If you plan to travel to Guizhou Province in China, it is essential to prepare a thorough itinerary in advance and arrange your schedule well. Otherwise, it will consume your energy, time and even money. In this 6-day travel guide, the main itinerary starts from Guiyang, the provincial capital of Guizhou Province, and passes through Anshun, Qiannan, Qiandongnan, Tongren and Zunyi, before finally returning to Guiyang.
I. Precautions before traveling:
- Make reservations in advance: All scenic spots in Guizhou require real-name reservations in advance. Especially during peak tourist seasons, the reception capacity of scenic spots is limited and the number of tickets is also limited. Nowadays, it is advocated that one should not travel without making a reservation. Remember to ask your tour guide Xiaoya to make reservations in advance and arrange everything in advance to avoid sudden price hikes of hotels.
- Weather conditions: The climate in the mountainous areas of Guizhou is complex and the weather forecast is often inaccurate. It’s reported to rain every day, but in reality, it doesn’t rain that much. It is recommended to ask the local people for information before going there. – Xiaoya
- Transportation within scenic spots: Scenic spots in Guizhou are scattered and far apart from each other. It often takes several hours to travel between them. The mountain roads are complex and navigation is not always accurate. If you have any questions, it is recommended that you consult Xiaoya at 18585639775 before departure. (Click the number to add Xiaoya as a WeChat friend and enjoy preferential activities.)
- Local customs: There are many ethnic minorities in Guizhou. It is necessary to respect the customs of the local ethnic minorities. The Miao people are mostly hospitable and fond of drinking. During the meal, the host will be very eager to offer drinks. If you cannot drink, please inform them in advance.
- Travel Time: The recommended time for traveling to Guizhou is from March to October. The peak periods are April, May, June, July, August, and September. The best time is June, July, and August (also a good time to escape the summer heat).
- Priority ranking of travel modes: Customized chartered bus tour → Self-driving tour → High-speed rail + bus combination → Group tour with a travel agency. Several famous scenic spots in Guizhou are quite scattered. If the route is not well planned, the trip will be rushed and tiring. There is no need to worry about transportation. Guizhou has a well-developed expressway network. It is the first province in China to achieve expressway access to every county.
If conditions permit, I suggest chartering a car or taking a self-driving tour, especially for families with the elderly and children. It’s not only convenient but also the best way to deeply experience the karst landform and the green mountains and clear waters.
Because there are many winding roads and viaducts in Guizhou, the scenery along the roads is very beautiful. However, when taking the bullet train, one often stays in tunnels and the mobile phone signal is frequently lost. Sometimes, the experience of a trip is not necessarily about reaching the destination, but rather the journey itself.
When renting a car, it is essential to choose a legitimate company. It is recommended to search for a large platform online. Do not be tempted by low prices and do not pay any deposit. If you are not a skilled driver, consider purchasing a scratch-free insurance. Remember, remember. In Guizhou, there are many mountainous roads. If you come from a plain area or have a fear of heights, it is advisable to hire a car with a driver. - Essentials for Travel:
Long pants and a coat (Remember, the average altitude of Guizhou is 1,100 meters. The temperature difference between day and night is quite large. Even in summer, when it rains, the temperature drops rapidly to around 16 to 22 degrees Celsius.)
Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing or a hat (Girls must bring these. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are very strong. When I went home for the Spring Festival in winter, my friends all said I was tanned. Can you believe it?)
Remember to bring your ID card and other documents. Many scenic spots offer preferential policies for people over 60 and special groups.
Finally, take money and a relaxed and happy mood. Don’t scare yourself by reading too much negative news and don’t cheat yourself by seeking bargains. Traveling is for finding joy, not for suffering.
II. Travel Itinerary and Route Planning
Day 1 Guiyang
Itinerary: Qianling Mountain Park – Night郎Valley – Tianhe Lake Scenic Area – Huayuanduan Bo Yang Art International Exchange Center – Jiaxiu Tower to view the night scenery
Highlights of the Scenic Spot:
Qianling Mountain Park, located in the center of Guiyang City, takes its name from the meaning that “the spirit of Guizhou converges in this mountain”. At the top of the mountain, there is Hongfu Temple. There are also animals like macaques. At the foot of the mountain, there is Qilin Cave and the Qianling Lake where you can go boating. Generally speaking, the park has beautiful scenery, offers opportunities to get close to animals and also allows boating. It is definitely worth a visit.
Yelang Valley, also known as Song’s Ancient Castle, is a stone valley created by the renowned Guizhou artist Song Peilun based on the local karst landform and integrating Nuo culture, Tuanbo culture and stone architecture culture. It took him 20 years to create this “fantasy castle”. The stone buildings, sculptures and pottery here form a beautiful natural landscape, full of artistic atmosphere, and has now become a popular tourist destination.
Tianhe Tan Scenic Area, also known as Tianhe Tan Tourist Resort, is located in Shiban Town, Huaxi District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province. Tianhe Tan Scenic Area is a scenic spot featuring typical karst natural landscapes and supplemented by the culture of historical celebrities and hermits. The scenic area is characterized by winding river valleys and steep gullies, integrating mountains, water, caves, pools, waterfalls, natural bridges, canyons and hermitages. The scenic area is divided into three parts: the water cave, the dry cave and the outer scenic area. It combines the grandeur of Huangguoshu Waterfall, the wonder of Longgong and the beauty of Huaxi. Tour guides usually divide the scenic area into inner and outer scenes. The inner scene involves taking a boat and visiting the cave, while the outer scene includes farmhouses, waterwheels, small bridges and flowing water. Local people in Guiyang usually visit the outer scene on weekends, while most tourist groups visit the inner scene. In fact, there is no conflict. Both the inner and outer scenes can be visited, as long as time is arranged reasonably.
The Huaguo Yuan Bo Art International Exchange Center, also known as the “White House”, is a landmark European-style building in Huaguo Yuan, Nanming District, Guiyang City. It takes the design elements of British country houses at the end of the 18th century and the European architectural style of Italian architects as its design blueprint, blending classical proportion and rhythm with modern aesthetic concepts. Through typical European architectural elements, it creates an elegant visual identity and forms a unique cultural symbol.
Jiaxiu Tower, located in Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, stands on a huge rock in the Nanming River. It was first built in the 26th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1598). The tower has been renovated many times throughout history. The existing building is a remnant of the reconstruction in the first year of the Xuantong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1909). Jiaxiu Tower has three floors, all with white stone railings, and each floor is set back from the one below. The height from the bridge surface to the top of the tower is about 20 meters. The Nanming River flows in front of the tower and converges into the Hami Pool. On the side of the tower, there is a stone arch bridge called “Fuyu Bridge” connecting both banks, and on the bridge, there is a small pavilion named “Hami Pavilion”. The whole tower is decorated with red beams and green tiles, and has a three-tiered, three-eaved, and four-cornered pyramid roof. Jiaxiu Tower is a witness to the history of Guiyang and a symbol of its cultural development. The name “Jiaxiu” means “outstanding in the imperial examinations”. It is located in a bustling downtown area but offers a peaceful retreat. It looks particularly beautiful at night, and there are many local snacks around.
Day 2: Anshun
Itinerary: Longgong Scenic Area in Anshun City – Huangguoshu Waterfall
Scenic Spot Highlights:
Loong Palace Scenic Spot, Anshun, also known as Loong Palace Scenic Area, is located 27 kilometers away from Anshun City and only 30 kilometers from the world-famous Huangguoshu Waterfall. The scenic area integrates various karst geological and geomorphic landscapes such as caves, canyons, waterfalls, peak forests, sheer cliffs, streams, stone forests, sinkholes and underground rivers. It is the most comprehensive and concentrated display of karst landforms and is hailed as “All the karst wonders of the world are in Loong Palace”. The various fantastic karst landforms interpret the dreamy Loong Palace, and the various folk customs and rural scenery experiences reveal the carefree countryside. This scenic area is also one of the first batch of 5A-level scenic spots in Guizhou Province and the largest water cave in China. It also has the largest cave waterfall in the country, which is praised by tourists as “a great wonder of nature”. Loong Palace is one of the most mature and scenic golden tourist spots in Guizhou with the most complete reception facilities.
Huangguoshu Waterfall, also known as the Huangguoshu Great Waterfall, was formerly called Baishui River Waterfall and was also named “Huanggeshu” or “Huanggushu” Waterfall. Since ancient times, there have been mythical stories about the Huangguoshu Waterfall in the folk tales of Guizhou Province. The name of the Huangguoshu Waterfall comes from the tree that bears “yellow fruits” in this myth. The Huangguoshu Waterfall is one of the world’s famous waterfalls, renowned for its massive water flow. It is 77.8 meters high, with the main waterfall being 67 meters high, and 101 meters wide, with the main waterfall’s top being 83.3 meters wide. The Huangguoshu Waterfall is an erosion fissure-type waterfall in the karst landform. It became famous since the Ming Dynasty traveler Xu Xiake visited it. Through the travels and promotion of famous people throughout the ages, it has become a well-known scenic spot. It is a brand of Guizhou and one of the first batch of 5A-level scenic spots in Guizhou. It consists of three main scenic spots: Doupo Tang Scenic Area, Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area, and the Great Waterfall Scenic Area. The Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Asia and was also the filming location for the 1986 TV series “Journey to the West”. Standing in front of the waterfall, one can feel the power of nature as they witness the rushing water and hear the deafening sound of the water.
The best time to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall is from June to September. During other months, the water volume is relatively small. It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area before 11:00 a.m. because after 5:00 p.m., the mountains in the area will cast shadows, affecting the photography and viewing experience. In my opinion, the night view of Huangguoshu is even more beautiful than the daytime view. The entrance is very magical, and each light show lasts about 10 minutes (repeated every 30 minutes), allowing you to watch multiple shows. Remember, the entire tour takes about 6 to 8 hours, so if you plan to visit here, make sure to stay in Anshun City the night before. Tour Plan One: Tianxing Bridge → Great Waterfall → Doupotang (60% of visitors fail to complete these three attractions due to arriving late)
Tour Plan Two: If you arrive late, go directly to the Great Waterfall → Tianxing Bridge → Doupotang.
There is a local saying in Guizhou: “Guiyang shows off, Anshun eats and drinks.” It’s no exaggeration to say that Anshun is a city that values food, almost gathering all the characteristic snacks of Guizhou. Remember not to look for food in Anshun’s snack street.
Day 3: Qiannan West
Itinerary: Wanfenglin Scenic Area – Malin River Canyon – 24 Turns Scenic Area
Highlights of the Scenic Spot:
The Wanfenglin Scenic Area, bordering Guangxi in the south, extending to the Sanjiangkou where Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou provinces meet in the west, and reaching the main peak of the Wumeng Mountain in the north, is the most typical area in the world for the development of conical karst peak forest landforms. It is mainly characterized by conical peak forests and peak clusters formed from Triassic strata rocks, with various geological relic landscapes such as karst caves, funnels, underground rivers, sinkholes and sedimentary strata distributed among them. The famous traveler Xu Xiake of the Ming Dynasty once praised it as “There are so many mountains in the world, but only here do the peaks form a forest.” The scenic area is divided into the East and West Peak Forests, and includes scenic spots such as the Wanfo Temple, the Eight Trigram Field, and the National Culture Source Exhibition Hall. The Wanfenglin Scenic Area has successively been awarded titles such as “National Key Scenic Spot” and “One of the Five Most Beautiful Peak Forests in China”. It features natural wonders such as peaks, pits, forests, lakes, springs and caves, and is renowned as a “World Wonder”.
The best time to visit the Wanfenglin Scenic Area is around April for 15 days (the most beautiful time when rape flowers are in full bloom). The period from March to September is also suitable, with no time limit. The entire tour is conducted by sightseeing vehicles, with stops and starts, lasting about 1.5 hours. If you have 2 to 3 days, you can find a nice homestay, rent an electric bike or a car, and wandering through the fields is a very relaxing and leisurely way. Accommodation is the most attractive part of this scenic area. All homestays are built to the standards of rural villas. Therefore, choosing a good homestay, I think, makes the trip 60% successful.
The Ma’linghe Canyon National Scenic Area is an important member of the Xingyi World Geopark of the People’s Republic of China. It has been awarded the titles of National Natural Heritage Site, National Key Scenic Area, and National 4A Tourist Attraction. The canyon is characterized by its chasms, hanging valleys, and numerous waterfalls. The Tianxing Gallery section features a calcium waterfall complex covering over 300,000 square meters, with the calcified cliff waterfall complex spanning 2 million square meters, making it home to the densest cluster of canyon waterfalls in China. In 2025, it was listed on the “China’s Most Beautiful Waterfall Challengers List” and the “China’s Most Beautiful Canyon Challengers List” by China National Geography magazine, earning the title of “The Most Beautiful Scar on Earth”. It is recommended to visit in summer when the spectacle of a thousand waterfalls flowing simultaneously can be witnessed.
The 24 Turns Scenic Area is located in Qinglong County, Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is composed of four major scenic spots: the 24 Turns, Panjiang Bridge, Hamaguan, and Feishuiyan. The scenic area takes the 24 Turns Anti-Japanese War Road, which played a crucial role in transporting international aid to China during World War II, and the Panjiang Chain Bridge as its core landscape resources. It integrates the karst canyon landform and the cultural characteristics of ethnic minorities. The spatial structure of the scenic area presents a “two-belt” layout, namely the Red Culture Belt of the Yunnan-Guizhou Highway and the Panjiang Ecological Natural Scenery Belt, including 18 scenic spots and 7 cultural relics protection units. Nowadays, the scenic area has developed into a composite tourism base integrating functions such as sightseeing, experience, leisure, and vacation.
Day 4: Qiannan
Itinerary: FAST (China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope) – Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Attraction Highlights:
FAST, the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, is located in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China. It is a major national science and technology infrastructure project of China’s 11th Five-Year Plan. It is very suitable for taking children there. There are many experience halls inside, and you can also climb to the observation deck. However, mobile phones are not allowed on the observation deck.
The Lesser Seven Holes Scenic Area is a 5A-level national scenic spot and a World Natural Heritage Site. It is known as “look up to Zhangjiajie, look down to Jiuzhaigou” and is a must-visit place when you come to Guizhou. It preserves the world’s largest area of karst primeval forest. In the clear lake water, fish swim freely. The lush vegetation is known as the “green gem on the earth’s belt”.
The best time to visit the Seven Holes Scenic Area is from May to September, during the green season. It’s best to arrive at the scenic area before 9:30 a.m. Remember, the entire tour is on foot and takes 6 to 8 hours. Therefore, if you plan to visit here, make sure to stay nearby the previous night. Note: If you arrive at the scenic area after 11:00 a.m., you will only be able to have a cursory look.
Tour plan: It is recommended to enter the scenic spot from the east gate (not the west gate). Some people online say that the west gate is easier as it is downhill, but this will cause a huge difference in your viewing experience. It’s like looking at the waterfall from the back or having to turn around to see it. This awkwardness is very inconvenient during your trip.
The visiting sequence of the Xiaoqiqiong Scenic Area: Xiaoqiqiong Ancient Bridge → Laya Waterfall → 68-Step Waterfall → Xiangshui River → Water Forest → Cuigu Waterfall → Yuanyang Lake → Wolong Pool → Exit through the west gate
Accommodation: There are lodging options both at the entrance of the scenic area and in the town within 12 kilometers. You can choose either one, and the cost is not high.
Day 5: Qiandongnan
Itinerary: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village – Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Highlights of the Scenic Spot:
Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, located in Xijiang Town, Leishan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is known as the “Miao Capital of China” and the “World Miao Museum”. It is the largest Miao settlement in the world and the best place for you to learn about Miao culture in China. This Miao village, surrounded by mountains on all sides and composed of more than ten natural villages, is currently the largest and most prominent Miao settlement in China. The architecture and costumes are rich in ethnic flavor, and the night view is even more beautiful.
It is recommended to stay one night in the Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. You can stay in a homestay on the top of the mountain. However, it should be noted that during the peak season, the price of the homestay may be relatively high. It is suggested to stay in a homestay on the top of the mountain during the off-season. You can take photos here and also enjoy the night view of the village from above.
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, located in Zhenyuan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province, boasts beautiful mountains, rivers and scenery. Its night view is stunning and it is on par with Xijiang Miao Village. However, the pace here is slower, making it an ideal place for leisure and vacation. Staying in a riverside inn, you can fish during the day and enjoy tea at night. It’s simply delightful. The S-shaped Wuyang River runs through the town, dividing the entire Zhenyuan County into the Prefecture City and the Garrison City. When viewed from above, it looks particularly like a Tai Chi and Bagua diagram, which is why Zhenyuan is also called the Tai Chi and Bagua Ancient Town. I strongly recommend spending a night by the river!
Day 6: Tongren, Zunyi, Return to Guiyang
Itinerary: Fanjing Mountain – Site of the Zunyi Conference – Xifeng Concentration Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Hall
Fanjing Mountain, the main peak of the Wuling Mountains, stands at an altitude of over 2,800 meters. The weather at the foot and the summit of the mountain often differs, making it a real-life version of the “Castle in the Sky”. Fanjing Mountain is a sacred Buddhist and Taoist site in China with a cultural history of over 2,000 years. Due to its high altitude, there is a significant difference in weather conditions between the top and bottom of the mountain, and the duration of sunlight is not long. According to statistics, there are only about 120 sunny days in a year on Fanjing Mountain. The Golden Summit is not easy to climb.
Best time to visit Fanjing Mountain & weather conditions:May to October. Sunny days are ideal, followed by cloudy days — this is very important.Please prepare raincoats and warm clothing in advance, as Fanjing Mountain rises right into the clouds, with completely different weather and temperatures at the foot and the summit.
The entire visit takes about 4 to 5 hours.Recommended route: Enter from the East Gate (very few visitors go to the West Gate) → sightseeing bus (20 minutes) → cable car (20 minutes) → walk up the stone steps (40 minutes) → Mushroom Rock Scenic Area → hike along steep stone stairs (25 minutes) → Hongyun Golden Summit Scenic Area.
There is about 1 hour of uphill hiking. The path to Hongyun Golden Summit is especially steep and narrow, so elderly visitors with limited mobility should consider carefully.
Accommodation: There is a dedicated town within 10 kilometers offering food and lodging. If you can make it to other scenic spots, it is recommended to continue your journey.
The Site of the Zunyi Meeting is located at 96 Ziyin Road, Honghuagang District, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province. It was originally the private residence of Bai Huizhang, Commander of the 2nd Division of the 25th Army of the Nationalist Party of China. In early January 1935, after the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army arrived in Zunyi during the Long March, the General Headquarters and the First Bureau of the Central Revolutionary Military Commission of the Chinese Soviet Republic were stationed in this building. From January 15 to 17, 1935, the Zunyi Meeting (the Enlarged Meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee) was held in the small living room of the original owner on the second floor of the main building. This meeting established a new central collective leadership with Mao Zedong as its representative. The Zunyi Meeting became a life-or-death turning point in the history of the Communist Party of China, bearing extraordinary significance.
The Xifeng Concentration Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Hall is located in Yanglang Village, Yongjing Town, Xifeng County, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province (beside National Highway 210). During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, it was the largest, most strictly managed, and highest-level secret prison established by the Military Statistics Bureau (Juntong) of the Nationalist Party of China, specifically for detaining Communists and patriotic progressives. Together with the Bai Mansion in Chongqing and the Shangrao Concentration Camp in Jiangxi, it was one of the three major concentration camps set up by the Nationalist Party during the War of Resistance.