Zunyi is a prefecture-level city in northern Guizhou, sitting between Guiyang to the south and Chongqing to the north, in the transition zone from the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau to the Sichuan Basin. It is best known as the site of the 1935 Zunyi Conference, and the memorial sites associated with that event anchor much of the city's visitor interest. It is a less-visited destination, so English is not guaranteed at hotels or in many everyday situations.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the metro area is made up of three urban districts — Huichuan, Honghuagang and Bozhou. Honghuagang contains the Zunyi Conference Memorial Museum and the city's tourist district; Huichuan is the administrative centre; Bozhou is the third urban district. This guide covers the areas worth considering as a base, what each suits, and how accommodation is generally tiered. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Zunyi
1. Central Honghuagang (the tourist district)
This is the centre of Zunyi's tourist district, where the Zunyi Conference Memorial Museum and its related sites are located. Basing yourself here puts the city's main historical sights within easy reach and keeps you in the most visitor-oriented part of town.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone whose trip centres on the Zunyi Conference sites. Accommodation here includes official hotels such as the government-operated Zunyi Guest House, and the area is walkable for sightseeing. One practical note: the city is at an elevation of 865 m, and rain is common throughout the year, so plan for damp, cloudy days even outside the wet season.
2. Dingzikou (downtown)
Dingzikou is described as downtown Zunyi, and it is where you find the city's larger, higher-end downtown hotels. It is a central base with the commercial life of the city around it.
It suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things and are willing to pay for a more comfortable base. Expect bigger, full-service properties rather than small guesthouses. Because it is downtown, it connects conveniently to the rest of the central city, including the tourist district.
3. North Zunyi (Middle Hong Kong Road)
The north of Zunyi City, around Middle Hong Kong Road, is a straightforward urban base with mid-tier hotels. It is a practical choice rather than a scenic one.
It suits budget-conscious and mid-range travellers who want a normal city location and don't mind being a short trip from the main sights. The kinds of places here are conventional hotels. As with anywhere in Zunyi, don't assume English is spoken at reception.
4. Huichuan District
Huichuan is Zunyi's administrative centre and one of the three urban districts that make up the metro area. It is a functional, modern part of the city rather than a tourist quarter.
It suits travellers with business in the administrative district, or those who prefer a quieter, less sightseeing-focused base while still being within the urban area. Accommodation here includes larger hotels. The trade-off is that you are away from the tourist district around the memorial sites, so you will rely on the city's transport to reach them.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Expect simple, older hotels and guesthouse-style accommodation. English-speaking staff are not guaranteed, so have your address written in Chinese.
- Mid-range: Conventional city hotels, including three-star properties, found in the north of the city and in the central tourist district.
- Splurge: Larger downtown and district-level hotels, including four- and five-star properties, concentrated in downtown areas such as Dingzikou and in Huichuan District.
Best area for a first visit
Central Honghuagang is the best base for a first visit, because it is the centre of Zunyi's tourist district and where the Zunyi Conference Memorial Museum and its related sites are located. Staying here means your main reason for coming is on your doorstep rather than a trip across town. It also gives you the widest choice of places to eat and stay within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions
Which district are the main historical sights in?
The Zunyi Conference Memorial Museum is in Honghuagang District, and the surrounding area is the centre of the city's tourist district.
Will hotel staff speak English in Zunyi?
Zunyi is a less-visited city, so hotel staff may or may not be able to speak English. It is worth having key addresses and requests written down in Chinese.
What is the climate like through the year?
Zunyi has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate modified by its elevation. Winters are fairly mild and summers hot and humid, with rain common throughout the year and close to 60% of annual precipitation falling from May to August.
How do I get to Zunyi?
Zunyi sits between Guiyang and Chongqing and is served by the Chongqing–Guiyang high-speed railway, the Sichuan–Guizhou Railway, several expressways and Zunyi Xinzhou Airport.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.