Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, is a hidden gem that offers a delightful mix of ancient culture, lush green landscapes, and modern city vibes. It is often used as a base to further explore Guizhou, but I spent 3 days here and had so much fun exploring. This guide contains all of the best things to do in Guiyang – from unknown spots to popular tourist attractions, along with tips to make the most of your visit.
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Table of Contents
Jiaxiu Pavilion
Jiaxiu Pavilion, also known as Jiaxiu Tower, is one of Guiyang’s most iconic landmarks. Beautifully set on the banks of the Nanming River in the central part of the city, I actually recommend finding a hotel to stay in this area – this is the hotel I stayed at. This traditional Chinese tower has intricate architecture and picturesque surroundings, and offers stunning views of the river and city. Seeing the Jiaxiu Pavilion illuminated at night was a highlight of my trip!
Qingyan Ancient Town
This charming ancient town offers a step back in time, with its stone-paved streets and well preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. It’s fun to explore the narrow alleyways and discover quaint shops selling handicrafts, street food and more! The best thing to do here is walk along the ancient city wall, which offers a fantastic view of the entire town and surrounding landscapes. It almost feels like a mini version of the Great Wall of China! Despite my visit falling on a national holiday, the wall itself was a lot less busy than the streets of the ancient town.
Qianling Park
Qianglingshan Park features scenic walking trails, a serene lake and the famous Red Maple Hill. It’s especially beautiful during the autumn months! One of the park’s unique attractions is the population of wild macaque monkeys that roam freely — they’re curious but can be cheeky, so keep an eye on your belongings! My personal favourite thing about the park is watching the locals dance, sing, and play games. It’s a really intriguing experience.
Hongfu Temple
Nestled within Qianling Park, it’s just a short hike up the hill to reach one of Guiyang’s most significant Buddhist temples. There are ancient halls, beautiful statues and peaceful courtyards, providing a serene atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection – if the monkeys don’t bother you! The Great Buddha Hall is impressive with intricate carvings that highlight traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Despite being quite crowded, this was one of the best things I did whilst in Guiyang.
Yelang Valley
Yelang Valley is located quite close to Qingyan Ancient Town. An eclectic and surreal art park created by local artist Song Peilun. This open-air gallery is filled with whimsical sculptures and mysterious stone carvings, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Guiyang. The valley is a blend of art and nature that draws inspiration from ancient Yelang culture – it feels like a stepping into a dreamscape, with every turn revealing something unexpected.
Cafes & Shops
Guiyang may be a city rooted in tradition, but it also has a growing modern side with many trendy cafes and boutique shops. The city centre and Dashizi area are full of cool new coffee shops and places to chill and hang out. During my visit, I spent a lot of time just wandering around and stumbling across cute coffee shops. I highly recommend taking some time to explore the side streets, you never know what you might find!
Guiyang is a city that beautifully balances historical charm with modern vibrancy. From ancient towns and scenic parks to hidden cafes, there’s something for everyone to discover.
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