Things To Do
in Chishui
Chishui (赤水) is a quiet, scenic prefecture-level city in northern Guizhou Province best known for its red sandstone gorges, clear river, and well-preserved Danxia landforms. The area combines dramatic river cliffs, waterfalls and tea terraces with sites tied to modern Chinese history, including Long March-era memorials. Visitors will find a rural, small-city feel with friendly local markets, simple guesthouses and regional Guizhou cuisine that favors sour and spicy tastes.
Chishui is a good base for outdoor activities like hiking, river excursions and photographing striking red-rock landscapes away from major tourist crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Chishui Danxia Landform, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the sun rises, the unique red rock formations illuminate, offering breathtaking views. Take a guided hike through the trails that weave between the stunning cliffs, learning about the geological history of this incredible area.
After a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty, explore the nearby waterfalls, where you can relax by the water's edge. Enjoy the sound of cascading water and perhaps take a refreshing dip in the pools below. Capture the stunning scenery with photographs as the afternoon sun casts a warm glow on the landscape.
As night falls, find a local restaurant to savor traditional Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spices. Engage with the friendly locals and perhaps learn a few phrases in Mandarin. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the river, where the reflections of the city lights dance on the water.
Begin your day at the bustling local market, where vendors display an array of fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts. Engage with the vendors, sampling local snacks like spicy rice cakes and pickled vegetables. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with the sounds of haggling and laughter, makes for an authentic cultural experience.
After exploring the market, visit the nearby Chishui Ancient Town, where you can stroll through narrow streets lined with historical buildings. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a quaint tea house, savoring traditional tea while overlooking the scenic views. Take the afternoon to visit local artisans, witnessing the craftsmanship of traditional pottery and textiles.
As the sun sets, return to the ancient town for an enchanting evening walk. The soft glow of lanterns illuminates the streets, creating a magical ambiance. Find a cozy spot to enjoy dinner, indulging in local specialties while listening to traditional music performed by local artists.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛌Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $1-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Spectacular, relatively uncrowded Danxia red-rock landscapes and river gorges
- Authentic rural culture and affordable prices
- Good outdoor activity options (hiking, rafting, cycling)
- Close to historical Long March sites and local tea culture
- Limited English signage and few English-speaking services
- Public transport between scenic spots can be sparse—best with a car or guide
- Modest accommodation standards outside town centers
- Rainy season can hamper outdoor plans
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (duōshao qián?)" - How much?
- "洗手间在哪里？ (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "请慢用 (qǐng màn yòng)" - Enjoy your meal / please eat slowly
- "可以拍照吗？ (kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Chishui
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic red-sandstone cliffs, layered rock formations and panoramic viewpoints—best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light on the red rock.
Riverside vistas with sheer cliffs and reflective water—excellent for wide landscape shots and long exposures where permitted.
Several waterfalls and narrow canyons offer dynamic compositions with mist and vegetation—bring a lens cloth for spray.
Terraced hillsides and winding country lanes with farmers and traditional village scenes—great for cultural and seasonal images.
Vibrant color and candid street scenes—capture food vendors, market produce and daily life, but ask before photographing close-ups of people.
Food in Chishui
Chishui Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple across Guizhou—served in broth or dry with chili, pickled vegetables and minced meat. Found at breakfast stalls and local noodle shops.
Must-Try!
Fresh river fish cooked in a tangy, fermented chili and tomato-based soup typical in Guizhou; often available at riverside restaurants or specialty eateries.
Many meals are accompanied by intensely flavored pickles and chili sauces—great for adding sour/spicy contrast to simple dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local markets sell fresh produce, snacks, skewers, dumplings and rice‑noodle stalls—visit in the morning for fresh goods or evening for warm street food.
Small vendors near tourist sites offer grilled skewers, fried snacks and sweet buns—convenient after sightseeing and good for photography of local life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple '你好' (nĭ hǎo) and a polite tone go a long way. Show respect to elders and accept seating or tea offers politely.
Use communal dishes—take small portions to start, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, and try a little of everything offered as courtesy.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals—some ethnic-minority communities are sensitive about photos, and privacy is valued.
Avoid heated political discussions or sensitive historical debates. Show respect at memorials related to the Long March and revolutionary history.
Safety
Tipping in Chishui
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most of China, including Chishui. In tourist services or for private guides and drivers you may offer a small tip for exceptional service, but it is not expected.
Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate in shops and restaurants. Cash (RMB) is useful in rural areas, markets and for small vendors. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels but are less common elsewhere—carry some cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and fresh growth—good time for hiking and tea-scented rural scenery. Occasional rain; bring a light waterproof layer.
Hot, humid and rainy (June–August). Expect heavy showers and afternoon storms; ideal for lush green landscapes but plan outdoor activities for mornings and early afternoons.
Clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and excellent visibility—one of the best seasons for photography and outdoor activities as humidity drops.
Cool, damp winters with occasional fog; temperatures are generally above freezing but can feel chilly due to humidity. Fewer tourists and lower prices.
Chishui at Night
Hiking in Chishui
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Main trail network among the red-sandstone ridges and viewpoints—routes vary from short boardwalks to longer ridge hikes offering panoramic views.
Trails and paths along the Chishui River that link viewpoints and waterfalls—ideal for half-day hikes and photography.
A rural circuit through tea terraces and village paths—moderate climbs with cultural photo opportunities and tea-farm visits.
Less-visited wooded trails on higher slopes for birdwatching and cooler temperatures—bring insect repellent and a map.
Airports
How to reach Chishui by plane.
Closest regional airport offering domestic flights; from the airport you can reach Chishui by taxi or shuttle in around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on connections.
Major provincial hub with many domestic connections and some international routes. Ground travel to Chishui takes around 3–4 hours by car or a combination of train and bus.
Another option with frequent domestic flights and good intercity transport; travel time to Chishui is longer (3–5 hours+), but useful for some itineraries combining Chongqing and Guizhou.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Chishui, living in towns and farming villages.
Guizhou province is ethnically diverse—nearby areas include communities of Miao, Buyi and other minority groups with distinct clothing, festivals and crafts.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture, tea cultivation and small-scale rural industries—visit villages respectfully to learn about local livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed among youth and communities across the region.
Popular recreational sport with local amateur matches and school teams.
Common indoor sports enjoyed year-round, especially in community centers and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chishui.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited. Order vegetable dishes (青菜), tofu preparations and rice/noodles and ask specifically for no meat or broth (不要肉, 不要肉汤). Carry a translation card to explain restrictions.
Vegan choices are available but watch for hidden ingredients like meat broths or fermented bean products; gluten-free guests should be cautious with soy sauce and many local snacks—pack basics if you have strict requirements.
Communicate allergies clearly in Mandarin or with a written note; severe allergies should bring medication and consider dining at more established restaurants with clearer ingredient lists.