Guiyang travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in the capital of Guizhou, China.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Guiyang.
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1
Qianling Mountain Park
A large forested mountain park with wild macaques, Qilin Cave, Hongfu Temple, a lake and tea gardens in the middle of the city.
Tip: Keep food and drinks out of sight and never feed the macaques; they snatch plastic bags. · Go on a weekday morning to avoid weekend crowds and midday heat. · Wear sturdy shoes; the summit route is a long staircase that is slippery in rain. · Check on arrival whether entry is CNY 5 or free with real-name reservation. · The cable car is sold separately and its last ride is around 17:00. · Allow 3 to 5 hours if combining the park with Hongfu Temple.
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2
Hongfu Temple
The largest Buddhist temple in Guizhou, founded in 1672 on the summit of Qianling Mountain.
Tip: Arrive before 17:00; the temple closes around 18:00, earlier than the park. · Dress modestly and keep voices low inside the halls. · Ask before photographing worshippers or the main Buddha images. · Visit on a weekday morning; the first and fifteenth of the lunar month and festivals are crowded. · Take the cable car up if the climb is too long; its last ride is around 17:00. · Watch bags and snacks on the path; the macaques steal food.
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3
Jiaxiu Pavilion
A three-storey Ming-dynasty pavilion built in 1598, the city symbol, on a stone in the Nanming River and lit at night.
Tip: Reserve with real name via One Code Travel Guizhou; entry is free but may be checked. · The pavilion is closed on Mondays; the riverside stays open. · Come at dusk for the lighting, but expect crowds on weekends. · Photograph from the south bank or the bridge for the best reflection. · Combine with Hebin Park, a ten-minute walk away. · Keep a passport on hand for real-name checks.
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4
Guizhou Provincial Museum
Guizhou's main museum, covering karst geology, ethnic minority costume and silver, archaeology and Long March history.
Tip: Reserve a free real-name slot in advance; bring a passport. · Arrive before 16:00; last entry is an hour before closing at 17:00. · The museum is closed on Mondays. · Visit on a weekday morning to avoid school groups. · Take Metro Line 1 to International Eco-Conference Center, Exit B. · Pair with Guanshan Lake Park for the evening.
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5
Guizhou Nationalities Museum
Museum of Guizhou's minority peoples with Miao, Dong and Buyi costumes, silver, batik and festival displays.
Tip: Go in the morning; the museum closes at 16:30 and is shut on Mondays. · Use a translation app; most labels are in Chinese. · Combine with Jiaxiu Pavilion and Hebin Park nearby. · Take bus 4, 6, 11, 16, 21 or 30 to Jiandao Street. · Bring a passport in case identification is requested. · Visit before village trips to understand the costumes you will see.
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6
Guizhou Art Museum
Provincial art museum with rotating exhibitions of Guizhou painting and ethnic art.
Tip: Check the current exhibitions on arrival; the program changes often. · Arrive before 16:00 for last entry; closed Mondays. · Use a translation app for Chinese-only labels. · Look for signs on photography in each hall. · Visit on a weekday for the quietest galleries. · Take bus 2, 15, 101, 214 or 311 to the Museum stop.
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7
Guanshan Lake Park
Large urban lake park in the Guanshanhu district with cycling paths, boating and views of the glass towers at dusk.
Tip: Come in late afternoon to catch sunset and the evening lights. · Boats and rides are paid separately; bring cash or a mobile wallet. · Take Metro Line 1 to Guanshanhu Park station. · Bring insect repellent for summer evenings. · Combine with the nearby Guizhou Provincial Museum. · Weekends are busy; mornings are quieter.
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8
Hebin Park
Riverside park on the Nanming River with a night-lit square, locals dancing and tea houses.
Tip: Come after 19:00 to see the square at its liveliest. · Ask before filming or photographing individual dancers. · Combine with Jiaxiu Pavilion for a two-hour evening. · Try tea at a riverside tea house; prices are modest. · Keep an eye on belongings in evening crowds. · Mornings are quiet if you prefer solitude.
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9
Guizhou Science and Technology Museum
Hands-on science museum suitable for children.
Tip: Arrive in the morning; closing is about 15:40. · The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday. · Weekdays are calmer but may have school groups. · Confirm current hours locally before a special trip. · Take the bus to the Cinanmen stop. · Bring identification in case it is requested.
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10
Huaxi Park
River park in the Huaxi (Flower Brook) district, 17 km south of the city, with willow-lined paths and wetlands.
Tip: Take bus 8, 404 or 888, or a taxi for about CNY 60 to 80. · Visit on weekday mornings for peace. · Bring water and sun protection in summer. · Carry an umbrella for sudden showers. · Combine with Qingyan Ancient Town or Tianhe Lake. · Eat before or after; refreshments are limited.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Parks_and_nature
Qianling Mountain Park
Forested mountain park with macaques.
Guanshan Lake Park
Lake park in the new district.
Tianhe Lake (Tianhetan)
Karst gorge and waterfall.
Temples_and_historic
Hongfu Temple
Largest temple in Guizhou.
Jiaxiu Pavilion
Ming pavilion on the Nanming River.
Qingyan Ancient Town
Ming-Qing walled town.
Museums
Guizhou Provincial Museum
Karst, minority culture and history.
Guizhou Nationalities Museum
Miao, Dong and Buyi costumes.
Guizhou Art Museum
Provincial art museum.
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most museums close on Mondays; parks open early and close 18:00-22:00.
- Fees
- Museums are free with real-name reservation; Qianling Park about CNY 5 (~$0.70); Qingyan CNY 20-80 (~$2.80-11).
- Best Times
- May-June and September-October for mild, clear weather.
- Booking
- Reserve museum slots via WeChat mini-programs or the One Code Travel Guizhou app; foreign visitors can usually show a passport on site.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Carry your original passport; museums scan it at the gate.
Guiyang sits at about 1,100 m and stays cool; bring a jacket even in summer.
Qianling's macaques snatch food: keep bags closed.
Use Amap or Baidu Maps; Google Maps is unreliable in China.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does Guiyang need?
Two days cover Qianling Park, Jiaxiu Pavilion and the museums; add one for Qingyan and Huaxi.
Is Guiyang worth visiting?
Yes for food, cool summers and as a base for Huangguoshu Waterfall and Miao and Dong villages.