Guizhou is a mountainous province in southwest China, known for the Huangguoshu Waterfall, karst landscapes, and the most diverse ethnic minority culture in the country, including Miao and Dong villages. Its capital Guiyang is a cool, green city and the transport hub for the province.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Guizhou is among China's most ethnically diverse provinces; over a third of residents belong to minority groups such as the Miao, Buyi and Dong.
Ask permission before photographing people in traditional dress, especially at festivals.
Silver jewellery on Miao costume represents family wealth and heritage and is treated with respect.
Toasts of baijiu or rice wine are a social ritual in Guizhou; accepting a small cup is polite.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet elders first with a nod or handshake.
- Accept offered tea or rice wine with both hands, even if only a sip.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and village ritual sites.
- Try local sour-soup and chili dishes.
- Ask before photographing people, especially during festival performances.
Don't
- Do not touch silver headdresses without permission.
- Do not point chopsticks at people or stand them upright in rice.
- Do not step on the threshold of a village drum tower or ritual site.
- Do not photograph ceremonies without consent.
- Do not raise sensitive political topics.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- A handshake or nod is common; respected elders are addressed with a title.
- Dining
- Dishes are shared; the host orders for the table and elders begin eating first. Toasting with baijiu or rice wine is a key ritual in rural minority areas.
- Dress
- Casual clothing is fine in cities; cover shoulders and knees at temples and village homes.
- Gifts
- Fruit, tea or local snacks are suitable gifts, presented with both hands.
- Business
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands; relationships and shared meals matter.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not customary in China.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Ni hao
Hello
nee how
Xie xie
Thank you
shyeh shyeh
Bu hao yi si
Excuse me
boo how ee suh
Shi
Yes
shuh
Bu shi
No
boo shuh
Duo shao qian?
How much?
dwaw show chyen
Tai gui le
Too expensive
tie gway luh
Gan bei
Cheers
gahn bay
Hao chi
Delicious
how chuh
Ce suo zai na li?
Where is the toilet?
tsuh swaw dzigh nah lee
Wo ting bu dong
I do not understand
waw ting boo dong
Zai jian
Goodbye
dzigh jyen
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Guizhou.
Main: Folk religion, ancestor veneration and Buddhism, with Taoist and animist traditions among the Miao and Dong peoples.
Sites: Hongfu Temple and Qianling Mountain in Guiyang, Dingguang Temple in Qingyan, and village drum towers.
Holy Days: Lunar New Year, Qingming (April) and local festival days tied to Miao and Dong calendars.
Conversations: Religion is a private matter; observe quietly and avoid challenging beliefs.