Jiaxiu Pavilion to see the Nanming River after the lights come on. Spend the night sampling grilled dishes and bingshua at Qingyun Market.

• Day 2 (Mountain scenery and an ancient town): Visit Huaxi Yelang Valley in the morning to see and photograph its stone buildings. Spend the afternoon exploring Qingyan Ancient Town, walking through its lanes and trying braised pork feet. If you have time, take an evening walk along the Huaxi Shili Beach.

• Day 3 (Local culture and popular landmarks): Visit the Guizhou Provincial Museum in the morning to learn about the region’s diverse culture; advance reservations are required. In the afternoon, go to the Huaguoyuan White Palace and Twin Towers to photograph the cityscape, then begin your journey home.

Must-Try Local Foods in Guiyang

Guiyang cuisine is generally sour and spicy, with a wide variety of street snacks and hot pots. When traveling with a group, sharing dishes makes it easier to try more foods in one meal.

• Changwang noodles: A popular Guiyang breakfast. The noodles are springy, the pork intestines are tender, the blood curd is silky, and the red-oil flavor is rich. Nanmenkou and Lu Ji are both good options.

• Sour soup hot pot: The broth comes in red sour and white sour varieties. Sour and spicy, it whets the appetite and is served with freshly sliced beef and vegetables for a refreshing taste.

• Siwawa: Thin pancakes wrapped around more than a dozen kinds of shredded vegetables, then dipped in a sour-and-spicy sauce. The flavor is fresh and light; Yang Yima is one of the earlier local choices.

• Bean-and-rice hot pot: The broth is made by simmering beans and rice, giving it a thick, soft, and creamy texture. It is served with fermented chili seasoning and soft pork, and goes especially well with rice.

• Griddle-cooked dishes: A good choice for an evening meal. Pork belly, stuffed tofu, and baby squash are cooked on a hot griddle, then dipped in dry seasoning or a houttuynia sauce.

• Qingyan pork feet: A signature food of Qingyan Ancient Town. The pork skin is soft and glutinous, the meat is fragrant, and the braising flavor is well developed. Buying it in the town’s lanes is usually cheaper than buying it near the entrance.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay: Consider staying around 喷水池 or 大十字 first. These areas are in the center of the old city, with snack streets just downstairs, and are served by Metro Line 1. Prices are around 150–300 yuan per person per night. If you prefer a quieter setting and the feel of a newer district, stay near 观山湖.

• High-speed rail: It is recommended to arrive at Guiyang North Railway Station. After leaving the station, take Metro Line 1 to reach the city center and Guanshanhu.
• Getting around the city: The old city has many slopes and narrow roads, so taking the metro or a taxi is easier. Renting an electric scooter is not recommended. You can ride the metro by scanning a code with the “一应黔行” app or Alipay.

Things to Note

• About the monkeys: Do not feed or tease the wild macaques at Qianling Mountain Park. Avoid carrying plastic bags by hand, as the monkeys may try to snatch food from them.
• About houttuynia: Many Guiyang snacks and dipping sauces normally include houttuynia, also known as fish mint. If you are not used to it, say “no houttuynia” when ordering.
• About reservations: The Guizhou Provincial Museum and Jiaxiu Pavilion usually require online reservations, and they may be closed on Mondays. Check opening hours and reservation requirements before setting out.
• What to wear: Guiyang gets frequent rain and has noticeable temperature differences between morning and evening. Bring an umbrella that works for both sun and rain, as well as a light jacket. The old city and ancient towns have many stone paths and slopes, so comfortable, slip-resistant walking shoes are recommended.