Enjoy a relaxing trip to Guiyang | A family-friendly, slow-paced 3-day, 2-night getaway to the heart of central Guizhou

Guiyang, a major city in southwest China known as the "City of Forests" and "Summer Resort," boasts unique karst landforms, a pleasant climate, rich ethnic culture, and authentic cuisine, making it an ideal destination for family trips. This selection of travelogues and guides aims to provide families planning a trip to Guiyang with a relaxed yet enriching 3-day, 2-night itinerary, allowing them to deeply experience the charm of this "city within mountains, mountains within a city" in central Guizhou.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City's Green Lung

Morning: Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) or Guiyang North Railway Station. It is recommended to choose a hotel in the city center for convenient transportation and dining options. After checking in, take a short rest.

Afternoon: Qianling Mountain Park

Qianling Mountain Park is a landmark park in Guiyang City and a national 4A-level tourist attraction, integrating natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and animal viewing. The park boasts majestic mountains and ancient trees, and is especially famous for its wild macaque monkey population. Families can choose to take a cable car to easily ascend the mountain or hike along the trails, where they can see Hongfu Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Guizhou, and Qilin Cave, where Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng were once imprisoned. When interacting with the macaques, please be sure to abide by the park's regulations, maintain a safe distance, and do not feed them indiscriminately to avoid accidents. The park also has a children's playground, suitable for family activities.

Evening/Night: Erqi Road Snack Street

For dinner, you can head to Guiyang's famous Erqi Road snack street. This area gathers all kinds of authentic Guiyang snacks, such as Changwang noodles, Siwawa (a type of glutinous rice noodle), Lian'ai Doufuguo (a type of tofu), Yangyuba (potato cakes), and Doufuyuanzi (tofu balls). Each snack carries the unique flavor of Guiyang, making it an excellent place to experience the local food culture. It's recommended to choose a few well-regarded shops and try them one by one, experiencing the vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere of Guiyang.

Day 2: History, Culture, and Ancient Town Charm

Morning: Jiaxiu Tower and Wenchang Pavilion

After breakfast, we will head to Jiaxiu Tower, a cultural landmark of Guiyang. Standing atop Aoji Rock in the Nanming River, Jiaxiu Tower was originally built in the Ming Dynasty. It is a simple, ancient three-story building with a pyramidal roof. Climbing the tower offers panoramic views of both banks of the Nanming River, allowing you to experience Guiyang's historical evolution and cultural heritage. Afterwards, you can walk to the nearby Wenchang Pavilion, whose unique architectural style and Confucian atmosphere add tranquility and elegance to the trip.

Lunch: Enjoy sour fish soup

Guiyang's signature sour fish soup is an excellent choice for lunch. Made with fresh, live fish, it's served in a tangy and appetizing tomato or rice soup, offering a delicious flavor suitable for all ages. The spiciness can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, allowing you to experience the charm of Guizhou's "sour" flavors.

Afternoon: Qingyan Ancient Town

Qingyan Ancient Town, one of the four ancient towns in Guizhou, is located about 29 kilometers from Guiyang city. Founded in the Ming Dynasty, the town still retains a complete Ming and Qing architectural complex. Stone-paved streets, ancient city walls, temples, ancestral halls, and churches are scattered throughout, showcasing the fusion of diverse cultures. Strolling through the ancient town, one can experience its unique historical charm and ethnic customs. The town boasts many handicraft shops and local delicacies, such as Qingyan tofu, Zhuangyuan trotters, and rose sugar, making it suitable for families to explore and enjoy together. It is recommended to allow ample time for leisurely strolling and taking photos.

Evening: Return trip and leisure

Back in the city, you can choose to have dinner at a restaurant near the hotel, or explore Guiyang's unique culinary scene again and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Natural wonders or relaxing countryside, then head home.

Depending on your flight or train schedule, you can choose from the following two options to experience the different charms of the outskirts of Guiyang.

Option 1: Tianhetan Scenic Area (Nature Adventure)

Tianhetan Scenic Area, located in the southwest of Guiyang City, is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, integrating natural landscapes such as karst caves, canyons, waterfalls, and dry stone forests. The core highlight of the scenic area is its water-based and dry karst caves. Visitors can take a boat tour through the water-based caves to admire the various shapes and vibrant colors of the stalactites and stalagmites; afterwards, they can hike through the dry caves to experience the wonders of nature. In addition, the scenic area also offers Tianhetan Waterfall and a high-altitude zipline (zipline selection should be based on children's age and physical condition). This is a great family-friendly destination that combines natural adventure and sightseeing.

Option 2: Huaxi Park and Confucius Temple (Leisure and Culture)

Huaxi Park, known as "Guiyang's back garden," is famous for its beautiful mountain and rural scenery. The park boasts clear lakes, flowing streams, and shady trees, making it an ideal place for walks, picnics, and boating. The air is fresh and the environment is pleasant. Afterwards, you can visit the nearby Confucius Temple, a modern architectural complex integrating Confucian culture research, dissemination, and experience. Its tranquil environment and unique architectural style make it suitable for families to enjoy cultural experiences and learning, immersing themselves in traditional culture.

Afternoon: Pack your bags and set off home.

Depart from Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport or Guiyang North Railway Station, depending on your flight or train schedule, to conclude your pleasant trip to Guiyang.

Transportation and Avoidance Tips

Transportation Guide

• External Transportation: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) has multiple routes connecting to major cities across the country. Guiyang North Railway Station is an important railway hub in Southwest China, with high-speed rail lines extending in all directions, connecting to Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Changsha and other places.
• City Transportation: Guiyang Metro currently has multiple lines in operation, covering major attractions and commercial areas, offering convenience and speed. Bus routes are plentiful, but congestion may occur during peak hours. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available. To reach suburban attractions such as Qingyan Ancient Town and Tianhetan, you can take a bus from Jinyang Bus Station, or choose a chartered car/ride-hailing service, the latter offering more flexibility and comfort.

Travel Tips

• Climate: Guiyang is known as "Cool Guiyang" because of its cool and pleasant summers, but with frequent rainfall, so it's advisable to carry rain gear. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit due to their comfortable climate. Winters are damp and cold, so be sure to dress warmly.
• Food: Guiyang cuisine is mainly sour and spicy. For families who are not used to spicy food, please inform the restaurant in advance to adjust the spiciness. We recommend trying local specialties such as sour soup fish, Changwang noodles, Siwawa (a type of glutinous rice noodle), tofu balls, potato cakes, and glutinous rice. Some restaurants may offer children's tableware or milder dishes.
• Accommodation: The city center area (such as near the fountain and the Grand Cross) offers convenient transportation, a wide variety of dining options, and complete living facilities. If you prefer a quieter environment, Huaxi District also has many resort hotels and guesthouses in beautiful surroundings.
• Family Safety: When interacting with macaques at Qianling Mountain Park, please follow the instructions of staff and avoid direct contact or teasing. When visiting ancient towns and scenic areas, please keep a close eye on children to prevent them from getting lost. In summer, take precautions against sunburn and mosquitoes.
• Clothing: Comfortable flat shoes or sneakers are recommended for hiking. Summer clothing should be lightweight and breathable, but a light jacket is still necessary to cope with temperature differences between day and night or air-conditioned rooms. Rain gear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses), and commonly used medicines (such as gastrointestinal medicine and band-aids) should also be prepared.
• Booking: During holidays or peak tourist seasons, it is recommended to book flights, hotels, and tickets for popular attractions in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
• Payment: Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is widely used in Guiyang. Cash is used less frequently, but it is still recommended to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.