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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Huangguoshu Waterfall
China's largest waterfall at 77 m tall, with the Water Curtain Cave behind it, a sightseeing bus loop, and short flat paths on the main walkways
Duration: Full day
Qianling Mountain Park
Forested mountain in the city where Tibetan macaques roam freely, with temple stairs and a small lake; children enjoy the monkey viewing
Duration: Half day
Guizhou Provincial Museum
Large free museum with ethnic costume, silver, and batik galleries and natural history exhibits; passport and advance reservation required
Duration: 2-3 hours
Guiyang Science and Technology Museum
Large hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, a good wet-weather option in a rainy province
Duration: Half day
Longgong (Dragon Palace) Caves
China's longest underground boat ride, drifting through illuminated cave galleries with smooth boardwalks near Anshun
Duration: Half day
Qingyan Ancient Town
Walled town with stone lanes and snack stalls; short walking loops are easy for small children
Duration: Half day
Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, Libo
Turquoise pools, small waterfalls, and a forest boardwalk suitable for children who can walk 2-3 km
Duration: Half day
Hongfeng Lake
Large lake near Guiyang with promenades, cycling paths, and pleasure-boat rides in summer
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Sheraton Guiyang Hotel
International-brand hotel in central Guiyang with large rooms and a pool, convenient for the city's museums and metro
Family features: Family rooms, pool, kids' menu, breakfast buffet
Crowne Plaza Guiyang
Upper-midrange hotel with spacious rooms and family-friendly service in the city centre
Family features: Family suites, children's amenities, easy taxi access to Jiaxiu Tower
Chain hotels near the Huangguoshu scenic area (Anshun)
Mid-priced hotels and guesthouses within 10-20 minutes of the waterfall gates offering clean rooms and local meals
Family features: Triple and quad rooms, cots on request, shuttle to the entrance
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Guizhou cuisine is spicy; ask for 'bu la' (不辣, not spicy) or 'wei la' (微辣, slightly spicy) when ordering for children
Mild dishes children usually like include rice noodles, steamed buns, tofu, tomato and egg, sweet sticky rice cakes, and dumplings
Sour soup fish (suan tang yu) is tangy rather than hot and is often liked by children, though it can have bones
Restaurants rarely have high chairs outside international hotels; a portable booster seat is useful
Bottled water and sealed drinks are safer than tap water; fruit stalls sell peelable options such as bananas and tangerines
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.