We have to be honest: we weren’t expecting much of Guiyang. Guizhou’s capital was supposed to be just a short stop on our way to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall and Miao and Dong villages.
How wrong we were! We fell in love with the city, and ended up staying longer than planned. The city conquered us with its authentic atmosphere, historic sites, natural spots, delicious food, and warm hosts.
We prepared the following list with our favorite things to do and see in Guiyang. Follow our tips and you will have a fantastic time in the city.
Visit the Jiaxiu Tower
We begin with Guiyang’s number one attraction: Jiaxiu Tower. The iconic tower is in the center, on an islet in Nanming River. The original tower dates back to 1597.
Destroyed many times through the centuries, the one we can see today was built in 1909. The compound has 3 sections: bridge, tower, and gardens.
Go up the 65 feet (20 meter) tower to enjoy breath taking views over the city and the hills. The exhibition hall in the garden is interesting too. Look out for the ancient couplet inscribed on the stones. It’s one of the oldest and longest in China.
Walk along Nanming River
Since we were staying nearby, we walked many times along Nanming River, even at nights. The nicest walk is on the north bank, along the linear park and where the city walls used to be.
Walk to the gorgeous Qianming Temple, in front of the Sheraton. The original temple dates back to the 17th Century. Since the temple is alive, people visit to pray, so be respectful.
From there, cross the river to Zhucheng Square. We loved watching the locals dance and socialize under the giant copper Miao instruments. The Guizhou Museum of Ethnology is there too.
Spend Time in Qianlingshan Park
Guiyang has one of China’s biggest and prettiest urban parks: Quianlingshan. You can reach the 1000-acre (400 Hectare) beauty with metro line 3. We spent hours walking about in awe.
You will see thousands of plants and trees, bridges, paths, a splendid lake, hills, pavilions, and cute monkeys all around. It’s a great spot to relax and people watch.
Check out Hongfu Temple, the most important temple in the city. Though big, its delicate and ethereal. Our favorite was the Mahavira Treasury Hall. The bell tower has a 3300-pound (1.500 kg) copper bell from 1469.
Explore the Qingyan Ancient Town
We took metro Line 3 to its last station, Tongmuling. Then we hoped on an inexpensive taxi to reach Qingyan Ancient Town. We took a taxi back directly to our hotel in Guiyang.
It’s one of China’s best preserved ancient towns. We loved it! Elegant stone temples and mansions line the stone streets. Bei street is the main drag. Look out for 3 the ancient archways and the stone lions.
Go inside Zhuangyuan Mansion, entirely made of wood. Don’t skip Ciyun Temple and its lovely stone pillars. We ate delicious Chinese food, and had coffee and western cakes while people watching.
Roam Around Huaxi Park
Though smaller than Qianlingshan, Huaxi Park is gorgeous. To get there, take Line 3 of Guiyang Metro to Huaxi Park station. It’s full of water, bridges, pavilions, and flowers.
Originally a private garden, it became a park in the 1930s. All we did was walk admiring the scenery. The views of the surrounding hills are amazing.
Cross the one and only Baibu Bridge and search for the tomb of General Dai Anlan, a national hero. You can rent a boat to explore the lake. There are all types of great eateries near the park.
Enjoy Nature in Tianhe Lake Scenic Area (Tianhetan)
Simply put, Tianhe Lake Scenic Area is spectacular. We took metro Line S1 to Tianhetan station, 15 miles south west of Guiyang. You will see waterfalls, pools, rocks, caves, bridges, mills and lush nature.
You have to see Longtan Cave. Tour the water caves with a boat and then walk along the dry caves. The thousands of stalagmites in all possible shapes blew our minds.
Climb to the top level of the dry cave and cross the stone bridge. We loved the tiny Miao town at the exit. Don’t worry if you get hungry. There are lots of restaurants in the area.
Visit Guizhou Provincial Museum
We took metro Line 1 to the International Eco-Conference Center station. The Conference Center itself is a contemporary masterpiece that incorporates the highest environmental principles. It hosted the 2025 Eco Forum Global.
The Guizhou Provincial Museum, behind the center, is also a contemporary building. It holds a huge collection of fossils, including dinosaur bones! The artifacts from the local ancient communities are incredible too. Miao art is superb.
We particularly liked the hang bronze chariot, the ancient swords, and the jewelry. There’s a lot of information in English.
Have Dinner and Drinks on a Lively Street
We ate like kings in Guiyang, even with the language barrier. It was so much fun to point at food and get tips from locals as to what to order!
We ate simple but tasty street food during the day in Minsheng Road. We liked the food around Taiping Road and the Fountain Square Commercial Area better. It’s next to Penshuichi metro station.
Taiping Road is also known for its bars and live music. We also went at night to the Qingyun night market. Our favorite dish? Yu’s Anshun bao.
Where to Stay in Guiyang
We stayed at the Sheraton Guiyang Hotel, near Jiaxiu Tower. Our super comfy room on a high floor had memorable views over the city and hills. Every night we enjoyed the hotel’s pool and full-size spa with a hot tub and sauna.
Then we moved to the Kempinski Guiyang Hotel, also in the center. It’s more elegant than the Sheraton, but doesn’t have a pool. The views from the executive lounge are to die for.
If you are looking for great value for money, book a room at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Hotel, next to Taiping Road. It even has a laundry room!
