Things To Do
in Baipingshan
Baipingshan is a forested mountain area on the Guizhou plateau, known for its cool climate and misty ridges. The landscape features bamboo groves, pine forests, and scenic overlooks that reward hikers. The area is easily reachable from Guiyang, making it a gateway to rural Guizhou culture and nature.
Visitors can explore well-marked trails, tea houses, and village markets that showcase local life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Baipingshan and check into your accommodation, taking a moment to enjoy the serene surroundings. Spend the morning exploring the local area and getting familiar with the stunning landscapes that this rural region has to offer. Consider visiting a nearby café to savor traditional Chinese breakfast dishes while planning your adventure.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque village, interacting with friendly locals and experiencing their way of life. Engage in a guided tour of a nearby rice paddy, learning about the cultivation and importance of this staple food in Chinese culture. Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to some local artisan shops, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs.
Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties made from fresh ingredients. As the sun sets, take a stroll along the riverside, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere that envelops Baipingshan. End your day by attending a small local performance, experiencing traditional music and dance.
Start your day with an invigorating hike in Baipingshan Natural Park, surrounded by breathtaking sceneries and diverse wildlife. The cool morning air makes it perfect for capturing stunning photographs of the lush greenery and towering peaks. Be sure to carry along a packed breakfast to enjoy amidst nature’s beauty.
After your morning hike, visit one of the many stunning waterfalls in the park, where you can relax and take a refreshing dip in the clear waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch with supplies from a local market, relishing the flavors amidst the backdrop of nature. In the afternoon, engage in birdwatching or try your hand at painting the picturesque views.
Return to your accommodation to refresh before heading out for dinner at a local farmhouse. Enjoy an authentic dinner experience by sharing a meal with a local family, learning about their traditions and culinary secrets. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk under the starry sky, appreciating the stillness of rural life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local transport (short trip by bus or taxi) | $1-6 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
| 🎟️Entrance to attractions | $2-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning mountain scenery and fresh mountain air
- Rich Guizhou culture and hospitality
- Good value for nature-based experiences
- Well-marked trails and incremental difficulty for all fitness levels
- Rural infrastructure can be limited
- Language barrier for non-Chinese speakers
- Limited nightlife and urban amenities
- Weather can change quickly on high elevations
- "你好" - Hello
- "请问厕所在哪？" - Where is the restroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "可以刷卡吗？" - Can I pay by card?
- "我不会说中文" - I don't speak Chinese.
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu.
- "谢谢" - Thank you.
- "你们有素食选项吗？" - Do you have vegetarian options?
- "请给我一份地图" - Please give me a map.
- "请帮我叫出租车" - Please call me a taxi.
- "最近的医院在哪里？" - Where is the nearest hospital?
Places to Visit in Baipingshan
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping panorama of the valley and distant ridges, especially dramatic at sunrise.
Long tunnel of vertical bamboo with dappled light perfect for moody portraits and stills.
A narrow cascade with spray and rainbows on sunny days, best captured in the late afternoon light.
Early morning fog rolling over pine silhouettes for ethereal landscape shots.
Food in Baipingshan
Baipingshan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy fish stew made with sour soup broth, a Guizhou staple that pairs well with rice.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked inside bamboo tubes over an open flame, often served with vegetables and meats.
Smoked or cured pork with smoky flavors, commonly enjoyed with greens and millet porridge.
Pieces of chicken stir-fried with dried chilies and Sichuan pepper for a fragrant, spicy dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls near the base offer fresh produce, pickled vegetables, roasted corn, and other street snacks.
Vendors serve grilled skewers, rice noodles, and local sweets; best at dusk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Ni hao' (你好); address people by surname when possible and show respect to elders.
Avoid touching strangers; avoid pointing feet at people or sacred spaces; ask before taking photos of locals.
Eat quietly, keep voices moderate in guest spaces, and try local dishes with curiosity.
Safety
Tipping in Baipingshan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in most areas; tips to guides or drivers are optional and appreciated for exceptional service.
Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ubiquitous; credit cards are less common in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fresh greenery; expect intermittent showers.
Warm but comfortable at elevation; humidity can be high; late-afternoon storms possible.
Clear skies, crisp air, and vibrant foliage; ideal for photography and hiking.
Cool to cold with possible frost; daytime temperatures are milder at the forest edge, bring a warm layer.
Baipingshan at Night
Hiking in Baipingshan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Main ascent route to the summit with several scenic overlooks; 2-4 hours depending on pace.
Gentle loop through dense bamboo groves with soft light and tranquil atmosphere.
Ridge walk offering expansive valley views and colorful sunsets.
Airports
How to reach Baipingshan by plane.
Primary airport serving Guiyang; international and domestic flights; from airport you can take a taxi or airport bus to the city and then onward to Baipingshan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Main ethnic group in the region; many residents live in towns and along the valleys.
Significant minority presence in villages around Baipingshan; traditional crafts and festivals are visible in some villages.
Other minority communities contribute to the cultural mix and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Main activity in the hills with varied trails and viewpoints.
Mountain crags and forested areas appeal to climbers with proper gear.
Forest roads and ridgelines suitable for rides; check local guides for routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baipingshan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for vegetable-heavy dishes, tofu, mushrooms, and corn-based soups; ask for no meat stock and for vegetable broth.
Request plant-based preparations; avoid fish sauce and meat broths; rely on tofu, mushrooms, and beans.
Ask for rice-based dishes, cornmeal, and naturally gluten-free vegetables; avoid wheat-based sauces and soy sauces with gluten.