Destinations

Guizhou

Guizhou, located in Southwest China, is affectionately known as the “Park Province.” Its biggest draw is the incredible blend of stunning natural landscapes and vibrant, diverse ethnic cultures, offering international visitors a truly unique and rich travel experience.

1. Natural Wonders and Ecological Treasures

Most of Guizhou is mountainous and hilly. Its unique Karst topography has carved out countless spectacular waterfalls, cave systems, and canyons. With four UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites, it’s one of the world’s most classic examples of Karst landscapes. Interestingly, Guizhou is also a “Bridge Museum” – nearly half of the world’s 100 highest bridges are located here! Thrill-seekers can even experience the awe-inspiring combination of these massive bridges and breathtaking scenery through activities like bungee jumping or wingsuit flying. Plus, Guizhou enjoys cool summers, with an average annual temperature around 15°C (59°F), making it a perfect escape from the heat. Its dense forests and pristine rivers also create an ideal environment for relaxation and wellness retreats in nature.

2. A Living Museum of Ethnic Cultures

Guizhou is home to 18 distinct ethnic groups who have lived here for generations, including the Miao (苗族), Dong (侗族), and Buyi (布依族), creating a rich tapestry often called the “Cultural Thousand Islands.” Visitors can get lost in the heavenly polyphonic harmonies of the Dong Grand Song (侗族大歌), admire the exquisite skills of Miao embroidery (苗绣), or join in the lively celebrations of festivals like the Torch Festival (火把节) or the Lusheng Festival (芦笙节). Traditional villages like Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (西江千户苗寨) and Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨) still maintain their ancient ways of life. In intangible cultural heritage workshops, you can even try your hand at traditional crafts like batik (蜡染) or silver jewelry making (银饰制作), feeling the ancient wisdom passed down through fingertips. Historical legacies like Yangmingism (阳明心学) and Tunpu culture (屯堡文化) add layers of philosophical and historical depth to the journey.

3. Cool Experiences Where Tradition Meets Trend

Guizhou excels at blending traditional elements with modern creativity, resulting in many fresh and fun experiences. For instance, you might stumble upon spontaneous “Roadside Concerts” (路边音乐会) involving the whole community, or catch the wildly popular “Cun BA” (村BA – Village Basketball Association games) and “Cun Chao” (村超 – Village Super League soccer matches), which perfectly mix athletic energy with ethnic cultural passion. New attractions are constantly popping up, like coffee shops perched on cliffs, concerts held inside caves, and immersive reality (MR) role-playing games. Technology also enhances the travel experience, such as the “Night Tour of Huangguoshu” (夜游黄果树) project, which uses light and shadow art to reimagine natural wonders, or the “Red Ribbon” (红飘带) digital experience center, which uses immersive tech to recount the epic Long March history.

4. Sustainable Green Tourism

While developing tourism, Guizhou places great importance on ecological protection and involving local communities. For example, in Yaoshan Ancient Village (瑶山古寨), preserving intangible cultural heritage has created jobs for villagers. In Liyu Village (鲤鱼村), ecological restoration has paved the way for rural tourism. The government also promotes low-carbon travel options like “low-altitude tourism” (sightseeing via helicopter) and “window scenery lines” (scenic train or bus routes), and leverages national sports tourism demonstration zones to develop green outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing.

5. Flavors and Stories Woven Together

Guizhou’s cuisine is famous for its unique sour and spicy flavors. Authentic dishes like Sour Fish Soup (酸汤鱼) and Siwawa (丝娃娃 – DIY spring rolls) are unforgettable. The diverse Qian (黔 – Guizhou) cuisine and the culinary traditions of various ethnic minorities combine to create an enticing food map. Visitors can also participate in lively Long Table Banquets (长桌宴) or experience local brewing processes, learning about ethnic wisdom and life stories through food.

For international travelers, Guizhou is more than just a showcase of nature and culture. It’s a vibrant destination that’s redefining mountain tourism through interactive experiences, technological innovation, and sustainable practices, constantly offering new possibilities and delightful surprises.

Scroll to Top