Things To Do
in Yongyang

Yongyang is a quiet riverside town in Guizhou Province known for its misty hills and traditional architecture. The town serves as a tranquil gateway to nearby karst landscapes, markets, and craft workshops. Visitors can wander narrow lanes, sample bold regional flavors, and observe time-honored crafts being made.

With welcoming locals and a relaxed pace, Yongyang offers an authentic snapshot of rural Guangxi-style hillside living in China.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the History of Yongyang
morning
:

Begin your journey by visiting the Yongyang Museum, where you can explore the rich cultural heritage and historical artifacts of the region. Engage with knowledgeable guides who will share fascinating stories about local legends and heritage. Stroll through the nearby ancient streets, admiring traditional architecture and the local atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Head to the scenic Yongyang Gardens for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature. Enjoy a delightful picnic or simply find a serene spot to relax and take in the beauty around you. Don’t miss the chance to interact with local artists showcasing their work in the park.

evening
:

As sunset approaches, make your way to a traditional restaurant to experience authentic Yongyang cuisine. Savor local delicacies while enjoying the warm ambiance of the restaurant. After dinner, take a leisurely walk by the river, where you can witness the city lights reflecting beautifully on the water.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start with a visit to a local market, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Yongyang. Engage with local vendors and try some street food specialties that are unique to the region. This vibrant atmosphere sets the perfect tone for a day of cultural exploration.

afternoon
:

Visit a local temple to learn about the spiritual traditions and practices in Yongyang. Participate in a calming prayer session or simply appreciate the intricate architecture and serene environment. Spend some time conversing with locals about their spiritual beliefs and customs.

evening
:

In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance showcasing traditional music and dance at a local theater. Immerse yourself in the stories and artistry that reflect the hearts of the Yongyang people. Wind down with a keener understanding of the cultural richness of the city.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-12
🥟Street food snack$1-4
🧃Bottled water$0.5-1
🍵Tea or coffee$2-5
🏨Budget hotel per night$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming traditional architecture
  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Rich riverfront scenery
  • Affordable food and lodging
  • Limited nightlife and transport outside town
  • Language barriers in rural areas
  • Seasonal crowds at markets and festivals
  • "Ni hao" - Hello
  • "Xie xie" - Thank you
  • "Qing wen, nin hui shuo yingyu ma?" - Excuse me, do you speak English?
  • "Dui bu qi" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "Wo shi yongyuan" - I am a tourist

Places to Visit in Yongyang

Visit one of these nice places.

Old Town Gate and Stone Lanes

Historic gates framing misty mornings and narrow cobbled streets.

Riverside Promenade at Sunset

Golden light on the water, willows, and traditional boats.

Limestone Karst Overlook

Cliffside viewpoints offering dramatic shadows and towering limestone formations.

Night Market Neon Corridor

Vibrant colors and lantern-lit scenes ideal for long-exposure shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Yongyang

Yongyang’s cuisine blends Guizhou flavor profiles with mountain herbs and fresh river fish. Expect bold seasonings, sour notes, and generous use of chilies and peppers.

Yongyang Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Suan Tang Yu (Sour Soup Fish)

A tangy, spicy fish soup made with river fish, tomatoes, and pickled peppers; a Guizhou staple often enjoyed with rice.

Must-Try!

Guizhou Pepper Chicken

Chicken cooked with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns for a bright, numbing heat.

Sticky Rice with Local Herbs

Glutinous rice steamed with wild herbs and mushrooms, served as a hearty side or snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Yongyang Old Market

Bustling daily market where you can sample street staples, dumplings, and fresh produce.

Riverside Night Market

Evening stalls offering grilled skewers, cooled drinks, and seasonal fruit along the water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Yongyang has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season runs roughly from May to September, with humidity peaking in midsummer. Spring and autumn are comfortable for outdoor activities, while winter evenings can be cool but seldom severe.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Public Behavior

Maintain quiet in temples and homes; avoid loud conversations in crowded spaces.

Dress Code

Modest clothing when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Queueing

Respect lines and allow elders to go first in public transport and markets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good; be mindful of petty theft in crowded markets and watch for uneven pavement in historic streets at night. Carry a copy of your passport and health insurance card, and know the local emergency numbers.

Tipping in Yongyang

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not expected in most local restaurants; rounding up for good service is appreciated in tourist-focused venues.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are common, especially in shops and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with regular afternoon showers; carry water and sunscreen; trails can be slick after rain.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with clear skies; ideal for outdoor sightseeing and photography.

Winter

Cool to chilly; occasional fog; indoor museums and warm eateries are pleasant alternatives.

Spring

Warm and occasionally rainy; flowers bloom along riverbanks and hills.

Nightlife Guide

Yongyang at Night

Yongyang's nightlife is gentle compared to big cities, centered around riverside cafés and small bars. Lantern-lit markets provide live music, snacks, and social vibes. Seasonal fairs and town-square gatherings offer opportunities for local performances and dancing.

Hiking in Yongyang

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Qingliang Mountain Trail

A popular hike with forested slopes and panoramic town views.

Xiaoxi River Gorge Path

Scenic gorge trail along a clear river with options for short or longer hikes.

Airports

How to reach Yongyang by plane.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)

Major airport serving Guiyang; connections to domestic and international destinations; access to Yongyang via train or bus.

Anshun Huangguoshu Airport (AVA)

Nearby regional airport with domestic flights; easier access when visiting Karst region.

Getting Around

Walkability

The old town center is walkable with compact streets and scenic riverfront. Some cobblestones and steep lanes can be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs; taxis are affordable for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han

Mainstream ethnic group; majority Mandarin-speaking residents.

Miao

Presence of Miao communities with distinctive crafts and dress in surrounding villages.

Buyi

Minority group present in the region with traditional customs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Table Tennis

Popular in community centers and schools; often played in parks.

Basketball

Common outdoor courts in town and neighborhoods.

Badminton

Played in gyms and community halls.

Transportation

Traffic

Public buses connect Yongyang to surrounding towns; taxis and rideshare options are available in the city center. Roads can be congested during market days; drive carefully on narrow lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Yongyang.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are common; look for tofu dishes, mushroom stir-fries, and vegetable stews. When ordering, ask for no meat stock and confirm broths are vegetarian.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities include local clinics and a small hospital in the town; for major emergencies, travel to a larger city with more specialized care is advised. Carry basic medicines and have travel insurance.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide