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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Guizhou, China

Iconic Landmarks

Visit these sites for their historical significance and visual appeal.

Jiaxiu Tower, Qianling Park, and Qingyan Ancient Town are must-sees.

Landmark Insights

  • Jiaxiu Tower: Best viewed at night when beautifully illuminated.
  • Qianling Park: Be mindful of monkeys; do not feed them.
  • Qingyan Ancient Town: Try local snacks like 'Zhuangyuan' pig's trotters and rose sugar.
  • Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded for Qianling Park and Qingyan Ancient Town.

Jiaxiu Tower & Qianling Park

Jiaxiu Tower 甲秀楼

  • Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Interior closes earlier, typically around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
  • Visiting exterior and surrounding park is free. Nominal fee for ascending the tower.
  • Best viewed at night when beautifully illuminated, a magical reflection on the Nanming River.
  • Consider visiting in the late afternoon to see it in daylight, then stay for the evening illumination.
  • Historical Context: This historic pavilion built on a giant rock in the Nanming River in 1598.
  • Location: On the Nanming River, a symbol of Guiyang's heritage.

Qianling Park 黔灵公园

  • Park gates typically open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Admission to the park is free. Small fees for Hongfu Temple (¥5) and zoo (¥5).
  • Be mindful of monkeys; they are wild animals. Do not feed them, keep your belongings secure.
  • Taking the cable car up Qianling Mountain scenic views of the park and city.

Historical Context: A large urban park featuring Qianling Mountain, the ancient Hongfu Temple, and free-roaming macaque monkeys.

Qingyan Ancient Town

  • One of China's charming and well-preserved ancient towns.
  • Located approximately 29 km south of Guiyang.
  • Originally built as a military fortress during the Ming Dynasty.
  • Retains well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, ancient city walls, temples, and traditional homes.

Qingyan Ancient Town Tips

  • Local Delicacies:

    Try local snacks like 'Zhuangyuan' pig's trotters and rose sugar.

  • Exploration Time:

    Allocate at least half a day or a full day for thorough exploration.

  • Best Visit Times:

    Town can become very crowded on weekends and Chinese holidays, so weekday morning recommended.

  • Accessibility:

    Easily accessible by public bus from Guiyang.

  • Authentic Feel:

    Explore smaller side alleys and residential areas away from main thoroughfares.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Guiyang's museums deep insights into Guizhou's natural history, geology, and diverse ethnic minority cultures.

Major Museums

Guizhou Provincial Museum

  • Guizhou Provincial Museum (贵州省博物馆): A modern and expansive museum to understand Guizhou.
  • Admission: Free; present your passport for registration.
  • Closed Days: Closed on Mondays.
  • Location: Near Guiyang North Railway Station in Guanshanhu District, accessible by metro.
  • Collection: Natural History: Showcases natural history, geology of the province.
  • Collection: Ethnic Cultures: Displays on Miao, Buyi, Dong, and other ethnic groups.

Guiyang Planning Exhibition Hall & Arts

  • Guiyang Planning Exhibition Hall: Focuses on Guiyang's urban development, history, and future plans.
  • Exhibits: Interactive exhibits and large-scale models illustrate the city's transformation.
  • Art Galleries: Fewer prominent specialized museums. Focus on broader history and ethnic culture.
  • Performance Venues: Guiyang Grand Theatre the premier venue for opera, ballet, concerts.

Art galleries and exhibition spaces: While some smaller art galleries might be found in commercial areas or cultural centers, Guiyang not a major art hub known for extensive gallery scenes. Large-scale art exhibitions are rare.

Qingyan Ancient Town

One of China's charming and well-preserved ancient towns, located approximately 29 km south of Guiyang.

Historical Context

Originally built as a military fortress during the Ming Dynasty, it retains well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture.

Visitor Tips

Try local snacks like 'Zhuangyuan' pig's trotters and rose sugar. Allocate at least half a day or a full day for thorough exploration.

Historical Sites

Guiyang and its surroundings historical sites reveal the region's past.

  • Archaeological sites and ruins: Most not easily accessible or developed for general tourism within Guiyang's immediate vicinity.
  • Historical districts and architecture: Qingyan Ancient Town the prime example of a well-preserved historical district.
  • Religious and spiritual sites: Hongfu Temple within Qianling Park.

Natural Attractions

Guiyang, situated in a karst landscape, numerous natural attractions.

Huaxi Park

A beautiful and sprawling park known for its picturesque lakes, charming bridges, and lush greenery.

Red Maple Lake

A large artificial lake situated west of Guiyang. It numerous islands and karstic features.

Qianling Mountain

Located within Qianling Park, ascending this mountain panoramic views of Guiyang city.

Parks & Lakes Details

Huaxi Park

A beautiful and sprawling park known for its picturesque lakes, charming bridges, and lush greenery.

A relaxing spot for boating, cycling, and leisurely walks.

Red Maple Lake

A large artificial lake situated west of Guiyang. It numerous islands and karstic features.

Popular for scenic boat tours.

Baihua Lake

Another scenic lake northwest of Guiyang, popular for boating, fishing, and enjoying the serene natural environment.

Its calm waters and surrounding hills a good spot for quiet relaxation.

Qianling Mountain

Located within Qianling Park, ascending this mountain panoramic views of Guiyang city from Hongfu Temple.

The climb includes exercise and rewarding vistas.

Karst & Wildlife

Guizhou famous for its unique karst topography, characterized by dramatic limestone formations.

Qianling Park most accessible for wildlife viewing, free-roaming wild monkeys.

Karst Landscapes & Geological Features

Guizhou famous for its unique karst topography.

Geological Insights

  • Dramatic limestone formations and influence evident in numerous peaks, caves, and sinkholes.
  • Visible in parks and surrounding countryside.
  • Various specific caves and underground karst formations exploration for those interested in geology.

Wildlife & Water Activities

Guiyang opportunities for wildlife observation and water-based leisure.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Qianling Park most accessible for wildlife viewing, free-roaming macaque monkeys a major draw.
  • Observe them from a distance and avoid feeding them.
  • Waterways: Numerous lakes and rivers boating, riverside walks, and waterside scenery.
  • No beaches as Guiyang is an inland city.

Traveler Note

Explore local food streets and neighborhood markets beyond the main tourist areas.

These present authentic dining experiences and opportunities to observe daily life without tourist-oriented commercialism.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Beyond the well-known landmarks, Guiyang holds several hidden gems and local favorites.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

Discover these to gain insight into the city.

Unseen Attractions

  • Wanshou Palace: Taoist temple complex, less visited than Hongfu Temple, peaceful atmosphere.
  • Feishuihe Park: A pleasant urban park with walking paths along the Feishui River.
  • Local food streets and neighborhood markets beyond main tourist areas for authentic dining.

Emerging Destinations & Photo Spots

Explore less-traveled areas for unique experiences.

Unique Perspectives

  • Emerging Destinations: Nanjiang Grand Canyon northeast of Guiyang outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
  • Jiaxiu Tower at night: Illuminated reflection on the river a classic and beautiful photo.
  • Qingyan Ancient Town: The ancient walls dramatic backdrops and panoramic views.

Cultural Significance

Qingyan Ancient Town's strategic layout a story of defense and historical importance.

Heritage Aspects

  • Its strong city walls and strategic layout.
  • Historical identity as a military fortress.
  • Tangible link to the region's military heritage.

A journey back in time through its well-preserved architecture.

Spiritual Retreats

Guiyang a calm and sacred atmosphere at its religious sites.

Spiritual Sites

  • Hongfu Temple within Qianling Park.
  • An active Buddhist temple dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

A serene and important spiritual site with impressive halls.

Atmospheric Photography

Guiyang's unique climate and natural settings a special appeal for photographers.

Photogenic Elements

  • Guiyang's frequent fog and mist create atmospheric photo opportunities.
  • Especially in its parks and mountainous surroundings.
  • Capture the playful antics of the monkeys in Qianling Park from a safe distance.

These conditions result in ethereal and unique photographic memories.

General Insights

Local Favorites

Feishuihe Park popular with locals for exercise and relaxation but rarely foreign tourists.

Unmarked Experiences

Explore local food streets and neighborhood markets for opportunities to observe daily life without tourist-oriented commercialism.

Adventure Beyond City

Nanjiang Grand Canyon located northeast of Guiyang, opportunities for more adventurous exploration.

Unique Photo Opportunities

The ancient walls of Qingyan Ancient Town provide dramatic backdrops and panoramic views from the top.