Guizhou Travel Guide 2025: Top Attractions & Minority Culture
Guizhou is a perfect destination for travelers who want to go beyond the big cities and seek an in-depth journey through China. Here, you'll discover authentic minority villages and breathtaking natural wonders like Fanjingshan Mountain and Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Keep reading this complete guide of Guizhou, and you will find everything you need to plan your Guizhou tour.
Local Miao people in Guizhou
Top Things to Do in Guizhou
Located in southwest China, Guizhou is renowned for its diverse ethnic minority groups, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes. To help you make the most of your journey, we've listed the top attractions in Guizhou. Our local travel experts can also create a customized private itinerary tailored to your interests.
Hike the Sacred Fanjingshan Mountain
The Gate of Fanjingshan Mountain
If you love nature and adventure, Fanjingshan is a must-visit. Often referred to as ''Heavenly City in the Sky,'' it's one of China's five sacred Buddhist mountains and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
When you reach the summit, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of achievement, and the views are breathtaking. At the top, there are two ancient temples, Shakyamuni Hall and Maitreya Hall, sitting on twin peaks connected by a narrow sky bridge.
Travel Tips:
- The best time to visit is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Fall). The views are stunning, and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer season. Plan at least 5 hours for your visit.
- The highest point of Fanjingshan reaches 2,474 meters. Climbing to the iconic Red Cloud Golden Summit involves some steep sections where you'll need both hands and feet, so be prepared for a challenge.
- The weather at the summit can change quickly. Bring a raincoat or umbrella, and wear a light jacket, as it can be chilly at the top.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Discover Minority Villages and Ethnic Traditions
Our travel expert visiting Langde Miao village
Guizhou is home to a diverse range of ethnic cultures and is inhabited by 40 ethnic minority groups. Miao and Dong are the most well-known ethnic groups in Guizhou. In southeastern Guizhou (Qiandongnan), villages like Langde Miao Village, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, and Basha Miao Village offer immersive experiences of Miao customs and traditions.
In Zhaoxing Dong Village, you will discover how local people live in the village, appreciate the traditional wooden architecture, such as the iconic Drum Towers and Wind-and-Rain Bridges, and enjoy peaceful countryside life.
Our travel experts have also explored lesser-known heritage villages, including ancient cave paper-making in Shiqiao, traditional batik in Gejia Matang village, and centuries-old silversmithing villages. These villages are free to visit and offer authentic ethnic culture experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Travel Tips:
- Most ethnic minority villages are located in the mountains and are not easily accessible by public transportation. A private car is usually required for transfers.
- Some intangible cultural heritage experiences, such as traditional cave paper-making or Miao-style batik, require booking. We can help arrange these authentic cultural experiences for you.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Experience the Power of Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou
Huangguoshu waterfall is located in Anshun, a city just a 30-minute high-speed train ride from Guiyang. It is another UNESCO-listed site and one of the largest waterfall clusters in Asia. The scenic area features 18 waterfalls of various shapes and sizes. The Grand Waterfall Area is the most iconic waterfall. You can also walk close behind the Grand waterfall in the Water Curtain Cave, a special and exhilarating experience.
Travel Tips:- May to October is the best time to visit. Summer (June to August) is the rainy season when the waterfall is at its most spectacular, but sometimes the heavy rains may also cause flooding, which may make the water appear muddy and less scenic.
- The scenic area is large, so plan to spend around 5-6 hours exploring. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing quite a bit of walking.
- Bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket if you want to get close to the waterfall without getting soaked.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Explore Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Night view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town
If you're looking to soak in the charm of a traditional old Chinese town, Zhenyuan Ancient Town is an ideal destination. With over 2,200 years of history, the town retains its original stone-paved streets, lending it an authentic and nostalgic charm.
Zhenyuan truly comes alive at night. One of the highlights is taking a leisurely boat ride along the Wuyang River. You will see the lanterns and historic architecture create a stunning riverside scene.
If you're staying in a riverside hotel, relaxing on your balcony and enjoying the night view will make your stay even more memorable.
Travel Tips:
- Zhenyuan doesn't have a high-speed rail station; only regular trains stop here. It takes about 4 hours by train from Guiyang. For a quicker trip, you can depart from Kaili instead; the journey is around 1.5 hours.
- Zhenyuan Ancient Town is just a 2-hour drive from Fanjingshan, making it a perfect stopover after visiting the Miao villages in Kaili.
Best Time to Visit Guizhou
Scenery of Zhaoxing Dong Village in Guizhou
While spring and autumn are generally the best seasons to visit most parts of China, Guizhou is a bit different. (May - November) Summer and autumn are the best times to explore this province. It's especially ideal for summer travel; the average temperatures in Guiyang (capital of Guizhou) during the hottest months are only around 1.5 hours.
However, June to August is the rainy season, so be sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat. This period also coincides with China's domestic summer holiday peak, so it's wise to book tickets and a hotel in advance.How Many Days to Spend in Guizhou
Guizhou's most rewarding travel regions include the Qiandongnan area (Southeast Guizhou), the Qiannan area (South Guizhou), as well as Tongren and Anshun. To fully enjoy the highlights of Guizhou, we recommend spending at least 7 days. Below is a sample itinerary. Feel free to contact us to customize a personal Guizhou tour for you.- Day 1-2: Explore Guiyang City, Huangguoshu Waterfall, and the historic Qingyan Ancient Town.
- Day 3-4: Arrive in Kaili: visit Langde Miao Village to experience ethnic Miao culture and Shiqiao Village to experience traditional Chinese paper-making.
- Day 5: Discover Zhenyuan Ancient Town: take a scenic Wuyang River cruise and enjoy the town's beautiful night views.
- Day 6: Head to Tongren City to explore the sacred Fanjingshan Mountain.
- Day 7: Return to Guiyang for your departure.
- Extension Option: You can also easily combine your Guizhou trip with Zhangjiajie for an extended adventure. It's convenient to travel from Fanjingshan to Fenghuang Ancient Town, which is only about 2 hours by car.
How Is the Accommodation in Guizhou
The backyard scenery of a hotel in Fanjingshan
In Guizhou's major travel destinations, it's easy to find 4- to 5-star hotels with good facilities and English-speaking staff. Some hotels near scenic areas also offer stunning natural views. For example, riverside hotels in Zhenyuan Ancient Town or garden-style hotels near the entrance of Fanjingshan.
If you're interested in a more authentic experience, we can also arrange a homestay with local Miao families. While homestays may not match hotels in terms of amenities, they are clean and comfortable and offer a unique glimpse into local life.
Our travel experts have personally inspected most hotels in Guizhou, and we can provide insightful recommendations to ensure you enjoy a comfortable and worry-free stay.
Discover Guizhou with China Odyssey Tours
Guizhou is rich in minority cultures and breathtaking natural scenery. Our travel experts have inspected all the Guizhou attractions. We know hidden gems and authentic cultural experiences. Contact us online or email us at trip@odynovotours.com to start planning your personalized Guizhou tour today!
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