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.
Best photo spots
Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.
Xijiang Night View from Observation Deck
Evening lights glowing across thousands of stilt houses on the hillside, a classic Miao-village night scene.
Best time: Blue hour and night, 20-60 minutes after sunset
Tip: Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset to secure a front-rail position · Use a 24-70 mm lens, f/8, ISO 100 and exposures of 4-10 seconds · Bring a remote release because the platform vibrates with crowds · Carry spare batteries as cold evenings drain them quickly · Avoid public holidays if a quiet frame is needed
Wanfeng Forest at Dawn
Tens of thousands of conical karst peaks rise from green fields; morning mist and sunrise give the best atmosphere from the viewing decks.
Best time: Sunrise and early morning
Tip: Arrive before first light to claim a platform edge position · Use a 70-200 mm lens to compress the peak layers · Fit a polarising filter to cut haze and deepen greens · Carry a rain cover because morning drizzle is common · Try secondary viewpoints for fewer people
Jiaxiu Terraces
Sweeping stepped rice terraces across the hills near Jiabang and Jiaxiu, among the finest terraced landscapes in Guizhou.
Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon
Tip: Shoot at sunrise or late afternoon for side-light on the steps · Use a 70-200 mm lens to isolate contour patterns · Fit a graduated ND filter to balance sky and terraces · Wear sturdy shoes because paths are muddy after rain · Stay on paths and off paddy walls out of respect for farmers
Jiabang Terraces
Curving terraces among Miao and Dong villages; spring flooding produces mirror reflections at sunrise.
Best time: Sunrise and golden hour
Tip: Be in position before first light for sunrise reflections · Pair a wide-angle with a telephoto to cover both scale and detail · Carry a rain jacket because showers arrive quickly · Wear sturdy shoes for slippery paths · Keep to paths and off terrace walls
Huangguoshu Waterfall Viewing Platform
The 77 m-tall waterfall from the main viewing platform and from behind the curtain, with rainbows on sunny mornings.
Best time: Morning for rainbows and lower crowds
Tip: Arrive at opening time for a rail position and fewer crowds · Carry a waterproof cover and microfibre cloth for spray · Use ND filters for silky water in bright light · Choose a wide-angle lens to include cliffs and pool · Visit in spring for calmer crowds
Xiaoqikong Bridge and Emerald Pools
The old arched stone bridge, turquoise pools and cascades of the Libo karst, with long exposures smoothing the water.
Best time: Morning and overcast days
Tip: Arrive at opening to photograph the bridge without crowds · Use ND and polarising filters for silky, saturated water · Choose overcast days for even light · Bring a rain cover and lens cloth for humidity · Keep tripods clear of narrow boardwalks
Zhaoxing Dong Village Drum Towers
Clan drum towers and wooden wind-and-rain bridges across a valley of Dong stilt houses, photographed from the hillside.
Best time: Sunrise, late afternoon and evening
Tip: Climb to the hillside viewpoint before sunrise for a tripod spot · Use a wide-angle for the valley and a telephoto for rooflines · Ask permission before photographing residents or courtyards · Carry spare batteries for evening sessions · Expect rain and bring cover
Fanjingshan Mushroom Rock and Sea of Clouds
Balanced rock formations above a sea of clouds, with sunrise and cloud-inversion views from the upper ridge.
Best time: Sunrise and early morning
Tip: Be on the ridge before first light and allow time for the stair climb · Pack a windproof jacket and warm layers because the ridge is cold · Use a wide-angle lens for rock and cloud, a telephoto for ridgelines · Check weather after rain for cloud-inversion chances · Keep tripods off narrow paths near drop-offs
Zhenyuan Ancient Town Wuyang River Bend
The S-bend of the Wuyang River below the old town's stilt houses, with Zhonghe Mountain temples and lantern-lit bridges at night.
Best time: Dusk and night
Tip: Shoot from 15-40 minutes after sunset for sky colour and lights · Use a wide-angle lens and tripod for 2-8 second exposures · Bring a remote release to avoid shake · Cover equipment against drizzle · Pick a quieter riverbank stretch away from the main bridges
Qingyan Ancient Town Stone Streets
Ming-dynasty walled town with stone gates, pavilions and arches; good for street and architecture photography.
Best time: Early morning before crowds
Tip: Arrive at opening on a weekday for empty lanes · Use a 24-70 mm zoom for lanes and arch details · Choose overcast days to reduce facade glare · Carry a lens cloth for dust and humidity · Ask permission before close portraits of residents
Basha Miao Village
A hillside Miao village known for retaining traditional dress and customs; ask permission before photographing residents.
Best time: Morning and late afternoon
Tip: Ask permission before photographing residents and accept refusals · Use a telephoto lens for respectful candid portraits · Shoot in morning or late afternoon side-light · Carry a rain jacket for sudden showers · Avoid drones to prevent disturbing residents
Hongfeng Lake Sunset
Lake islands, peninsulas and sunset reflections across a large reservoir lake close to the city.
Best time: Sunset and golden hour
Tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to secure a clear sightline · Use a telephoto lens to compress islands and boats · Fit a polarising or graduated ND filter for sky and water balance · Walk along the shore for quieter vantage points · Check the sunset direction for the chosen inlet
By subject
Match your shooting interest to Guizhou's strengths.
Sunrise photography
Wanfeng Forest, Jiaxiu and Jiabang Terraces, Fanjingshan ridge
Sunset photography
Hongfeng Lake, Xijiang village slopes
Architecture photography
Zhaoxing drum towers, Qingyan Ancient Town
Street photography
Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Qingyan Ancient Town
Nature photography
Huangguoshu Waterfall, Xiaoqikong pools, Fanjingshan
Night photography
Xijiang night view, Zhenyuan riverside
Best times to shoot
Light, weather, and seasonal considerations.
- Sunrise
- Roughly 6:30-7:30 AM depending on season; best at Wanfeng Forest and the terraces
- Midday
- Harsh light; best for shaded waterfalls and forests
- Sunset
- Roughly 6:00-7:30 PM; best at Hongfeng Lake and Xijiang
- Blue Hour
- 20-40 minutes after sunset for the Xijiang village night view
Photography tips
Make your shots stand out.
Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.
Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.