Guizhou / A Hidden Gem Revealed, You’ll Regret Not Seeing It

Hey guys, I just got back from a trip to Guizhou, and I have to say this trip completely exceeded my expectations. The beauty of Guizhou is so layered! Natural landscapes, ethnic customs, unique cuisine—each one totally won me over. Without further ado, here’s a super practical travel guide to Guizhou to help you easily explore the area! Preparation Documents ID card, student ID (don’t forget if you have discounts), a small amount of cash (just in case). Clothing Guizhou’s weather is changeable; even in summer, bring a light jacket because the temperature difference between morning and evening is big. Choose comfortable sneakers since you’ll be walking a lot. Other Items Sunscreen, umbrella, motion sickness medicine (mountain roads are common, a must-have for those prone to motion sickness), camera (to capture stunning scenery). Itinerary Day 1: Guiyang → Qingyan Ancient Town ● Morning: Arrive in Guiyang, check into your hotel, drop off your luggage, and rest a bit. ● Noon: Taste Guiyang’s local specialties in the city, like Siwa Wa (rice noodle rolls) and Love Tofu Balls. ● Afternoon: Head to Qingyan Ancient Town, a Ming and Qing dynasty town with unique architecture full of historical charm. Stroll through the old streets and alleys to feel the town’s tranquility and leisure. Visit attractions like the Zhao Gongzhuan Ancestral Hall and the Former Residence of the Top Scholar. ● Evening: Have dinner in the ancient town and try Qingyan pig’s trotters—crispy skin, tender meat, rich but not greasy. After dinner, enjoy the night view of the town; the lighting gives it a special charm. Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall ● Morning: Set off early for Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area, the largest waterfall in Asia, divided into three areas: Duopotang Waterfall, Tianxingqiao Scenic Area, and Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall. Start with Duopotang Waterfall, where the water is clear and the falls are wide and gentle—great for photos. ● Noon: Eat at a restaurant inside the scenic area. ● Afternoon: Visit Tianxingqiao Scenic Area, featuring uniquely shaped rocks and clear streams, like stepping into a fairy tale. Finally, go to Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall to experience its majestic power up close. You can also walk through the Water Curtain Cave for a different experience. ● Evening: Return to Guiyang and stroll through Erqi Road Snack Street to try more delicious food. Day 3: Libo Xiaoqikong ● Morning: Head to Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, which has mountains and water with breathtaking scenery. Take a sightseeing bus to Wolong Pool first to admire the emerald lake and spectacular waterfall. ● Noon: Dine at a nearby restaurant. ● Afternoon: Visit Yuanyang Lake, Cuigu Waterfall, and the Water Forest in sequence. You can row a boat on Yuanyang Lake and cruise through the water forest—very fun. ● Evening: Stay in Libo County town to enjoy the peaceful small-town atmosphere. Day 4: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village ● Morning: Go to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, the largest Miao ethnic settlement in China. Upon arrival, visit the viewing platform to overlook the entire village; the dense stilted buildings are spectacular. ● Noon: Enjoy a long table feast in the village to experience Miao food culture. ● Afternoon: Walk around the ancient street, admire traditional Miao handicrafts, and visit the Miao Museum to learn about their history and culture. ● Evening: Enjoy the village’s night view; thousands of lights twinkle like stars, creating a stunning scene. Day 5: Zhenyuan Ancient Town ● Morning: Head to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, a historic water town with the Wuyang River flowing through it. Visit the Qinglong Cave ancient building complex, a unique group of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist structures. ● Noon: Try local specialties like sour soup fish in the ancient town. ● Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Wuyang River to enjoy the riverside scenery. You can also stroll along the riverbank to soak in the town’s leisurely vibe. ● Evening: Admire the night view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town, where lights and river reflections create a dreamlike atmosphere. Food Recommendations ● Sour Soup Fish: A Guizhou specialty with a sour broth base, tender fish, and a delicious tangy flavor. ● Siwa Wa: Thin pancakes rolled with various vegetables and seasonings, rich in taste. ● Qingyan Pig’s Trotters: Soft and flavorful, a signature dish of Qingyan Ancient Town. ● Love Tofu Balls: Crispy outside, tender inside, served with special chili sauce—super tasty. Accommodation Suggestions ● Guiyang: Stay in the city center for convenient transportation and abundant food options. ● Libo: Recommended to stay near the scenic area for easy access. ● Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village: Choose accommodation near the viewing platform for easy night view enjoyment. ● Zhenyuan Ancient Town: Stay at a riverside inn to enjoy beautiful river views at night. Transportation Guide ● External Transport: You can fly or take a train to Guiyang. Guiyang has multiple airports and train stations, making transportation very convenient. ● Internal Transport: Options include car rental, carpooling, or public transport. Distances between scenic spots are long, so renting a car is more convenient but more expensive; public transport is cheaper but requires careful time planning. Guys, the beauty of Guizhou really can’t be fully described in words—you have to experience it yourself to feel its charm. Pack your bags and take a spontaneous trip to Guizhou! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below~