Walking Through History at Jiaxiu Pavilion and Along the Nanming River
Stand on Wan'ao Stone in the middle of the Nanming River and look up at Jiaxiu Pavilion—this renowned historic structure rises above the water on a rock formation said to resemble a legendary giant turtle. The pavilion itself anchors the heart of central Guiyang, and the stone beneath it is where the city's story crystallizes into one viewpoint. Whether you arrive at dawn or dusk, this is where locals and visitors meet the river that defines the city's geography.
Just downstream, Hebin Park offers another way to experience the water's edge. The park sits on the Nanming River's bank with a plaza that fuses Egyptian-inspired design—towering pillars lit in yellow at night—with a UFO-shaped restaurant at its center, a symbol of how Guiyang marries tradition and modernity. A bright red helical bridge spans the river from here, best crossed in the evening when its lights come alive.
Museums That Tell Guizhou's Stories
Guizhou Provincial Museum holds the province's main collections and sits in Guanshanhu District, reachable by metro. The museum is free, though you will need to show willingness to explain your situation at the entrance if you lack a Chinese phone number for their reservation system. Inside, the displays cover the depth of Guizhou's history and culture across multiple galleries.
Three other museums deserve time if you want to understand the people and ideas that shape the region:
- Guizhou Nationalities Museum (Nanming District) focuses on the history and culture of Guizhou's various ethnic groups—essential context given that the city is home to significant Miao and Bouyei populations, among many others.
- Guizhou Art Museum (Yunyan District) incorporates the Guizhou Painting Institute and showcases regional artistic traditions and contemporary work.
- Guizhou Science and Technology Museum (Nanming District) includes exhibitions on lunar exploration and computer databases, plus a 4D movie theatre and children's science park.
All three of these museums are free to enter and closed on Mondays.
Temples, Monkeys, and Mountain Views from Qianlingshan Park
Qianlingshan Park (also called Qianling Park) sits within walking distance of central Guiyang and rewards an afternoon of exploration. The large city park is populated by wild monkeys accustomed to human visitors—approach them with caution and respect. Sample local food and crafts from vendors scattered throughout the grounds. The park includes a zoo, small amusement park, and tea gardens where you can rest between activities.
Within Qianlingshan Park stands Hongfu Temple, built as a monastery in the early Qing Dynasty. The complex rivals the Lama Temple in Beijing in its extent. Wooden buildings display elaborate ornaments on roof corners and eaves; inside you will find large deity figures, a pond with carp, incense burning pits, a large bell to ring, small shops, and a restaurant. Reach the temple by a 40- to 60-minute walk through the surrounding woods, or take the cable car up the mountain (which stops at 17:00), or arrange for sedan chair rides. Admission to the park is ¥5; the temple requires an additional ¥5.
Guanshan Lake Park: Lakes, Sculptures, and 700 Species of Plants
Guanshan Lake Park lies 12 kilometers from Guiyang's city center in Guanshanhu District, accessible by metro. The forested park centers on two lakes—Guanshan North and South—connected by a main paved path with smaller scenic trails branching off. At the park's heart stands an 18-meter-tall golden pheasant drum statue representing luck and happiness in Chinese culture. On the opposite side of the lake, a 30-meter tall statue of three red peppers (lajiao) celebrates an integral ingredient in Guizhou cuisine.
The park holds over 700 types of plant life, including purple myrtle and osmanthus trees. If you visit in spring or summer, you may spot a sizable colony of wild herons nesting on a central island. Additional attractions include Hunan Garden, which preserves several original buildings from a 1950s Soviet-style farm, and the National Culture Promenade—a 330-meter-long corridor of paintings and wishing pools dedicated to the 56 ethnic groups of China. Entry is free, though boat rides and children's rides charge fees. The park opens at 06:00 in summer and 06:30 in winter, staying open until midnight and 00:00 respectively.
Day Trips South: Ancient Towns, Ethnic Villages, and Mountain Lakes
Qingyan Ancient Town sits in Huaxi District, reachable by bus no. 203 from Guiyang Railway Station, Airport Bus No. 5 from the airport, or bus no. 210 from Huaguoyuan Wetlands Park. Basic admission is ¥20; an ¥80 ticket grants access to all historical buildings within the town. Walking its streets offers a sense of how life unfolded in this corner of Guizhou before modern Guiyang expanded outward.
Huaxi Park, in Huaxi township south of the city, provides an easy escape with streams, pavilions, and tea gardens. The setting is popular with local residents who bring their own supplies for barbecues and picnics. A photograph at the main entrance commemorates a visit by former Premier Zhou Enlai and his wife in the 1950s. Admission is ¥6; reach it by bus no. 8, 404, or 888 routes, or take the Tertiary Institution Express Bus.
Zhenshan Village, a Bouyei minority settlement 20 kilometers outside Guiyang, showcases Ming Dynasty architecture built almost entirely from local shale—walls, floors, roofs, and selected furniture all quarried from the surrounding mountains. Visit year-round to try local rice wine, smoked tofu, pickled vegetables, and sour fish prepared by hosts in their homes. The village's main festival falls on the 10th day of the first lunar month, when the central square fills with people in traditional embroidered clothing dancing to the lusheng, a traditional wind instrument. Guesthouses accommodate overnight stays. Take bus 211 from Huaguoyuan Da Jie bus stop (about an hour's journey), then a taxi or motorcycle for the final 2 kilometers.
Tianhe Lake Park, in Shiban Town to the southeast, combines caves, canals, and waterfalls in one half-day excursion. Guides take boats through flooded caves; canals weave past minority farm areas; a spectacular waterfall cascades through a narrow mountain opening. A massive sinkhole marks the start of cave explorations. Admission ranges from ¥10 to visit the waterfall only, to ¥52 for both caves and waterfall, with combo packages reaching ¥82. Zip-line rides cost ¥80 per ride. Adventurous visitors can rent bicycles from Huaxi Park and cycle the 11 kilometers on country roads (about 2 hours), then arrange motorcycle transport back for ¥10 per bicycle. Take bus no. 211 or 701 to reach the park.
Start planning your trip by checking the climate patterns—Guiyang's monsoon-influenced subtropical climate brings most rain from May through July, and the city is known for moderate temperatures year-round, though winters can dip near freezing and summers stay warm rather than hot. Pack layers and expect frequent overcast skies; the city receives only 1,150 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of China's least sunny major cities. Book museum visits early in the day to ensure entry, and try the local specialties—sour soup fish and Huaxi vermicelli are breakfast staples; siwawa (rice wraps with vegetables or pork scraps) and ice jelly with sesame seeds and peanuts define street food culture.