Guiyang Travel Guide

Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou province, a highland city that spreads across the karst terrain of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Mountains rise on every side and greenery runs deep into the city, earning it the affectionate nickname of the "Forest City." Summers are cool, and people travel here from across China to escape the heat.

The Jiaxiu Tower floats over the Nanming River in the city center. This three-story pavilion was built in the Ming dynasty, and its vermilion form mirrored on the water is the signature view of Guiyang. Together with the Wenchang Pavilion it is listed among nationally protected cultural relics. To the northwest, Qianling Mountain Park is a lush hill overlooking the center, where the Hongfu Temple and a troop of wild monkeys give residents a place to relax.

On the outskirts, Qingyan Ancient Town grew from a Ming-dynasty military outpost. Its stone lanes and city gates preserve the look of that earlier era. Guizhou is a region rich in minority cultures, and Miao and Dong villages dot the surrounding countryside, where you can encounter silverwork, embroidery, the sound of the lusheng reed pipe, and the distinctive drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges.

The local food is defined by sour and spicy flavors: fermented sour-soup fish, Changwang noodles served with pig's blood and intestines in a spicy broth, and Siwawa, thin wraps filled with vegetables, are all local favorites. A metro runs through the city, and the ancient towns and scenic spots of the outskirts are easy to reach. Take your time walking through Guiyang, where greenery, history and rich minority culture come together.