Guiyang Tourist Map: Top Attractions and Travel Planning Guide

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By Lily

April 25, 2026

Guiyang Tourist Map: Top Attractions and Travel Guide

When mentioning southwest China, you might come across city of Chengdu, Chongqing, or Dali. But have you ever heard of Guiyang, blooming with China's most dramatic landscapes, such as Huangguoshu Waterfall, Zhijin Cave, Qianling Mountain, etc.

When I first looked into visiting Guiyang, I was so impressed by its suburban areas surrounded by hills and rivers. But the city is also worth visiting too. Having a Guiyang tourist map is really helpful when planning where to go and how to plan your day.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the main areas of the city, the most important attractions you must see, where to find local food, and how to get around. Check it out!

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Guiyang Tourist Map Overview

Guiyang sits in a mountainous region of southwest China. The city itself is built among hills, rivers, and forested parks, which makes the landscape feel very different from China’s large coastal cities, such as Qingdao, Xiamen, Guangzhou, etc.

When you look at a tourist map of Guiyang, you’ll usually see that the city’s main attractions are grouped into a few key districts.

The following map is a map of main districts of Guiyang, highlighting main attractions on it. You can use Amap/Baidu Maps for more details.

Guiyang district map

Map of main districts of Guiyang, with top attractions

Main Tourist Areas in Guiyang

Area

Highlights

Travel Notes

Nanming District

Historic landmarks, Jiaxiu Pavilion

Central area with many hotels

Yunyan District

Qianling Mountain Park

Nature and temples close to downtown

Huaxi District

Qingyan Ancient Town, Huaxi Park

Scenic and cultural sites

Outskirts of Guiyang

Natural landscapes

Short drives from the city

Most travelers stay somewhere in Nanming District because it’s convenient and close to many restaurants and transportation hubs (including Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE), Guiyang Railway Station, metro & bus station). From there, it’s fairly easy to reach other parts of the city.

One thing I like about Guiyang is that the city doesn’t feel overwhelming. Even though it’s a large city by population, many attractions are relaxed and surrounded by greenery!

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Major Attractions in Guiyang

If you open a Guiyang tourist map online or pick one up at a hotel, a few attractions almost always appear. These places are considered the highlights of the city and are good starting points for visitors.

Jiaxiu Pavilion

Jiaxiu Pavilion Guiyang

Jiaxiu Pavilion, Guiyang

One of the first places I would suggest visiting is Jiaxiu Pavilion. This historic building sits on a large rock in the middle of the Nanming River and is connected to the riverbanks by an elegant stone bridge.

The pavilion was originally built during the Ming Dynasty and has become a symbol of the city. When you stand on the bridge and look at the structure reflected in the water, it’s easy to see why it’s so famous.

In the evening, the pavilion is lit up with warm lights, and the area becomes a pleasant place for a walk. You’ll often see locals taking photos or simply enjoying the river view.

Because of its central location, many travelers treat Jiaxiu Pavilion as the starting point for exploring downtown Guiyang.

Jiaxiu
Jiaxiu Pavilion
Wooden Loft
Ming Dynasty

Qingyan Ancient Town

About 30 kilometers from downtown Guiyang is Qingyan Ancient Town, one of the most famous historic towns in the region.

The town dates back more than 600 years and was originally built as a military fortress. Today, it’s known for its well-preserved stone streets, old city walls, and traditional architecture.

Qingyan Ancient Town

Qingyan Ancient Town, Guiyang

Walking through Qingyan feels very different from walking through modern Chinese cities. Narrow alleyways lead to small temples, courtyards, and local snack stalls. You might see residents selling handmade snacks or traditional crafts along the streets.

Some things I enjoyed doing there include:

  • climbing the old city wall for views of the town
  • trying cheap local street snacks, such as Siwawa (Rice Wraps), Changwang Noodles, Fried Tofu Cubes, Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls), etc.
  • exploring the quiet side streets away from the crowds

👍🏻If you like historic towns, Qingyan is one of the most interesting places near Guiyang.

Reviews of Qingyan Ancient Town
4.3/5
1530 reviews
5/5
In winter, when visiting the mountains to see the snow, the park's shuttle bus takes you directly to the halfway point, saving you from climbing steep slopes. The trails are cleared of snow, making them slippery, and you can stop anywhere to take photos. Everything is a blanket of white, with snowdrifts hanging from the branches, like trees covered in cotton. At the summit, they sell hot brown sugar ginger tea for ten yuan a cup; it warms you right up. I took many photos of the pristine snowscape. This trip was incredibly easy and much safer and more comfortable than driving yourself and finding unpaved roads.
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5/5
Qingyan Ancient Town is small but beautiful, especially the city wall. The tail end was under repair when I went there. I didn't walk the whole way. There is a short section that is very steep. Elderly people with poor legs and feet should be careful. The scenery above is good, there is a viewing platform, a canteen and a toilet! There is everything an ancient town should have! The ancient town is a mountain town, so it is inevitable to go up and down. Please be careful to slow down on rainy days.
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5/5
On the last day of my trip to Guizhou, I went to Qingyan Ancient Town. Two hours was not enough to visit. There were so many shops inside, most of which sold silverware, medicinal materials, and some Guizhou-style snacks, such as Bobo candy, chicken spicy corners, beef jerky, etc. It was suitable for a day of sightseeing. But I would like to say that the Wanshou Palace inside was a bit of a scam. After entering, the sister who checked the tickets said that she could help explain it, and then slowly took you to a side hall, asked you to take a brocade bag to ask your own five elements, and arranged for a Taoist priest to interpret the fortune for you, but! ! There is a fee, and they don’t tell you in advance! ! When the chat is almost over, they will ask you for 299 or 399 yuan, and tell you to make good connections or resolve the Tai Sui or something. Be careful when you go in to visit~ If you are really asking for fortunes, it doesn’t matter~
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4/5
Qingyan Ancient Town is located in the southern part of Huaxi District, Guiyang City. It was built in 1378 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions. Many places inside are paved with stones, including walls, houses, streets, etc., which can be seen everywhere. The architecture of the entire street is more inclined to the Ming and Qing styles. For travelers who like to visit ancient towns, this is a place that should not be missed.
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5/5
Qingyan Ancient Town, located in Guiyang City, is one of the four ancient towns in Guizhou. The ancient buildings inside make visitors feel as if they are traveling back in time, looking at the past history and learning about the stories of the past. There are many attractions worth visiting, including Wanshou Palace, Dingguang Gate, Wenchang Pavilion, the former residence of Premier Zhou’s father, etc. The ticket price is not expensive, about 60 RMB.
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Qianling Mountain Park

Another must-see location on the tourist map is Qianling Mountain Park.

This large park sits close to downtown Guiyang and combines nature, temples, and wildlife in one place. It’s the kind of place where locals come to hike, relax, and enjoy fresh air.

Qianling Mountain Park

Qianling Mountain Park, Guiyang

One of the most interesting features of the park is the population of wild macaque monkeys that live there. Visitors often see them near the walking paths or around scenic areas in the park.

The park also contains Hongfu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located higher up on the mountain. If you’re willing to climb a bit, the views from the upper areas of the park are beautiful.

I recommend giving yourself at least 2-3hours here. It’s a nice break from the busy parts of the city!

Reviews of Qianling Mountain
4.6/5
341 reviews
4/5
It is a massive park, but be prepared for the crowds! I went at summer break and the number of people there was beyond belief. If you want to see the pandas, be prepared for quite a bit of walking uphill. Suggestion is to let the bulk of the crowd pass at opening at 10:00am and then make your way up. If you need an accessible bathroom, I don’t remember seeing one at all as we were walking around, so be prepared for only squatties. Look up for the wild monkeys, but please remember these are wild animals and not pets. If you see a clump of people on the paths stopped, expect that the monkeys are nearby. We had a blast watching them jump and fall into the water. Bring water and be prepared to do a lot of uphill walking.
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5/5
I came here with my family, and everyone praised our choice. It's clean and tidy, with no litter, and the overall maintenance is excellent, showing the care and attention to detail in its management. The scenery is layered and varied, offering something for everyone, and even the elderly and children can enjoy it without getting tired. We spent most of the day happily, with no disappointments or unpleasant experiences. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to relax and unwind.
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5/5
I decided to come here on a whim over the weekend, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The scenery here is even more beautiful than I saw online. Standing in an open area, feeling the breeze and gazing at the view, all my worries vanished. The facilities are comprehensive but don't detract from the overall atmosphere. You can find a place to rest anywhere if you get tired. Whether you enjoy taking photos or just want a quiet moment to unwind, this place has something for everyone. It's perfect for escaping the city for a day, and I felt so refreshed when I came back.
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5/5
In the old city of Guiyang, there is a very interesting park with a lot of monkeys🐒, which you can get close to. There is also the beautiful Qianling Lake on the mountain. With mountains and water, it is a real park and a natural oxygen bar. There is an interesting episode. A tourist bet on whether the monkey can twist the bottle cap. He threw a bottle of Coke to the monkey, and the monkey really couldn't twist it. He bit a hole in the bottom of the bottle and drank it, haha.
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5/5
Qianling Mountain Park is located in Guiyang City. Take Metro Line 3 to Qianlingshan Park Station, Exit C, and walk a few minutes to the South Gate. Opening hours are from 7am to 8pm. Tickets are free, but it is best to book in advance. There will be monkeys inside, so be careful not to expose your food or drinks to prevent the monkeys from snatching them away
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Yelang Valley

Yelang Valley

Yelang Valley, Guiyang

I recently explored Yelang Valley, tucked in a small canyon at the foot of Cape Mountain in Huaxi University City, Gui’an New District, and it immediately struck me as a mix of history, art, and mystery.

What I loved most were the stone buildings, pottery art, and sculptures scattered throughout the valley. Each structure seemed to tell a story, and the strong artistic atmosphere made it feel like a living museum.

Locals and students from the nearby university often visit to relax, sketch, or simply enjoy the quiet charm of the valley. If you’re interested in culture, art, and a little adventure, Yelang Valley is a hidden gem worth spending a few hours exploring.

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Reviews of Yelang Valley
4.4/5
1680 reviews
4/5
The tourist attractions in Guiyang were incredibly crowded. Yelang Valley was mainly for taking photos. We happened to catch a performance; the "climbing the mountain of knives" was quite good, but the rest was just average. I didn't find anything particularly interesting or bad; it was just a place to stroll around.
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5/5
The best time to see and enjoy this site is when it first opens in the morning to avoid the masses. I got there just as it opened at 08:30 and there was hardly anyone there apart from a group of primary school children. When we entered, I went the other direction and they, the other. Had most parts to myself during my visit. To finish off, I had a lovely cup of coffee by the exit before exiting. There are a couple coffee shops to choose from. All quite small with cute decor.
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5/5
The Yelang Valley, created by Mr. Song Peilun and the villagers, is like an art palace, full of mystery and childlike fun. The park is not large, so it's nice to take your time to appreciate it!
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4/5
The scenic area isn't large, but it's great for taking photos. It gets crowded and not very fun during holidays, but it should be a fantastic experience if you go on a weekday when it's less crowded.
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5/5
In summer, staying at a summer retreat in the mountains is wonderful. Each room has a small terrace, and at night, you can sit on the terrace and see a sky full of stars, much brighter than in the city. You can also hear the chirping of insects, unlike the constant car noise in the city. The owner grows his own vegetables, which are sweet even when simply stir-fried. At night, you don't need air conditioning; a light blanket is just right. After two nights, my sleep improved significantly. It's so much more comfortable than staying in the city with air conditioning and ice cream to cool off.
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Tianhe Pool Scenic Area

Tianhe Pool Scenic Area is one of those places where I felt like I’d stepped into another world. About 24 kilometers from downtown Guiyang, the park is full of turquoise pools, limestone cliffs, and small caves. Walking along the trails, I couldn’t help but stop every few steps to admire the reflections in the water—it’s incredibly photogenic...

Tianhe Pool Scenic Area

Tianhe Pool Scenic Area, Guiyang

On the weekend, some locals were hiking and taking photos, but it never felt crowded. The clear pools and dramatic cliffs reminded me how diverse Guizhou’s landscapes are compared to what you usually see in bigger Chinese cities.

For anyone who likes scenic, off-the-beaten-path spots, Tianhe Pool is a must. I spent half a day wandering the trails, and honestly, I could have stayed longer just enjoying the peaceful scenery... 😊

Reviews of Tianhe Pool Scenic Area
4.4/5
935 reviews
5/5
This place is worth a visit. You can experience taking a boat into the cave. Since I brought my family, they could also enjoy many of the activities, which was a lot of fun.
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5/5
Recommended tourist attractions include caves, waterfalls, boat rides, and zip lines.
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5/5
The scenery is beautiful and full of wild charm. Visiting with friends will not only be a feast for the eyes, but also leave you with many wonderful photos. It is definitely worth a visit!
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5/5
The cruise ship offers views of stalactites and karst topography inside the cave, showcasing the wonders of nature. It's also very cool inside, making it well worth a visit.
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5/5
Browsing the local flower and bird market is so much fun! The streets are lined with stalls selling flowers and potted plants. A bunch of fresh flowers costs only a few dollars, and a large pot of succulents is only ten dollars – the prices are incredibly reasonable. There are also stalls selling goldfish and parrots, where kids can sit and watch for ages. When you get tired of browsing, you can grab a bowl of freshly made double-skin milk pudding at the entrance – it's smooth, sweet, and the whole market smells of flowers. It's so much more interesting than shopping in a commercial street full of similar products. Every time I go, I manage to find some little trinkets to take home.
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Guiyang Food Map: Where to Eat

Guiyang Cuisine Display

Guiyang Cuisine Display

Food is an important part of visiting Guiyang. The cuisine in Guizhou Province is known for its bold, sour, and spicy flavors.

When exploring the city, I like using a food map or simply asking locals where the busy snack streets are.

Popular Food Areas

Area

Why Visit

Qingyun Night Market

Looking for crispy duck, neon flashes, and creative handicrafts.

Erqi Road Snack Street

Great for potato lovers, tofu cakes/dumplings, noodles, ice jelly, etc.

Must-Try Local Foods

Guiyang local food: Siwawa

Guiyangnese "Taco" | From Mind Body Globe

If you’re visiting Guiyang for the first time, here are a few dishes worth trying:

  • Changwang noodles – spicy noodles with pork and tofu
  • Sour fish soup – a famous dish in Guizhou cuisine
  • Siwawa – thin vegetable wraps with dipping sauce

Even if you don’t usually eat spicy food, many restaurants can adjust the spice level if you ask.

😋 Click here to see recommended restaurants & travel journals in Guiyang by real experiences!

Transportation Map of Guiyang

For travelers coming from the United States, transportation might seem confusing at first, but Guiyang is actually quite easy to navigate.

LAX to KWE Route

LAX to KWE Route

Getting to Guiyang

Most international travelers arrive through Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE). The airport connects the city with many major destinations in China.

You can also reach Guiyang by high-speed train from cities like:

  • Chengdu
  • Chongqing
  • Guangzhou

China’s high-speed rail network is modern and usually very comfortable for long-distance travel.

🚄 Read more about China high-speed train: how to select seat, rail map, train booking...

Getting Around the City

Guiyang Metro Commute

Guiyang Metro Commute

Once you arrive in Guiyang, there are several transportation options.

Transportation

How to Ride

Metro

Buy a ticket at the station or use a mobile payment app (like WeChat or Alipay) to scan at the gate. Follow English signs for the correct line and station.

Taxi or ride-hailing apps

You can hail a taxi on the street or book a ride through apps like DiDi. Show the driver your destination in Chinese if possible.

Public buses

Pay the fare using cash or a transit card or Alipay/Wechat's transport code when boarding. Check the route number and stops carefully.

High-speed trains

Buy tickets online or at the train station. Arrive early for security checks and use your passport to board.

The metro system in Guiyang is modern and fairly easy to use. Signs usually include English, which helps international travelers.

Personally, I find taxis or ride-hailing apps the easiest option when visiting new places in China! 😆

Here to read more of Guiyang travel guide (about things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and so much more) on Trip.com!

When Is the Best Time to Visit Guiyang?

One thing that surprises many travelers is how comfortable the climate in Guiyang can be... 😝

Because the city sits at a relatively high elevation, it tends to be cooler than many other Chinese cities!

Guiyang's Four Seasons

Guiyang's Four Seasons

Seasonal Overview

Season

Travel Experience

Spring

Green mountains and pleasant temperatures

Summer

Great for nature and waterfalls

Autumn

Clear skies and comfortable weather

Winter

Quiet travel season

😁By the way, spring and autumn are usually the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing.

✨ Find best hotels to stay near KWE or various hotels in downtown Guiyang | ✔️Why not read about more of China eSIM?

Travel Tips for U.S. Visitors

If you’re visiting Guiyang for the first time, here are a few practical tips that may help from my personal experiences.

  • English is not widely spoken outside major hotels. But people there are so nice. A translator might help!
  • metro signs usually include English translations!
  • mobile payment is very common in China (very convenient if you download and use WeChat or Alipay!)
  • the city is quite safe for travelers (but still keep your valuables safe)
  • hotels will require your passport for check-in

Wrap Up

Guiyang might not be as internationally famous as cities like Beijing or Shanghai, but that’s part of its charm. The city offers a mix of historic architecture, green parks, mountain scenery, and distinctive local food.

Using a Guiyang tourist map helps bring all of these places together. For travelers interested in exploring southwest China, Guiyang can be a rewarding and surprisingly relaxed place to visit!

FAQs about Guiyang Tourist Map

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Lily

Lily

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Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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