Guiyang, abbreviated as Zhu and also known as Lincheng, is located in central Guizhou Province, on the eastern slope of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, with an average elevation of about 1,100 meters. This city has a history of over 700 years and is named after being "south of Guishan, north of Fushui." Guiyang is famous as the summer capital, China's forest city, China's digital valley, and the highland of Xinxue, with an average summer temperature of only 22.3°C. This mountain-surrounded city boasts a forest coverage rate of over 55%, with negative oxygen ions concentration reaching tens of thousands per cubic centimeter. In recent years, Guiyang has continued to polish new city brands such as the City of Coffee, City of Love, and City of Rock Climbing.
Main Walkthrough
Spend the whole day touring the Grand Waterfall, Tianxing Bridge, and Steepo Pond. The sightseeing bus is about ¥50 per person. It's recommended to first go to the waterfall viewing platform before entering the Water Curtain Cave. The lower half of Tianxing Bridge is even more scenic with fewer people.
Huangguoshu is a must-visit spot in Guiyang's travel itinerary. During summer, the morning queue is long, so it's best to leave before 7 a.m. and return to Guiyang in the evening to stay near Guiyang North Station.
Day 3: Take the high-speed rail from Guiyang North Station to Libo Station, taking about 3 hours, second-class seat about ¥120. After exiting, transfer to a bus or taxi to Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, about 11 km away, taxi about ¥30.
Ticket and sightseeing bus reference price is about ¥130 per person. Visit Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge, Laya Waterfall, Water Forest, and Wolong Pool. The water forest has many stone steps, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
Stay overnight in Libo County town, where you can enjoy Zhangjiang grilled fish and tofu pudding fish. Libo is one of the few recommended travel destinations in August for its cool mountains and waters, so it's best to spend half a day walking slowly.
Day 4: Libo charters a car or takes the scenic area shuttle bus to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. The drive takes about 4 hours, with ticket prices around ¥120–150. Reference ticket price for Xijiang Miao Village is about ¥110 per person. Arrive in the afternoon and check in first. It is recommended to stay at the Viewing Platform Mid-Mountain Homestay. It's convenient for photography but requires climbing a slope. If you have luggage, contact the guesthouse in advance to pick you up.
Climb the viewing platform to enjoy panoramic views of the Miao village, watch the lights of a thousand households and Miao ethnic songs and dances at night, and stay overnight in the Xijiang Miao village.
Day 5: In the morning, have free time in Xijiang Miao Village, including visiting Gage Ancient Alley and the Miao Museum. At noon, take a direct shuttle bus or chartered car back to Guiyang. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with ticket prices around ¥100–120. Afterwards, return from Longdongbao Airport or Guiyang North Station.
It is recommended to set your return ticket after 17:00, allow a buffer period, and arrive at the station at least one hour early for security checks. The entire route uses Guiyang as the gateway, with no backtracking.
2. Transportation comparison
There are three main ways to get from Guiyang to major nearby attractions. When choosing, consider the number of companions and the amount of luggage.
High-speed rail: Guiyang North to Anshun West, takes about 0.5 hours, ¥46.5, suitable for travelers who want a day trip to Huangguoshu and are short on time.
Direct shuttle to scenic spots: Guiyang to Huangguoshu, takes about 2 hours, ¥60, suitable for travelers who do not want to transfer and have more luggage.
Chartered car: Guiyang — Huangguoshu or Libo, about ¥600–800/day, suitable for family trips or carpooling for 4–5 people, with flexible stops.
3. Budget Control and Ticketing Strategies
Round-trip tickets: Check airline member days 1–2 months in advance, such as China Southern on the 28th of each month or Air China on the first Tuesday of each month. You can also book low-cost flights and hotels online. Connecting flights usually save ¥400–800 compared to direct flights.
Provincial transportation: The entire trip costs about ¥500–650 per person. Combining high-speed rail, express trains, and chartered buses is the most cost-effective. Tickets: Tickets for Huangguoshu and Xiaoqikong must be purchased three days in advance on the official platform. Tickets are released daily at 7 PM, limited to about 20,000 tickets per day. If you can't get one, you can transfer to Qingyan Ancient Town or Tianhetan.
Off-peak period: During the summer from July to August, the longest queues are from 9 to 11 a.m. It is recommended to enter before 7 or after 3 p.m., and avoid Fridays and Saturdays. Since many families travel during the summer, securing tickets and accommodation in advance can save you time and pay for last-minute price hikes.
4. Budgeting plan by group
Student group—traveling on a budget
Average cost per person about ¥2000: round-trip transportation ¥800–900 + local transportation ¥450 + hostel accommodation ¥70/night + ticket ¥300.
Strategy: Save up to 30 days in advance for discounted flights, choose a hard sleeper on a night train, stay in hostels and shared rooms, get half-price tickets with student ID, and keep meals under ¥50 per day.
Guiyang has many fun places, including open attractions or affordable places like Qianling Mountain Park and Jiaxiu Tower.
Family outings
Average cost per person about ¥3800: including baggage allowance, airfare ¥1500 + first-class high-speed rail ¥160 + chartered car ¥250/person + comfortable hotel ¥320/night.
Strategy: Charter a car to reduce transfers and waiting, get children's tickets at half price, book family rooms or family hotels in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes.
For family trips, prioritize direct flights or daytime high-speed trains to reduce children's fatigue.
Business—Comfortable type
Average cost per person about ¥6500: Full price cabin ¥2800 + business car charter ¥900/day + private car transfer ¥300.
Strategy: Prioritize direct flights, stay at high-end hotels at Guanshanhu, purchase VIP quick entry or private guided tours to reduce queues. Suitable for those sensitive to time and seeking comfort.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much is a five-day, four-night trip in Guiyang?
Average budget is about ¥2000–6500. For students, about ¥2000, family travel about ¥3800, and business comfort about ¥6500.
The main differences lie in round-trip ticket class, accommodation standards, and whether a car is chartered; ticket prices and intra-provincial transportation differ little.
Q: How can I get tickets to Guiyang attractions?
Huangguoshu and Xiaoqikong require reservations 3–7 days in advance on the official platform. Tickets are released daily at 7 a.m. and sold out while supplies last. If you can't get one, you can switch to Qingyan Ancient Town or Tianhetan.
Q: Is there a lot of people in Guiyang during the summer? How can I avoid it?
July to August is the peak tourist season in Guiyang, with the most crowds at the scenic area from 9 to 11 a.m.
It is recommended to enter before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m., preferably departing from Tuesday to Thursday to avoid the peak crowds on Friday and Saturday. The night view of Xijiang Miao Village after 7:30 PM is more suitable for off-peak times.
