Things To Do
in Zunyi
Zunyi is a mid-sized city in northern Guizhou province known for its role in modern Chinese history and as a gateway to rugged karst and red-bed landscapes. The city blends revolutionary-era museums and memorials with nearby tea terraces, Maotai liquor country, and dramatic river gorges. Visitors find an authentic southwestern-Chinese atmosphere: spicy-sour Guizhou cuisine, bustling local markets, and small-city hospitality.
Zunyi is also a practical base for day trips to Fanjingshan, Chishui Danxia scenery and the Maotai distilleries of Renhuai.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Zunyi Conference Site, where you can learn about the historical significance of this location in Chinese Communist history. Stroll through the surrounding gardens and take in the peaceful ambiance that contrasts with the important events that took place here. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby local eatery, sampling dishes like rice noodles and steamed buns.
After lunch, head to the Zunyi Museum to explore its extensive collection of artifacts that narrate the city's rich history and culture. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the development of Zunyi, showcasing everything from ancient relics to contemporary art. Spend some time wandering around the bustling streets nearby, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the city center to savor some local specialties, such as spicy hot pot or grilled fish. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the evening markets, where you can enjoy street food and shop for unique items. Conclude your day with a relaxing walk along the riverbank, taking in the city lights reflecting off the water.
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Red Rock Canyon, known for its stunning rock formations and picturesque landscapes. Once there, embark on a guided hike that leads you through the canyon, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and unique geological features. Don't forget to take plenty of photos as you explore the breathtaking vistas.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a packed lunch amid nature, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings. Spend the afternoon discovering the local flora and fauna, with opportunities for bird watching and spotting other wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying rock climbing, with expert instructors available to guide you.
Return to Zunyi for dinner at a restaurant specializing in local cuisine, where you can try dishes infused with unique regional flavors. Afterward, visit a local tea house to unwind and sample some of China’s finest teas while chatting with locals. As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local cafe) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short trip | $1.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🎫Museum or scenic site entry | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich revolutionary history and museums (Zunyi Meeting Memorial).
- Close to iconic natural attractions: Fanjingshan and Chishui Danxia landscapes.
- Authentic local cuisine and affordable prices.
- Access to Maotai distilleries and tea-producing regions.
- Limited English signage and fewer international tourist services.
- Public transport connectivity is improving but some scenic spots require long drives.
- Weather can be foggy and rainy in spring and summer, affecting views.
- Nightlife is modest compared with larger Chinese cities.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱?(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "厕所在哪里?(Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the toilet?
- "我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)" - I don't understand
- "可以拍照吗?(Kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)" - May I take a photo?
- "帮我叫出租车 (Bāng wǒ jiào chūzūchē)" - Please call me a taxi
- "干杯 (Gānbēi)" - Cheers
Places to Visit in Zunyi
Visit one of these nice places.
Well-preserved exhibits and outdoor monuments with strong historical visuals—good for documentary-style photography and portraits with statuary.
Distilleries, old warehouses and river views make attractive subjects, especially during golden hour; tastings create candid cultural shots.
Striking red sandstone cliffs and river gorge vistas provide dramatic landscape photography—best in clear weather or at sunrise/sunset.
Layered green tea fields and rural workers offer beautiful patterns and cultural portraits; misty mornings can be especially atmospheric.
Colorful market stalls, pickled vegetables, and everyday life scenes perfect for street and cultural photography.
Food in Zunyi
Zunyi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Guizhou specialty of freshwater fish poached in a bright, sour broth flavored with pickled vegetables and chilies; often found at local restaurants and countryside eateries.
Must-Try!
Thick rice noodles served in a savory, spicy broth with pickled greens, minced meat or tofu—widely available at breakfast stalls and noodle shops across Zunyi.
World-famous strong distilled liquor produced in nearby Maotai town (Renhuai). Tastings and distillery tours are available, and it’s commonly consumed at banquets and ceremonies.
House-made pickles and preserved vegetables are ubiquitous and used to add tang and heat to many dishes; sold in markets and small shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small night markets and food streets near the city center offer rice noodles, grilled skewers, steamed buns, and sweet pastries—ideal for sampling many small dishes.
Early-morning markets sell fresh produce, river fish and pickled goods; great for photography and trying quick local breakfasts like soy milk and rice noodles.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple nod or 'ni hao' is fine. Address elders and officials with respect; punctuality is appreciated for meetings and tours.
Revolutionary sites (e.g., Zunyi Meeting Memorial) are treated with reverence—behave respectfully, avoid loud or irreverent behavior and follow signage.
Communal dishes are common; try dishes offered and rotate seats for toasts when invited. It’s polite to accept at least a small portion when offered.
Bargaining is acceptable in small souvenir markets but not in supermarkets or established shops; be friendly and reasonable.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in minority villages, and respect any restrictions at religious or private sites.
Safety
Tipping in Zunyi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in Zunyi; small tips at tourist sites or for exceptional service are appreciated but not required. In restaurants and taxis locals rarely tip; at hotels, bellhops or porters may appreciate small change.
Digital payments dominate: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted (domestic cards/apps). Cash (RMB) is useful in markets and rural areas; international credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants but less commonly in small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (Mar–May) brings mild temperatures, frequent rain and occasional fog—great for green landscapes and tea plantation growth but pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and humid with heavy afternoon rains; ideal for river scenery and lush greenery but plan outdoor activities for mornings and bring sun protection and insect repellent.
Autumn (Sep–Nov) is one of the best times to visit with comfortable temperatures, drier weather and clearer skies—ideal for hiking and photography.
Winter (Dec–Feb) is mild to cool with some fog and occasional frost at higher elevations; central Zunyi stays relatively temperate but bring layers for cold mornings and evenings.
Zunyi at Night
Hiking in Zunyi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with otherworldly rock pillars, primeval forest and temples—offers steep trails, cable-car options and dramatic sunrise viewpoints; allow a full day or overnight stay depending on your itinerary.
Hiking along river gorges and red-bed cliffs with panoramic overlooks and geological features—good for landscape photography and short to moderate hikes.
Gentle walks across tea terraces and rural lanes with cultural stops at small tea farms—ideal for casual hiking and photography.
Numerous shorter trails around hills and parks near Zunyi suitable for half-day hikes; check local tourist offices for trail maps and seasonal conditions.
Airports
How to reach Zunyi by plane.
The closest commercial airport serving Zunyi with domestic flights; taxi or airport shuttle connects to the city in about 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Major regional airport about 2–3 hours by road with many domestic and some international connections; high-speed rail and highway links make it a common arrival point for travelers to Guizhou.
Larger international hub approximately 3–4 hours by car or train depending on route; useful if flying from abroad or connecting to other major Chinese cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Zunyi is Han Chinese, comprising the main cultural and economic groups in the city.
Guizhou province has sizable Miao and Buyi communities; in Zunyi prefecture these groups contribute distinctive traditional dress, festivals and handicrafts—especially in rural and mountainous areas.
Many surrounding areas are home to farming villages focused on tea, corn, and local specialty crops; these communities maintain traditional lifestyles and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played in schools, universities and parks; pickup games are common in the evenings.
Indoor racket sports like badminton and table tennis are popular social and recreational activities across age groups.
Local clubs and youth leagues play football on school and municipal fields; community matches occur regularly.
Given the nearby mountains and scenic areas, hiking and trail running have grown as recreational pastimes among locals and tourists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zunyi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (tofu, noodles, vegetable dishes), but many dishes use meat-based broths or pickled ingredients—confirm ingredients and request no meat broth. Larger restaurants and teahouses can usually accommodate, but language barriers mean a translation app or phrase card helps.
Vegan choices are more limited; ask about sauces and broths which can contain fish or meat. Gluten-free options are possible with rice-based dishes, but soy sauce (contains wheat) is common—be explicit about restrictions.
Carry allergy cards in Chinese for shellfish, peanuts, etc. Street food may have cross-contamination; prefer sit-down restaurants if severe allergies are a concern.