About Guiyang

Guiyang, known as “Zhun” for short, is the capital of Guizhou Province, and a top tourist city of China. It is located in the center of Guizhou province, situated on the east of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, and on the north bank of the Nanming River, a branch of the Wu River. Guiyang embraces picturesque mountains, rivers and lakes, secluded valleys and karst caves, such as Huaxi National Wetland Park, Red Maple Lake and Najiang Canyon (South River Grand Canyon), each showing its unique posture and glamour. Guiyang also gathers a large number or historic sites, such as Jiaxiu Tower, Qianling Park, Qingyan Ancient Town, Xifeng Concentration Camp and Xiangzhi Gully, full of the charm of ancient culture. In addition the unusual ethnic minority customs and lifestyle make many domestic and foreign tourists show great interest in Guiyang. 

Fast Facts of Guiyang

What to See in Guiyuang

Hebin Park

This park is by the side of the river. There is a Egyptian feel to the square in the park, which has towering pillars lit by yellow light at night, and a gigantic UFO-shaped restaurant in the centre, help up by both bamboo and metal pillars--an apt symbol of the fusion of Chinese culture and modernity. Near the restaurant, there is a recently built bridge across the river, shaped like a Helix, and lighted up a brilliant red. Take a romantic stroll through this peaceful square at night. It is 40-60 minute walk to the temple, but there is also a cable car (stops at 5:00PM), and sedan chair rides. The temple, built as a monastery in the early Qing Dynasty, is comparable in extent to the Lama Temple in Beijing. Surrounded by woods, the buildings have elaborate ornaments (roof corners and eaves, etc). There are several large diety figures, a pond with carp, water well for coins for good luck, incense burning pits, a large bell you ring, some shops, and a restaurant there.  

Tianhetan 

An easy day trip from Guiyang, Tianhetan is a pleasant cave, canal and waterfall park in Huaxi Township. The park includes flooded caves which guides take you through in boats, canals which weave through minority farm areas and a spectacular cascade through a narrow opening in the mountain. Following the trail into the mountain leads to a massive sinkhole and the starting point for the cave and canal boat trips. If you are feeling adventurous, rent bikes for the day from Huaxi Park, and then cycle 11km to tian he tan on the country roads. It takes about 2 hours to get there, but the biking journey would be rewarding for backpackers who enjoy roughing it through and appreciate rural scenery. You can rent a motorcycle to take your bicycles back for 10 yuan each, while getting on a rented ven to get back to Huaxi Park, a the same price. Admission to the park is very reasonable although you will pay extra for the zip line across the gorge. 

Qianling Park 

This large city park is well worth an afternoon. Sample local food and crafts from vendors, see curious and very brave wild monkeys (accustomed to people), as well as take in the view from the hilltops near Hongfu Temple. Qianling Park also includes a zoo and small amusement park as well as tea gardens.  

Huaxi Park 

Another popular day trip south of Guiyang in Huaxi Township, Huaxi Park is an excellent escape from the heat and bustle of the city. The park with its streams, pavilions and tea gardens is popular for Guiyang residents who enjoy setting up their own barbeques and enjoying a picnic. Of historical note, former Premier Zhou Enlai and his wife visited Huaxi Park in the 1950s. A billboard sized photograph of the couple enjoying a boat ride graces the main entrance to the park. 

Yelang Valley 

Locally famous, this small karst-formed, ecological park is the setting of a ongoing, large-scale stonework art project by Song Peilun. With hundreds of stone-built pillars, figures, and castles, this very unique place is worth an hour or so to explore and climb around on. (Add: Huayan Rd., in university district southwest of Huaxi Park).  

South River Grand Canyon 

Grand Canyon area with typical development, the majestic Karst Canyon scenery and a variety of types, different attitude waterfall group features, the magnificent, majestic and grand, for aesthetic value and tourism value of the scenic area high. The canyon spans more than 40 km, steep peak, the depths of three hundred and ninety-eight meters.