Guizhou (贵州), is a less-known province by International travelers located in Southwest China, bordering with Guangxi, Hunan, Chongqing, Sichuan and Yunnan in different directions.
Guizhou is the only province in China without any plains and home to 17 ethnic groups. It is a “natural park” with beautiful mountains and amazing rivers, and a “cultural hub” with multiple minorities (Miao, Dong, Shui, Bouyei, etc.) and unique ethnic customs. So, when you visit Guizhou, you will not only enjoy its unbelievable landscapes, but also personally experience its unique ethnic customs, cultures, festivals and handicrafts. Guizhou is ranked as the sixth destination on the list of “Best in Travel 2020 - Top Regions” by Lonely Planet.
There are several highly recommended destinations scattered around Guizhou in different directions that can go there directly or to make a transfer from the gateway cities/counties. Most travelers would like to reach Guiyang - the capital of Guizhou Province first and then get from Guiyang to other destinations.
Best Places to Visit in Guizhou
1. Kaili - the Capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture
Kaili (凯里), about 125 km from Guiyang in Southeast Guizhou Province, is the center of Miao culture, hosting more than 120 festivals every year. Hence, it is known as the “Hometown of Hundred Festivals”. There are many Miao villages scattered in and around Kaili City to have great experience in each village. The famous Xijiang Miao Village which is also the largest Miao village in the world is located around Kaili, offering amazing panoramic view both in daytime and at night.
2. Anshun - Home to the Largest Waterfall in Asia
Anshun (安顺) is located in the middle west of Guizhou Province, about 95 km from Guiyang. Reputed as “the Hometown of Waterfalls”, Anshun has the world famous Huangguoshu Waterfall which is the largest waterfall in Asia and the third largest one in the world. Anshun is the concentrate area for Karst landscape, owning breathtaking typical karst land formation and natural sceneries from waterfalls to rivers, canyons, mountains, forests and caves. The top attractions in Anshun include Huangguoshu Waterfall, Longgong Cave (or Dragon Palace), Tianlong Tunpu Ancient Town , Yunfeng Tunpu Ancient Village, Getu River Scenic Area, etc.
3. Tongren - the City Famous for Mount Fanjing (梵净山)
Tongren (铜仁), known for Mount Fanjing, is located in the northeast of Guizhou Province, about 250 km from Guiyang. For nature and mountain lovers, it is a good idea to spend one or two days visiting Mount Fanjing. Fanjingshan is about 43 km northwest of Tongren City.
4. Guiyang - Capital of Guizhou Province & Best Gateway City in Guizhou
Guiyang (贵阳), located in the center of Guizhou Province, is the capital city of Guizhou Province. Most travelers who want to make a visit in Guizhou would like to first arrive in Guiyang since Guiyang is the most important gateway city with numerous flights and high speed trains connecting. There are some attractions in Guiyang worth your time, such as Qingyan Ancient Town, Jiaxiu Tower, Qianling Park, Huaxi Scenic Resort.
5. Libo - An Emerald on Earth’s Waistband with Karst Landscape
Libo (荔波) is a beautiful county in Southern Guizhou in Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. It is in the southeast of Guiyang City, about 247 km away (about 3-3.5 hours’ driving); and in the south of Kaili City.With breathtaking Karst landscape, Libo is reputed as “An Emerald on Earth’s Waistband”. Besides, as home to a concentration of minority groups (Bouyei, Shui, Yao and Miao), Libo is steeped in rich ethnic customs and traditions. The main attractions here include Xiaoqikong, Daqikong (Big Small Arches) Scenic Area, Zhangjiang Scenic Area and Shuichun River.
6. Congjiang - Best Area in Qiandongnan with Amazing Miao & Dong Villages
Congjiang (从江) is an impressive county sitting in the core area of Guizhou ethnic minority groups, about 450 km from Guiyang and 250 km from Kaili City. Congjiang preserves unique and outstanding treasures of nature and ethnic culture. It is recommended to travel to Biasha Miao Village which is “the Last Gunslinger Village in China” and men is Biasha are permitted to carry and use guns to protect their traditions.
Top Attractions to See in Guizhou
1: Miao Villages (in and around Kaili)
2: Dong Villages (in Rongjiang, Congjiang & Liping Counties)
3: Huangguoshu Waterfall (in Anshun)
4. Tianlong Tunpu (village fortress)
5: Fanjingshan (in Tongren)
6: Zhenyuan Ancient Town (in Zhenyuan County)
7: Longgong Cave / Dragon Palace Cave (in Anshun)