Innumerable waterfalls, ancient but very-much-still-kicking ethnic groups, and karst, karst, karst… This pretty much sums up the travellers paradise that is Guizhou. The sheer volume of attractions on offer in this province is impressive, and it is quite regretful that many visitors to China will skip this region. But for the more well-informed voyager, Guizhou demands to be explored. So prepare for the sensory overload, and plunge in.
Guiyang
The provincial capital of Guizhou, Guiyang is a city famed for its natural scenery, pleasant climate and ethnic diversity. Guiyang is home to more than 30 minority ethnic groups including the Miao, Buyi, Dong and Hui. The colourful cultural diversity of the city is reflected its architecture and distinctive food. The city is a fantastic springboard to explore the further reaches of the province.
Head straight to the Qingyan Ancient Town to take in the exquisite ancient architecture (and snacks). Built in the Ming Dynasty, this ancient town was once a military fortress, and many of the buildings are still very well preserved. Follow up by paying a visit to Jiaxiu Tower: a three-story wooden loft also erected in the Ming Dynasty. Besides being one the city’s icons, Jiaxiu Tower is surrounded by a myriad of shops and night markets (a great place to take in an evening snack).
Tianhetan Lake is an introduction to Guiyang’s exemplary natural scenery. The cascading waterfalls and karst caves here will keep you busy for hours. Throw in some local ethnic villages and Tianhetan Lake makes for the perfect day trip.
Urban Guiyang really has too many natural spots to mention, but Qianling Mountain Park is a standout. The clear waters, lush mountains, tranquil forests and rustic temples are Zen-worthy. Hike up to the Xiangwangling Pavilion: a great spot which overlooks the entire city. After a long days walk, soak your travel-weary muscles in one of the city’s many hot springs (Xifeng Hot Spring is a great choice).
Qiandongnan
This is where the ethnic diversity of the province is at it’s flamboyant best. Dominated by traditional villages, Qiandongnan is the place to be amazed by the wonderfully unique architecture, clothing, song, dance, and gastronomy of the ethnic locals. Kick of the sensory-overdrive with a trip to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. The gorgeous costumes, exquisite embroidery and dazzling silver ornaments of the Miao people are sure to inspire.
A huge Yi minority village, Zhaoxing Village is a stupendous preservation of traditional Yi architecture. The uniqueness of the buildings here scream to be photographed.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town with its penetrating rivers and canals is beautiful day or night. Our last suggestion (but certainly not the least) is the ancient town of Xia Shi. The unique architecture and rich cultural flavour here cap off a whirlwind visit to the Qiandongnan region.
Tongren
Located in the north eastern part of the province, Tongren is home to the unmistakable Mount Fanjing. A member of UNESCO’s protection network, Mount Fanjing is also one of the most famous Buddhist mountains in China. The monastery perched upon the mountain peak here honestly defies belief.
The close by Zhusha Ancient Town is also worth a visit. Walk along the cliff-hanging plank walkway and take in the mountain vistas.
Anshun
Lying in the west of the province, Anshun boasts a concentration of the some of the world’s most outstanding karst formations. Rivers and gorges criss-cross this region, forming clusters of stone forests, lakes, and underground rivers. Anshun is home to more than 100 waterfalls and over 1,200 surface karst caves.
The Huangguoshu Waterfall is the regions stand-out natural wonder. 18 unique waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation, earth-piercing gorges, limestone caves, and rock pillars (a truly classical karst landscape) leave this ranking as one of the world’s great group of waterfalls. Trek over to the Tianxingqiao Scenic Area (located in the lower reaches of Huangguoshu Waterfall) and take in the exquisite beauty on show.
Adjacent to Huangguoshu Waterfall, Dragon Palace Cave with its stalactite-rich caverns are sure to amaze. While the subterranean streams and karst caverns will draw most visitors, what lies above the surface is equally impressive: lush valleys, waterfalls and karst peaks make for a unique scene.
If permitted the luxury of time, a visit to Anshun in March or April is rewarded with one of the world’s most spectacular cherry blossom extravaganzas: the Cherry Blossom Garden in Pingba Farm. More than 500,000 cherry blossom trees are planted here…
Qianxinan
A true karst wonderland, Qianxinan and its surrounding areas will leave you shocked. Wanfenglin (or the “Ten-Thousand Peak Forest”) is a quintessential karst landscape dominated by rocky peaks and valleys. The bizarrely shaped pinnacles provide a spectacular contrast to the emerald fields, winding rivers, and ancient villages below: a scene few other places around the world can match.
For the ultimate sunrise shot, look no further than the unique karst landscape of the Mount Shuangru Scenic Area (Mt. Bosom). The nickname “Mt Bosom” should be pretty self-explanatory…
Be sure to take in Malinghe Canyon. Over 100 waterfalls grace the canyon, and the cross-gorge walkway is a must.
Bijie
The Zhijin Cave is the undoubtable must-see of the region. The cave is tremendously long: 10 kilometres (32,808 feet) deep and 150 meters (492 feet) high is some areas, making it China’s largest cave. The cave is full of stalagmites and stone pillars of every form and type, creating an incredibly varied karst cave extravaganza.
Qiannan
Situated in the southern reaches of the province, Qiannan is home to some wonderful scenery. The Libo Seven Small Arches Scenic Area is a favourite with locals, and with good reason. The area is named after the seven arched bridge that crosses the river here. Mountains, rivers, trees, caves, lakes, and waterfalls are splendidly on show here.
Be sure to also check out the greater Da Qikong Scenic Area when visiting the Seven Arches Bridge: karst gorges and white water rafting make for a perfect day out.
No visit to Qiannan is complete without laying eyes on the monstrous Tianyan Telescope. The telescope (with an area of 30 football fields) comes complete with a 360-degree viewing platform, museum and planetarium.
Zunyi
This northerly city is not only home to Moutai liquor (China’s premier – and costly – alcohol), it also boasts striking scenery and historical sites. The Great Waterfall of the Chishui Danxia Tourist Area is a majestic scene of water cascading against a backdrop of red cliffside. Take in the roaring sounds and Danxia topography along the many walking trails laid out through the scenic area. Foguang Rock is also found in the Chishui Danxia Tourist Area: exposed Jurassic and Cretaceous red sedimentary rocks reaching for the sky.
Complete a visit to Zunyi with a stop over to Hailongtun Village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a major Tusi site of ancient significance.
