Communication: Guiyang

Mobile Connectivity

China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are major providers. China Mobile often has the widest coverage.

SIM Cards & eSIMs

Purchase local SIM cards at official provider stores with your passport.
Some international ESIM providers have China data plans for immediate connectivity.
Public Wi-Fi often requires a local Chinese phone number for verification.

Internet Access & VPN

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public places.

Staying Online

Mobile data with a local SIM is generally fast and reliable.
VPN is necessary for accessing many Western websites and apps.
Install and test a reliable VPN before arriving in China.

Language & Translation

Language Landscape

Mandarin Chinese is the main language, with local Guiyang dialect variations.
English proficiency is low outside major hotels and some tourist areas.
A basic Mandarin phrasebook assists with common phrases.
Translation apps like Google Translate (offline pack) or Baidu Translate.

Phrases

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (你好)
Thank you: Xièxie (谢谢)
Excuse me/Sorry: Duìbuqǐ (对不起)
How much is it?: Duōshǎo qián? (多少钱?)

Staying Connected

A local SIM card or eSIM facilitates communication, while a VPN permits access to global services.

Business Hours & Schedules

Business hours for different establishments and public holidays have effects on services.

Banks

Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some larger branches may have limited weekend hours.

Shops

Typically open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.

Restaurants

Lunch 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Dinner 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM or later. Some street food stalls open early and late.

Attraction Hours

Hours vary by site. Most attractions operate from around 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

Planning Visits

Check specific attraction details before visiting.
Major attractions generally open year-round.
Outdoor activities may be weather-dependent.

Public Holidays

Major Chinese public holidays have considerable effects on travel and services.

Holiday Impact

Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb): Many small businesses close, transportation is very crowded.
Labor Day (May) and National Day (Oct) are 'Golden Weeks' with extreme crowds.
Transportation and hotel prices increase significantly during Golden Weeks.

Other Considerations

Seasonal Access

Some rafting opportunities are only available during the wet summer season.
Remote natural sites may have limited access during heavy rain.
Guiyang is a 'summer resort' with cooler temperatures.

Travel Periods

Avoid 'Golden Weeks' if possible for fewer crowds.
Shoulder seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Nov) often have better prices.
Winter offers fewer crowds and unique misty atmosphere.

Plan Ahead

Consult calendars for public holidays and seasonal conditions to optimize your Guiyang trip.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Show sensitivity to customs and traditions.

Greeting Customs

A simple 'Ni hao' (你好) works as a greeting. A nod or slight bow show politeness.

Interactions

Handshakes common in business or formal settings.
Politeness always has a positive effect.
Initiate with a friendly greeting.

Dress & Photography

Casual attire is acceptable. Dress modestly when visiting temples or formal religious sites.

Respectful Practices

Cover shoulders and knees in sacred places.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in ethnic minority areas.
Respect signs prohibiting photography in certain areas.

Dining & Taboos

Dining Practices

Tipping is not customary or expected.
Loud eating, including slurping noodles, is accepted.
Shared dishes are common.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing sensitive political topics (e.g., government policy, Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan).
Do not criticize the Chinese Communist Party.
Be respectful of local customs, especially in ethnic minority areas.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

Gender Considerations

No specific restrictions for solo female travelers in Guiyang.
Common sense safety precautions are advisable, as in any large city.
Guiyang presents a generally safe travel environment.

LGBTQ+ Information

Homosexuality is not illegal in China.
Public displays of affection by same-sex couples are rare and generally not accepted.
Travelers should exercise discretion in public displays of affection.

Religious Site Etiquette

Footwear

Remove your shoes before entering temples or specific indicated areas.
Do not point your feet at Buddha statues or other religious figures.
Do not speak loudly or disrupt prayers or ceremonies. Turn off your phone or put it on silent.

Cultural Awareness

Be open to learning about and respecting local customs and traditions.
Patience and a polite attitude are always appreciated.
An awareness of cultural norms enriches your travel.

Accessibility Information

While Guiyang has made progress, some areas may still present difficulties.

Infrastructure for Mobility

Newer infrastructure like Metro stations, modern shopping malls, and 5-star hotels have elevators and ramps.

Challenges

Older parts of the city and traditional attractions may not be easily accessible.
Sidewalks can be uneven; street vendors might obstruct paths.
Public buses may not be easily accessible for wheelchair users.

Accessible Sites & Transport

The Guizhou Provincial Museum and Guiyang North Railway Station are designed with accessibility.

Locations

Guizhou Provincial Museum with ramps and elevators.
Guiyang North Railway Station is a modern, accessible facility.
Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Assistance

A local contact or private guide assists communication and navigation.
Translation apps aid basic communication.
Plan with awareness of limited specialized services.

Resources & Organizations

Specific organizations dedicated to accessible travel in China for international visitors are limited.

Information Access

Contact individual hotels or attractions directly about features.
Online travel forums offer shared experiences and advice.
Compensair for flight delays or cancellations.

Planning for Accessibility

Contact individual hotels or attractions directly to inquire about their specific accessibility features before your visit.

Communication