Zunyi

Zunyi combines revolutionary history, scenic landscapes, and local cuisine. The weather is generally comfortable in spring and autumn, making it a good time for a relaxed city break.

Recommended 3-Day, 2-Night Classic Itinerary

• Day 1 Explore the Historic Red City: After arriving in Zunyi in the morning, start with the Site of the Zunyi Conference to learn about this important historical event. Advance reservations are required; in the afternoon, visit Red Army Street and the 1935 Red District to admire their period-style architecture. At dusk, climb to the Phoenix Mountain Red Army Martyrs Cemetery for views over the old city. Plan dinner and late-night snacks around Laosha Lane or Suzhou Road.
• Day 2 Mountains, Water, an Ancient Village, and an Immersive Show: Head to Loushan Pass in the morning and visit Changkong Bridge and Xifengtai to take in the surrounding mountain scenery. In the afternoon, enter Wujiāng Village, exploring the lanes between the traditional stilt houses of northern Guizhou. After the lights come on at night, watch the single-bamboo drifting and water dance shows.
• Day 3 Museums, Culture, and the Hometown of Baijiu: Visit the Zunyi City Museum in the morning to learn about the history and folk customs of northern Guizhou. In the afternoon, head to Maotai Town to learn about sauce-aroma baijiu culture and see the “World’s Number One Bottle.” Alternatively, stay in the city and enjoy an authentic serving of sour soup beef at a long-established local restaurant before departing.

Must-Visit Attractions

• Site of the Zunyi Conference: An important revolutionary-history site in Zunyi. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. The main building combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, while the exhibition hall displays numerous valuable artifacts and includes a dynamic sand table. Allow 2–3 hours for a visit.
• Wujiāng Village: An ancient village in northern Guizhou set among mountains and water, with stilt houses arranged along the terrain. It is best to enter in the afternoon; the scenery becomes more layered after the lights come on at dusk. At night, you can also watch live performances and single-bamboo drifting shows. Evening admission is about 120 yuan.

• Loushan Pass: Both a famous mountain in northern Guizhou and an important revolutionary memorial site. The scenic area has no admission fee, but the sightseeing shuttle costs 50 yuan per person. You can visit Xifengtai, Changkong Bridge, and the Red Army battle ruins. On clear days, there are distant views of the connected mountain ranges.
• Zunyi City Museum: Admission is free, and the museum has an extensive collection covering Zunyi’s regional history, the Tusi culture of Hailongtun, and local customs. The museum is relatively quiet and is also a suitable indoor stop in hot weather.

• Maotai Town: Maotai Town is famous for sauce-aroma baijiu, and the fragrance of fermented grain can often be smelled around town. Visit the China Baijiu Culture City, then stroll along the riverside path beside the Chishui River to experience the local brewing culture and town atmosphere.

Local Specialties and Snacks

• Zunyi Mutton Rice Noodles: A common local breakfast choice. The thick rice noodles absorb the rich broth, while the mutton is fragrant and relatively mild in flavor. Adding a spoonful of local spicy chili paste makes it even more flavorful. Try Donggong Temple Daijia Mutton Rice Noodles or Shi San’s One-Pot Fresh Mutton Rice Noodles.

• Appetizing Tomato Chicken: The tomato broth has a distinct tangy flavor, and the chicken is tender and fresh. Vermicelli added at the end absorbs the broth particularly well, making this a good choice for diners who enjoy sour dishes.

• Luo Guo: A common Guizhou cooking style in which various ingredients are cooked on a clay pot and then dipped in chili powder. It is rich and aromatic. Consider Liangdu Qingwafang Luo Guo or Yulaotou Luo Guo.

• Tofu Pudding Noodles: The noodles are chewy, while the tofu pudding is soft. A specially made spicy dipping sauce adds layers of flavor. Having a bowl of hot soy milk afterward can help ease the heat.

• Laosha Lane Snacks: This lane brings together a variety of Zunyi snacks, including Qianren Wang Wusan Sanxiang Buns, Love Tofu Fruit, potato cakes, and glutinous rice egg cakes. It is ideal for sampling food as you stroll.

• Bingjiang: A slushy drink made from rice milk and fruit. It has a smooth texture and a mildly sweet finish, and glutinous rice is often added for a richer texture and to help offset spicy food.

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Where to Stay:
  • Old City, Honghuagang District: Close to the Site of the Zunyi Conference and Laosha Lane, with many nearby attractions within walking distance. There are plenty of restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses in the area.

• Fuzhou Road / Shanghai Road in Huichuan District: This area has a high concentration of restaurants, with plenty of options for luo guo, barbecue, and late-night snacks. It takes around 10–20 minutes by car to reach the old city.
  • Inside Wujiāng Village Scenic Area: Suitable for visitors who want to enjoy the night views within the scenic area. Accommodation mainly consists of guesthouses featuring northern Guizhou style. Prices are relatively high, but you will not need to make a long journey back to the city after watching the performances.

• Transportation:
  • High-speed rail: Zunyi Station is the preferred choice, as it is relatively close to the old city and takes just over 10 minutes by car to reach the conference site. Zunyi South Station is farther from the main urban area and is more suitable for self-driving visitors planning to go directly to Wujiāng Village.
  • By air: After arriving at Zunyi Xinzhou Airport, take the airport shuttle bus or a taxi to the old city.
  • Getting around the city: Attractions in the old city are relatively close together, so walking or taking a taxi is convenient. Taxi fares start at 7–10 yuan. For trips to Loushan Pass and Wujiāng Village, renting a car or taking a direct shuttle to the scenic area is recommended.

Tips and Things to Note

• Reservations: Admission to the Site of the Zunyi Conference is free, but reservations are mandatory. The site is closed on Mondays. During public holidays, arrive as early as possible to avoid the busiest crowds.
• Booking shows: The immersive performance The Great Turnaround is popular. During public holidays, it is best to buy tickets at least three days in advance, as tickets may not be available at the venue.
• Weather and clothing: Mountain weather can change quickly, so carry an umbrella that works for both sun and rain. Loushan Pass and Phoenix Mountain have many steps, so wear comfortable, slip-resistant athletic shoes.
• Food notes: Guizhou cuisine, luo guo, and barbecue usually contain a generous amount of chili. If you do not eat spicy food, tell the restaurant in advance. Laosha Lane has many snack shops, some of which may charge higher prices, so confirm the price before ordering.
• Travel safety: Do not take unlicensed cars soliciting passengers outside the train station. Go to the underground parking area to take a taxi instead. Private cars are not allowed inside Wujiāng Village; complete the entry procedures at the visitor center.