Guiyang

贵阳

The provincial capital and transport hub of Guizhou, a modern yet culturally rich city known for its Qingyan Ancient Town nearby and excellent local spicy cuisine. It serves as the essential gateway for exploring the rest of the province.

Things to do

• Qingyan Ancient Town — A beautifully preserved Ming and Qing dynasty town 30 km south of Guiyang featuring stone-paved streets, traditional architecture, and local artisan workshops.
• Huaxi Park — A scenic urban park in the southern suburbs with a picturesque lake, walking trails, and views of karst hills that showcase the region's natural landscape.
• Hebin Park and Nanming River Walk — A riverside park in central Guiyang offering green spaces, local markets, and evening strolls along the Nanming River with city views.
• Guiyang Museum — Showcases Guizhou's ethnic minorities, local history, and traditional crafts including batik textiles and silver ornaments.
• Fillipino Street and Night Market — A lively pedestrian shopping area and night market hub in downtown Guiyang serving local street food and souvenir shopping.
• Jiaxiu Tower — A historic Ming dynasty tower overlooking the Nanming River in central Guiyang, offering panoramic city views and cultural significance.

Food to try

• Sour Fish Soup (酸汤鱼) — Guiyang's signature dish featuring fresh fish in a tangy broth made from fermented tomatoes and local chilies, warming and fiery in flavor.
• Malatang (麻辣烫) — A DIY hot pot experience where diners select raw ingredients skewered on sticks and dip them into spicy broth at street stalls and restaurants.
• Nian Gao (粘糕) — A sticky rice cake with fillings such as red bean or peanut, popular as a local snack or dessert throughout Guiyang.
• Lao Gan Ma Condiment Tasting — Sample the iconic Guizhou-made spicy chili oil and condiments that originated in Guiyang and are now sold globally.
• Mixed Rice Noodles (混合米粉) — Chewy rice noodles served with a variety of toppings, broths, and spicy seasonings tailored to personal preference at local eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the spice culture — Guiyang residents take pride in their fiery cuisine; don't shy away from spicy dishes as they are integral to local identity and hospitality.
• Respect ethnic minority heritage — Guizhou is home to multiple ethnic groups including Miao and Dong minorities; respectfully explore their crafts, textiles, and festivals to appreciate the region's cultural diversity.
• Best visit during spring or autumn — Avoid the hot, humid summers and cold winters by traveling between March-May or September-November for comfortable weather and clearer views of the city and surrounding countryside.
• Learn basic Mandarin phrases — While Mandarin is spoken, learning a few phrases shows respect and helps navigate markets and smaller establishments where English is rarely spoken.