Things To Do
in Guzhou
Guzhou is a scenic city in Guizhou province set among rolling karst hills and winding rivers. The city blends preserved old-town charm with modern cafes and markets, making it a relaxed gateway to southwest China. Narrow alleys, wooden facades, and tea houses invite slow exploration, while nearby villages showcase rich Miao, Dong, and Yi cultures.
Visitors can savor spicy and sour Guizhou cuisine, photograph dramatic landscapes, and connect with welcoming locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the ancient streets of Guzhou, where traditional architecture and modern life blend seamlessly. Visit the iconic Guizhou Provincial Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region, showcasing artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of ethnic minorities. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby eatery, sampling traditional rice noodles that are a staple of the area's cuisine.
After lunch, head to the nearby Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Asia, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty. Spend time exploring the scenic trails around the falls, where the sound of rushing water creates a tranquil atmosphere. Capture stunning photos of the waterfall from various viewpoints, ensuring you take in the grandeur of this natural wonder.
As the sun sets, return to the city and enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste the famous Guizhou spicy fish hotpot. Afterward, wander through the vibrant night market, where you can shop for handmade crafts and sample local street food delicacies. Conclude your evening with a cultural performance showcasing traditional Guizhou music and dance.
Travel to the Miao and Dong minority villages, where you can witness their unique customs and traditional lifestyles. Participate in a morning workshop where you learn to make traditional handicrafts, such as silver jewelry or woven textiles. Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by local families, featuring fresh produce and regional specialties.
Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque landscapes of terraced rice fields and lush mountains that surround the villages. Engage with the local community through a guided tour, where you can observe traditional dances and music performances. Take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Miao dishes using local ingredients.
As the day winds down, gather with your new friends in the village for a communal dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes. Share stories and experiences, creating lasting connections with the villagers. Enjoy the serene night sky, filled with stars, as you listen to folk tales shared around the fire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧋Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🚖Taxi or ride-share | $5-12 (city center) |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $20-60 |
| 🎟️Attraction entry | $3-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning karst landscapes and scenic river towns
- Affordability and friendly locals
- Rich ethnic minority cultures and crafts
- Language barriers in rural villages
- Smaller international flight connections
- Occasional uneven road conditions in older districts
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "请问洗手间在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "多少钱？" - How much?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "我吃素，请不要肉" - I am vegetarian, please no meat
Places to Visit in Guzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Atmospheric alleyways with ancient wooden beams and lanterns; best photographed at dawn or dusk when light is soft.
Calm water, reflections of karst hills, and golden hour tones along the river.
Spectacular stalactites and cave formations; dramatic long-exposure opportunities inside guided sections.
Terraced fields and misty mornings offering sweeping landscape shots.
Food in Guzhou
Guzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A tangy, spicy fish soup made with tomatoes, peppers, and a sour broth; typically served with rice or rice noodles.
Must-Try!
Hot broth poured over delicate rice noodles, meat or greens, and fresh herbs at the table—an iconic Guizhou dish.
Crispy chicken tossed with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns for a vibrant, numbing heat.
A comforting mushroom and leafy green stir-fry highlighting local produce and subtle seasonings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning market offering fresh produce, pickles, and bite-sized snacks worthy of a quick tasting tour.
Pedestrian street lined with stalls serving sour soup dumplings, chili skewers, and sweet rice treats.
Evening market featuring grilled specialties, local noodles, and desserts under string lights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a nod or handshake; address elders and hosts with polite titles; speak softly in public or sacred spaces.
Ask before photographing people in villages or private spaces; respect anyone who declines.
Share dishes when possible; use chopsticks properly; avoid pointing feet at altars or religious symbols; modest behavior in temples and shrines.
Dress modestly, remove hats where required, and keep voices low; follow local signage and guidance from staff.
Safety
Tipping in Guzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a traditional practice in most of China, including Guzhou, but small gratuities are appreciated in upscale hotels or for exceptional guided tours.
Cash, mobile payment (Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely accepted; many shops and stalls do not accept credit cards. Have some local currency and a backup digital wallet ready, especially in markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fresh greenery and seasonal markets opening. Occasional showers make for lush, dewy scenery.
Warm to hot and humid with heavy rainfall in the afternoons. Fog and low clouds around the hills create atmospheric photos, but stay hydrated.
Cool, clear days with vibrant foliage and crisp air; generally the best overall season for outdoor activities and photography.
Mild to cool with rare frost at higher elevations; fewer crowds and more indoor cultural events.
Guzhou at Night
Hiking in Guzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Hiking routes around the cave complex with dramatic limestone scenery.
Prolonged trails with viewpoints overlooking Asia's wide waterfall and surrounding forested hills.
Forest and cliff-edge paths offering cooler air and misty vistas.
Airports
How to reach Guzhou by plane.
Main international airport serving Guizhou; connects to major Chinese cities and a few international routes. Reachable by airport shuttle, taxi, or metro to Guiyang.
Regional airport near Huangguoshu Waterfall; serves domestic routes with transfer options by highway to Guzhou and other Guizhou destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major ethnic group in the region with broad Mandarin-speaking communities.
A vibrant minority known for colorful dress, music, and crafts.
Communities famed for singing traditions and wooden architecture.
Ethnic group contributing to regional cuisine and crafts.
Culturally rich community with distinct musical and culinary traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in schools, community courts, and urban clubs.
Common pastime in homes, hotels, and community centers.
Popular in parks and gym facilities; easy for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options exist but can be limited in rural areas. Look for dishes labeled 素 (su) or tofu-based dishes, and request no pork or fish. Communicate clearly in Mandarin: 我吃素, 请不用肉 (I am vegetarian, please no meat).