China · City Guide
Guiyang
Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou province, a rapidly modernising city set amongst spectacular karst scenery that serves as the gateway to some of China's most extraordinary natural and ethnic minority cultural landscapes. From the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest in Asia, and the extraordinary Zhangjiajie-like Tianhe Tan (Sky Valley) to the colourful festivals and costumes of the Miao and Dong minority communities, Guiyang rewards adventurous travellers seeking a genuinely different China.
Elect's take
"Guiyang is one of those Chinese cities that most Western visitors never reach, which makes it all the more rewarding for those who do. The surrounding landscapes are spectacular and the ethnic minority cultures of Guizhou are among the most visually striking in China."
Huangguoshu Waterfall, approximately 2 hours from Guiyang, is the largest waterfall in Asia and one of China's most spectacular natural attractions with a series of falls and underground caves providing an extraordinary experience. The Miao and Dong minority communities of Guizhou maintain ancient cultural traditions of distinctive textiles, silver jewellery, stilted wooden architecture and extraordinary festivals that provide some of the most vivid cultural encounters available in China. Qingyan Ancient Town, 29 kilometres south of Guiyang, is a beautifully preserved Ming and Qing dynasty settlement. The spicy Guizhou cuisine, particularly the famous sour fish soup and red chilli culture, is outstanding.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Huangguoshu Waterfall
The largest waterfall in Asia with spectacular falls and underground cave systems.
Miao & Dong Minorities
Extraordinary ethnic minority cultures of distinctive dress, silver and ancient traditions.
Qingyan Ancient Town
A beautifully preserved Ming and Qing dynasty settlement 29 kilometres from the city.
Karst Landscapes
Spectacular limestone karst scenery throughout Guizhou province.
Guizhou Cuisine
Distinctive spicy and sour Guizhou cooking including famous sour fish soup.
Minority Festivals
Extraordinary traditional festivals of the Miao and Dong peoples with remarkable costumes.
