Avoid the trendy streets in Guiyang's artsy scene | A local's recommended list of places to avoid – this 5km walking route is truly worthwhile.
Having lived in Guiyang for seven years, the places I most want to discourage people from visiting aren't any particular tourist attractions, but rather three places touted as "must-visit artsy spots" in travel guides: the White House in Huaguoyuan, Qingyun Market, and some trendy shops on Diantai Street. It's not that they're bad, it's just that locals genuinely wouldn't go in.
Guiyang's culture and art aren't found in neon signs and long queues, but in the old men playing cards at the back gate of Riverside Park, the steam rising from the Xueya Road market before closing time, the unkempt exhibitions in old factories, and the ever-burning light on the second floor of the Radio Street bookstore. The following approximately five-kilometer walking route is a "local's daily routine" that I've taken many times with friends from out of town—free, no queues, and avoiding 80% of the tourists.
First, a dose of reality: Three overrated Instagrammable spots
The Huaguoyuan White House is indeed lit up at night, but the surrounding area is always congested, and from a distance, all you see in photos are the backs of people's heads. Up close, it looks more like a giant office building wrapped in LED strips, and there's almost nothing to see inside. Locals mostly go to Huaguoyuan for meals or business, and rarely make a special trip there for "culture and art."
After its renovation, Qingyun Market resembles a nationwide standardized "cultural and creative night market," with highly homogenized stalls, overcrowded conditions at night, and a backdrop of plastic stools and light boxes. Those hoping for a quiet experience of local design or old Guiyang life will likely be disappointed from the very beginning.
Some of the trendy cafes on Radio Street have small storefronts and long queues. They call a few old posters on the walls "retro," but you have to wait half an hour for a drink, and the food and drinks are so bland that you just want to leave. The real gems are hidden in the unpainted old houses and independent bookstores next door.
Walking route overview: 5 kilometers, from Riverside Park to Minsheng Road
This route is suitable for walking in the early morning or late afternoon in spring and autumn. In summer, choose to go after 4 pm, and in winter, it is best to go out at noon. You don't need to take a taxi at all. Start from near the Riverside Park subway station, go north along the Nanming River, then turn into Diantai Street and Wenchang North Road, and finally finish at the Minsheng Road vegetable market.
Solo travelers, couples, and anyone who doesn't want to be tied to trendy photo spots can all enjoy this route. It's not a "photogenic route," but every step has a raw, authentic feel to local life, which is part of Guiyang's charm.
Xueya Road vegetable market entrance and the back gate of Riverside Park
Our first stop was at the entrance of the Xueya Road vegetable market, where the morning vegetable stalls and breakfast shops were at their most vibrant. It was worth stopping for ten minutes, as this is where Guiyang locals truly begin their day: baskets on their backs, scales on their scales, damp tofu pudding, and muddy houttuynia cordata (a type of herb). The best vantage point was diagonally opposite the market, facing the Nanming River, which framed both the morning market and the morning mist over the river.
Nearby, you can grab a bowl of vegetarian noodles or sticky rice—both affordable breakfast options costing just a few yuan per person. Walking from the market to the back gate of the riverside park, you'll see elderly people practicing Tai Chi and playing chess. The benches along the river are perfect for relaxing and daydreaming. The arched bridge at the park's back gate offers the best vantage point for photos—backlit shots of the river and the layers of sycamore leaves.
Qingyun Road Old Street Entrance and Old Factory Creative Park
Don't be misled by the fame of Qingyun Road Night Market; exploring the old street entrance during the day reveals its true character. The tailor shops, key-cutting stalls, and cold noodle shops under the old residential buildings are still there, worth stopping for ten minutes to observe the local artisans' rhythm. Position your camera diagonally at the zebra crossing at the old street entrance to capture the shadows of the arcade buildings and the passing baskets carried on people's backs.
Turning off towards Jiefang Road, you'll find an old printing factory that has been transformed into a low-key creative park. There's no large sign at the entrance, only handwritten exhibition information on the iron gate. The exhibitions inside are updated slowly, but it's free, making it suitable for viewing works that are still developing but sincere. My camera spot is on a corner of the old workshop's staircase; the gray walls and iron railings give it a strong old industrial feel. Nearby, there's a local beef noodle shop—affordable and with generous portions.
Independent bookstores, art spaces, and small theaters on Radio Street and Wenchang North Road
Located in the middle of Diantai Street, this independent bookstore has no large signboard. From the second-floor window, you can see old tiled roofs. It's worth stopping for ten minutes to browse through poetry collections and local chronicles by Guizhou authors—the selection logic isn't like a national chain store. My camera was positioned by the second-floor window, using natural light to photograph the book pages and the tiled eaves.
A small local art space tucked away in a narrow alley might be setting up an exhibition or screening. Go in if the door is ajar; don't worry about understanding everything. The best spot is in front of the weathered wall by the entrance; just walk sideways and you'll capture the old-town feel. There are stalls selling ice jelly nearby, a good place to rest if you get tired.
If you happen to pass by Wenchang North Road in the afternoon, you might occasionally stumble upon a rehearsal at the community theater. Tickets are free, and you can comfortably stand at the entrance and listen for ten minutes. The best spot is on the steps of the theater's side entrance, capturing the actors entering and exiting and the juxtaposition of old posters. I don't recommend specifically waiting for a performance; encountering one is a pleasant surprise, but not seeing one is perfectly normal.
Minsheng Road Farmers Market Closes: Ending with a Bowl of Noodles
Finally, head to the Minsheng Road farmers' market. Don't just browse the few cooked food stalls at the entrance; go further in, that's where locals buy chili peppers, braised dishes, and fresh vegetables. It's worth stopping for ten minutes to watch the vendors chop chili peppers, weigh crispy pork rinds, and listen to the bargaining in Guiyang dialect. The best spot is on the higher steps in the middle of the market, looking down at the colorful rain shelters and the flow of people.
To wrap things up, I recommend grabbing a bowl of Changwang noodles or vegetarian rice noodles near the market; it only costs a few dozen yuan per person. After eating, stroll back along the same route to the Nanming River. As dusk begins to fall, the reflections of lights on the river are far more pleasing to the eye than the lights of the White House.
In closing: Don't ask the locals if I didn't tell you.
1. Avoid walking near Qingyun Market on Friday evenings and weekend evenings, as traffic jams and crowds will ruin your walk. Weekday mornings are the best time to go.
2. Guiyang is rainy, so bring a light umbrella when you go out. The stone slab roads are slippery, so don't wear white shoes to the market.
Third, this route is suitable for people who prefer a slow pace, private space, and the lively atmosphere of a local market, but not for tourists who are looking for "photo ops" or trendy spots.
Fourth, some areas of the vegetable market and old factory buildings are residential and office areas. Don't take photos of people's faces directly, and ask the price of vegetables before taking pictures.
Fifth, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit. In winter, the riverbank is cold but less crowded. In summer, avoid walking in the afternoon as you may get sunburned and lose patience.