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

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Natural Wonders at Red Rock Canyon
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜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.

Zunyi Meeting Memorial Museum

Well-preserved exhibits and outdoor monuments with strong historical visuals—good for documentary-style photography and portraits with statuary.

Maotai Town (Renhuai)

Distilleries, old warehouses and river views make attractive subjects, especially during golden hour; tastings create candid cultural shots.

Chishui Danxia / Red Cliffs

Striking red sandstone cliffs and river gorge vistas provide dramatic landscape photography—best in clear weather or at sunrise/sunset.

Meitan Tea Terraces

Layered green tea fields and rural workers offer beautiful patterns and cultural portraits; misty mornings can be especially atmospheric.

Old Town Streets and Local Markets

Colorful market stalls, pickled vegetables, and everyday life scenes perfect for street and cultural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Zunyi

Zunyi sits in Guizhou cuisine territory, where bold sour, spicy and savory flavors dominate. Dishes often feature pickled vegetables, chilies, fresh river fish, and locally grown tea. Maotai baijiu (from nearby Renhuai) is a regional highlight—tasting it is a cultural experience as much as culinary. Street food and simple family-run restaurants offer the most authentic and affordable meals.

Zunyi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Suan Tang Yu (Sour Soup Fish)

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!

Guizhou Rice Noodles (米线)

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.

Maotai Baijiu (茅台酒)

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.

Pickled Peppers and Sour Vegetables

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

Local Night 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.

Central Wet Market

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.

Climate Guide

Weather

Zunyi has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons: damp, cool-to-mild springs; hot, humid and rainy summers; pleasant, dry autumns; and mild, occasionally foggy winters. Average high temperatures range from about 8–12°C (46–54°F) in winter to 28–33°C (82–91°F) in summer, with high annual precipitation concentrated in summer months. Mountainous areas and Fanjingshan are cooler and can be misty year-round, so layer clothing for elevation changes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

A simple nod or 'ni hao' is fine. Address elders and officials with respect; punctuality is appreciated for meetings and tours.

Respect for history

Revolutionary sites (e.g., Zunyi Meeting Memorial) are treated with reverence—behave respectfully, avoid loud or irreverent behavior and follow signage.

Dining manners

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 and commerce

Bargaining is acceptable in small souvenir markets but not in supermarkets or established shops; be friendly and reasonable.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in minority villages, and respect any restrictions at religious or private sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Zunyi is generally safe for travelers; violent crime is rare but petty theft can occur in crowded markets—secure valuables and be vigilant on public transport. Mountain and river activities carry natural hazards: use licensed guides, wear proper footwear, and check weather before hiking. Food hygiene standards vary—eat at busy stalls or established restaurants to reduce risk of stomach upset. Carry a copy of your passport and emergency contacts, and learn numbers for local emergency services.

Tipping in Zunyi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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

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

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

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

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.

Nightlife Guide

Zunyi at Night

Zunyi’s nightlife is low-key compared with China’s large cities. Expect KTV (karaoke) venues, small bars, teahouses and night markets rather than large clubs. Local people often gather for evening meals, hotpot, and singing; some tourist areas and hotels host live-music nights. If you’re interested in baijiu tasting, evening banquets or distillery bars in Renhuai/Maotai are cultural experiences.

Hiking in Zunyi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Fanjingshan (Mount Fanjing)

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.

Chishui Danxia Scenic Areas

Hiking along river gorges and red-bed cliffs with panoramic overlooks and geological features—good for landscape photography and short to moderate hikes.

Meitan Tea Terrace Trails

Gentle walks across tea terraces and rural lanes with cultural stops at small tea farms—ideal for casual hiking and photography.

Local County Trails (Zunyi environs)

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.

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport (ZYI)

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.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)

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.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The downtown and historic areas of Zunyi are reasonably walkable with sidewalks, parks and compact markets; many attractions in the center can be reached on foot. However, suburban sights, tea terraces and natural sites require taxis, buses or private transport. Streets can be steep in parts and rainy seasons make some paths slippery, so wear comfortable shoes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The majority population in Zunyi is Han Chinese, comprising the main cultural and economic groups in the city.

Miao and Buyi minorities

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.

Rural farming communities

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

Basketball is widely played in schools, universities and parks; pickup games are common in the evenings.

Badminton and Table Tennis

Indoor racket sports like badminton and table tennis are popular social and recreational activities across age groups.

Football (Soccer)

Local clubs and youth leagues play football on school and municipal fields; community matches occur regularly.

Hiking and Trail Running

Given the nearby mountains and scenic areas, hiking and trail running have grown as recreational pastimes among locals and tourists.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in downtown Zunyi is moderate; rush hours bring congestion around business and market districts. The city has regular bus services and an expanding network of intercity high-speed rail (stations such as Zunyi West connect to major cities), making rail travel convenient for many routes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (e.g., Didi) are widely available; expect slower speeds on rural roads and during peak festival periods. Plan extra travel time for excursions to mountain or river sites.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Zunyi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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 / Gluten-free

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.

Allergies

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Zunyi has several municipal and provincial hospitals providing general and emergency care; major hospitals are concentrated in the city center. For serious medical needs, larger regional centers such as Guiyang have more advanced facilities. Pharmacies are common and can supply OTC medicines; bring any prescription medications and a copy of prescriptions. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for remote hikes or specialized care needs.

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