Guizhou One-Day Trip Guide: Waterfalls, Miao Villages, and Delicious Food...
Complete Guizhou Travel Guide: Hidden Landscapes, Ethnic Customs, and Culinary Delights
Guizhou, a seriously underrated travel destination! It boasts magnificent karst landscapes, rich ethnic minority cultures, mouthwatering cuisine, and incredibly cost-effective accommodation. If you love a blend of nature, culture, and food, Guizhou is the perfect choice for you!
Must-See Attractions
1. Huangguoshu Waterfall (Anshun)
The largest waterfall in Asia, truly magnificent!
Things to do: Experience the breathtaking waterfall up close, walk through the Water Curtain Cave (remember to bring a raincoat).
- Best time to visit: June–August (highest water volume), but the water may be murky during the rainy season.
- Nearby recommendations: Tianxingqiao (the Silver Chain Waterfall is stunning), Doupotang Waterfall (filming location for the 1986 version of *Journey to the West*).
2. Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (Qiannan)
💎 "Emerald on the Earth's Belt"
- Things to do: Stroll across ancient bridges, explore Wolongtan, and experience the Water Forest (you can wade in the water during summer).
- Must-sees: Xiaoqikong Bridge (most beautiful in the morning mist), 68-tiered waterfall.
- Tips: It is recommended to stay in Libo County or near the scenic area for easy access to Daqikong the next day.
3. Xijiang Miao Village (Qiandongnan)
🏮 The world's largest Miao settlement, with stunning night views!
- Things to do: Take photos in Miao costumes, see the rice terraces, watch the *Beautiful Xijiang* performance, and experience a long-table banquet.
- Accommodation: Homestays halfway up the mountain are recommended, offering a view of thousands of twinkling lights from your window (but be prepared for some uphill climbing, not ideal if you have a lot of luggage).
- Food: Sour soup fish, cured meat, *ciba* (glutinous rice cake), and rice wine.
4. Fanjingshan (Tongren)
⛰️ "City in the Sky," a wonderland of clouds and mist
- Things to do: Climb the Red Cloud Golden Summit (requires some scrambling), see the Mushroom Rock, and encounter Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys.
- Tips: The weather is unpredictable, so check the forecast in advance; queues are long during peak season, so it's advisable to start early.
5. Zhenyuan Ancient Town (Qiandongnan)
🚣 A thousand-year-old town, offering a slow-paced life by the Wuyang River
- Things to do: Take a night cruise on the Wuyang River, climb Shiping Mountain for panoramic views, wander through the ancient alleys, and enjoy tofu pudding and grilled fish.
- Accommodation: Riverside guesthouses are recommended, as the reflection of the lights at night is incredibly romantic.
🍜 Guizhou Food Recommendations
Guizhou people love sour and spicy flavors, and the local cuisine is unique and a must-try for food lovers!
1. Sour Soup Fish (Qiandongnan)
- Recommended locations: Kaili, Xijiang Miao Village
- Special features: Red sour soup (fermented tomatoes) + tender fish, sour and spicy, perfect for whetting your appetite!
2. Changwang Noodles (Guiyang)
- Recommended restaurants: Nanmenkou Changwang Noodles, Jiangjia Changwang Noodles
- Special features: Pig's blood curd + pork intestines + crispy pork, chewy noodles, spicy and fragrant.
3. Siwawa (Guiyang)
- Recommended restaurant: Silan Hongtang Siwawa
- Special features: Thin pancakes filled with a dozen small dishes, drizzled with sour soup, refreshing and palate-cleansing.
4. Mutton Noodles (Zunyi)
- Recommended location: Xiazi Town, Zunyi
- Special features: Fresh mutton + rice noodles + chili oil, flavorful and rich soup.
5. Zheergen (Houttuynia cordata/Fish Mint)
- Proceed with caution: Outsiders may not be used to the taste, but locals love it, a must-have in cold dishes or dipping sauces!
🏨 Guizhou Accommodation Guide
Guizhou's attractions are scattered, so it's recommended to "stay where you play," prioritizing locations near scenic areas or in the county centers.
1. Guiyang (Transportation Hub)
- Recommended areas: Penshuichi/Dashizi (city center, lots of food options)
- Hotel types: Kempinski for high-end options, Atour/JI Hotel for value.
2. Xijiang Miao Village
- Recommended: Mountain view homestays (such as "Seven Letters·Preface")
- Note: If you have a lot of luggage, choose a guesthouse near the sightseeing bus, otherwise, the climb will be exhausting.
3. Libo Xiaoqikong
- Recommended: Libo County (more choices) or inside the scenic area (convenient but expensive)
4. Zhenyuan Ancient Town
- Recommended: Wuyang River guesthouses (beautiful night views, such as "Xunmei·Riverside")
🚗 Transportation Advice
- Main transportation: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (many flights), high-speed rail directly to Guiyang North/East Railway Station.
- Transportation within the province:
- Distances between attractions are long, so chartering a car/carpooling is recommended (suitable for 4–6 people).
- High-speed rail + bus: Guiyang → Kaili (Xijiang Miao Village), Guiyang → Anshun (Huangguoshu).
- Self-drive: Road conditions are good but mountainous, not recommended for novice drivers.
Best Time to Travel
April–October: Pleasant climate, high waterfall volume, many ethnic festivals (such as Miao New Year, Dong Grand Song Festival).
Avoid: July–August peak season (crowded, expensive accommodation), some scenic areas may be closed in winter.
Budget Reference (5 days, 4 nights)
Budget: CNY 2,000–3,000/person (hostels + bus + snacks)
Comfort: CNY 4,000–5,000/person (homestays + chartered car + special meals)
Travel Tips
1. Weather: Guizhou has "no three days without rain," so bring an umbrella.
2. Sun protection: Strong UV rays, especially in Fanjingshan and Xiaoqikong.
3. Shoes: Non-slip sneakers are essential (many waterfalls and mountain roads).
4. Tickets: Book in advance on "One Code Tour Guizhou," as queues are long during peak season.
Guizhou, a place where you can "feast your eyes, feast your stomach, and enjoy a slow-paced life," come and start your journey of landscape and culture!