Follow our travel guide to Guiyang and witness the most beautiful spring in the city!
Guiyang, also known as “Zhu,” is a National Civilized City, the capital of Guizhou Province, and the economic, political, and cultural center of Guizhou. It has jurisdiction over six districts, three counties, and one city. Among them, Yunyan District and Nanming District are the core urban areas and the main travel destinations, generally referred to as the old town. These districts are home to a wide variety of delicious food and have the most vibrant atmosphere.
Transportation
Guiyang has three railway stations: Guiyang Station, Guiyang North Station, and Guiyang East Station. Guiyang East Station is relatively far from the city center and does not have a metro connection, only buses. Guiyang Station and Guiyang North Station are both connected to the metro, making them more convenient, so it is recommended to choose these two stations. Guiyang Longdongbao Airport also has a metro connection and is not too far from the city center. Guiyang has three metro lines that cover all six districts, but smaller destinations may not be directly accessible by metro, requiring additional walking after getting off.
Accommodation Recommendations
It is recommended to stay in hotels within this area for convenient shopping, dining, and transportation. Strongly recommend staying near the Fountain Pool, which is close to several food streets.
Attraction Recommendations
Qianling Mountain Park
One of the core attractions in Guiyang, Qianling Mountain Park is a national 4A-level scenic spot. Starting from 2024, the park will be free to enter. Inside, you can see giant pandas, various animals, and large groups of semi-wild macaques.
Many people online say it is not recommended to visit, which I don’t quite understand. It’s a free scenic spot, so what more could you ask for? The best places to see monkeys are between Hongfu Temple, the zoo, and Qianling Lake. You can first visit Hongfu Temple, then go to Qianling Lake to see the monkeys, and finally visit the zoo to see the animals. However, be careful not to expose food or tease the monkeys, or you may get slapped by them. I have been there many times and have never been bothered.
Suggested visit duration: 2-4 hours
- 🎫 Free
- 🚇 Direct access by Qianling Mountain Park Metro Station
- 🕐 Daily 07:00—20:00
Qingyan Ancient Town
Qingyan Ancient Town was a military stronghold during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the sixth year of the Hongwu Era of the Ming Dynasty, due to Qingyan’s location in the middle of the main post road leading to Guiyang from Guangxi, a station and a pond were set up, and troops were stationed at the foot of the Shuangshi Peak, historically known as Qingyan Camp.
It is the only 5A-level scenic spot in Guiyang. Although it is not much different from other ancient towns, since you are already here, it is recommended to visit. You can try the Qingyan pig trotters and climb the “Mini Great Wall” of Guiyang.
Suggested visit duration: 2-3 hours
- 🎫 10 yuan
- 🚇 Direct public transportation available
- 🕐 Year-round 08:10—22:00
Jiaxiu Pavilion
Jiaxiu Pavilion is a witness to Guiyang’s history and a landmark in its cultural development. It is the most representative building in Guiyang, hands down. It appears in various city promotions.
It is recommended to visit at night for a better view and photo opportunities.
Suggested visit duration: 1 hour
- 🎫 Free
- 🚇 Located in the city center, easily accessible by transportation
- 🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-17:00; last admission at 16:30
Qingyun Market
Integrating food, travel, shopping, entertainment, and culture, Qingyun Market has a rich cultural heritage. It is worth a visit and makes for great photos at night.
Suggested visit duration: 1-2 hours
Yelang Valley
Huaxi Yelang Valley is located in a small canyon at the foot of Doupeng Mountain in the Guian New Area’s Huaxi University Town. It is created by Guizhou’s famous artist Song Peilun. Here, you can find stone buildings, sculptures, pottery, and more, all filled with a strong artistic atmosphere. Some painters’ studios are also located here, and it serves as a practice base for the Fine Arts Academy of Guizhou Normal University.
Suggested visit duration: 1-2 hours
- 🎫 20 yuan
- 🚇 Public transportation and tourist lines available
- 🕐 08:00-19:30
Guizhou Geological Museum
The Guizhou Geological Museum has several exhibition halls, including the Mysterious Guizhou Hall, Colorful Guizhou Hall, Prosperous Guizhou Hall, and Progressive Guizhou Hall. It mainly displays ancient fossils and Guizhou’s tourism resources. It is a fun place to visit and offers great photo opportunities.
Suggested visit duration: 1-2 hours
- 🎫 Free
- 🚇 Direct public transportation available
- 🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-17:00
Shidong Alley and Radio Street
Hidden behind the bustling city center and towering buildings lies this artistic alley. Most Guiyang residents have probably visited this place. Named after the former “Guiyang People’s Radio Station,” this short, artistic old street and graffiti wall, spanning just a few hundred meters, is a true gem.
Suggested visit duration: 1-2 hours
- 🎫 Free
- 🚇 Direct public transportation available
Wenchang Pavilion
The architectural style of Guiyang’s Wenchang Pavilion is unique: the bottom floor is square, while the second and third floors have 9 corners of varying degrees. “Shuang Shuang Guiyang, Wenchang Yunyan” is the building that best represents Yunyan District. Last year’s Guiyang Music Festival started from here.
Tianhe Tan Scenic Area
A national 4A-level scenic spot, Tianhe Tan is quite fun. It features dry caves, water caves, waterfalls, and other landscapes, making it a miniature version of Guizhou. However, it is relatively far from the city center, so driving is more convenient.
Suggested visit duration: 2-4 hours
- 🎫 Starting from 75 yuan
- 🚇 Public transportation available, but the journey is long
