Green mountains and clear waters embrace the Dong Village; listen to the Dong folk songs on the Wind-and-Rain Bridge. The beauty of Guizhou lies hidden in every moment of slow, tranquil time.
Located in the hinterland of southwest China, Guizhou is a veritable “landscape hidden gem” where mountainous areas and hills cover 92.5% of its total territory.Karst landforms are widespread here: the Huangguoshu Waterfall cascades down from a cliff, shrouded in mist like a fairyland; the crystal-clear water of Libo Xiaoqikong is as pure as jade, connecting the cascading waterfalls and the delicate beauty of the water forest.Ancient villages dot the mountainsides: the stilted buildings of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village cling to the hillsides, their lights twinkling like a scattered galaxy at night; the Wind-and-Rain Bridge of Zhaoxing Dong Village spans the stream, with the melodious Grand Song of the Dong People echoing gently.The Golden Summit of Fanjingshan looms faintly amidst the sea of clouds, and the bluestone paths of Qingyan Ancient Town hold the traces of time.
Must-Visit Attractions in Guizhou
1. Huangguoshu Waterfall
Hailed as China’s top waterfall, Huangguoshu Waterfall cascades down a 100-meter – high cliff. Wander through the Water Curtain Cave behind the waterfall—feel the spray kissing your cheeks and look up to see a dazzling rainbow formed as sunlight filters through the water veil. The Tianxingqiao Scenic Area is dotted with dense stalagmites; the “Birthday – Counting Steps” have each step corresponding to a different date. The Dopotang Waterfall, 105 meters wide, booms thunderously during the flood season, like ten thousand galloping horses, and the plateau wind etches this magnificent scene into an unforgettable memory.
2. Libo Xiaoqikong
Known as the “Emerald on Earth”, Libo Xiaoqikong is embraced by green mountains and clear waters. Walk along the trail: the Wulongtan Lake is as green as jade, and the waterfall formed by water spilling over the dam is as soft as silk. Row a boat on the Mandarin Duck Lake, where the trees on both banks mirror in the water, presenting a stunning view at every step. In the evening, visit the ancient Xiaoqikong Bridge—the setting sun dyes the stone bridge and lake golden – red, and the chirping of insects and birds echoes in the mountains, making you feel like your heartbeat merges with the gentle landscape.
3. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village
Stepping into this village built on hills feels like walking into a fairy – tale world. Over a thousand stilted buildings are scattered neatly on the slopes, their wooden structures glowing warmly in the sun. Girls in traditional Miao costumes dance the Lusheng Dance on the square, with the crisp jingle of silver ornaments filling the air. Climb the viewing platform at night—the whole village lit up looks like stars scattered across the mountains. Sip a bowl of home – brewed rice wine and immerse yourself in the rich ethnic customs instantly.
4. Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Stroll along the banks of the Wuyang River. The winding bluestone paths of Zhenyuan Ancient Town are lined with well – preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Qinglong Cave Ancient Complex clings to the cliff, integrating Buddhist temples, Taoist temples and Confucian academies, showing a blend of multiple cultural styles. Sit in a riverside teahouse, order a cup of local green tea, and watch the boats glide slowly on the river. Breathe in the fresh, misty air. Even when you leave and look back, the ancient town still unfolds like a simple ink painting.
5. Fanjingshan
Take the cable car up to 2,100 meters. The Mushroom Stone stands firmly on the top of the mountain, shaped like a mushroom yet as steady as a rock. The rocks of the Old Golden Summit are stacked layer upon layer. Climb the steep plank road and overlook the rolling sea of clouds below, as if in a fairyland. The New Golden Summit, 2,336 meters above sea level, is split into two by a crack, connected by a sky bridge. Standing on the bridge, you have an abyss under your feet and mist around you. Take a breath of the thin mountain air. When you look back at Fanjingshan on your way down, it still looks like a sacred fairy mountain guarding this land.
Best Time to Visit Guizhou
Spring (March–May)
From March to April, rapeseed, peach and pear blossoms burst into bloom across Guizhou, and the cherry blossoms in northern Guizhou reach their full flowering period. The temperature is mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for flower viewing and capturing idyllic scenery in photos. However, the weather in Guizhou is quite changeable in spring, with occasional rainy spells. It is advisable to bring rain gear and warm clothing.
Summer (June–August)
This is the peak summer resort season in Guizhou, with an average temperature ranging from 20℃ to 25℃—cool and comfortable. It is perfect for visiting summer retreat cities like Guiyang and Liupanshui, as well as scenic spots such as Libo Xiaoqikong and Fanjingshan. Summer is also Guizhou’s rainy season. Travelers need to guard against natural disasters like mudslides and landslides triggered by heavy rains. Meanwhile, sun protection products are a must, since ultraviolet radiation is strong in mountainous areas.
Autumn (September–November)
Widely regarded as the best season for traveling to Guizhou. Starting from late September, the leaves across the province gradually change color, the rice fields in southeastern Guizhou turn golden, and the sea of clouds over Fanjingshan becomes even more spectacular. The weather is clear, the air is fresh and visibility is high, making it excellent for photographing natural landscapes and exploring ancient towns. Note that the temperature difference between day and night is significant in autumn, so warm clothing is essential.
Winter (December–February of the Following Year)
Temperatures are low in Guizhou in winter, and some high-altitude areas such as Fanjingshan may experience snowfall. With fewer tourists around, it is a great choice for travelers who prefer tranquility, allowing you to admire the snow-covered mountains and rivers. However, roads in some scenic spots may freeze in winter, so it is important to prioritize safety during travel. Thorough warm-keeping measures are also required.
Guizhou Cuisine Recommendations
Sour Soup FishMade with paddy field fish, tomatoes, chili peppers, litsea cubeba and other ingredients, the dish features tender fish meat and rich, mellow sour soup. The uniquely fermented sour soup of local craftsmanship boasts a well-balanced tartness and distinctive aroma. Simmered in the sour soup, the fish absorbs the broth’s essence, resulting in a delicate texture and rich nutrition. As one of Guizhou’s representative dishes, it is suitable for all ages.
Sisiwa (Silk Wrapper)This popular street snack uses thin pancakes to wrap a mix of shredded vegetables, including cucumber, radish, houttuynia cordata and kelp, then drizzled with a special dipping sauce. The thin pancakes are soft yet chewy, the shredded vegetables fresh and crisp, and the dipping sauce offers a savory blend of sour and spicy flavors. One bite delivers a wonderful interplay of multiple textures and tastes.
Changwang NoodlesA beloved Guizhou breakfast, this dish consists of chewy noodles, clean and odor-free pork intestines, tender pig blood curd and bean sprouts, all tossed in a rich, flavorful broth. Infused with Guizhou’s signature chili peppers, it is spicy yet not harsh on the palate, providing a hearty energy boost to start the day.
Huaxi Beef NoodlesPrepared with fresh yellow beef, smooth white rice noodles, pickled mustard greens and cilantro, the beef is stewed until tender and flavorful, while the broth is slow-simmered for hours with beef and various spices, yielding a rich and savory taste. Adding pickled mustard greens and cilantro to taste cuts through the richness with a tangy note and enhances the overall flavor with a fresh aroma. It is a highly distinctive Guizhou delicacy, beloved by tourists far and wide.
Spicy Braised ChickenStir-fried with free-range local chicken, dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, ginger and garlic, the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with a bold spicy and aromatic flavor. It pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed rice. A hidden gem way to enjoy it is to toss the noodles in the chicken’s savory sauce, which creates a uniquely delicious taste.
