Guiyang Tourist Map: Top Attractions and Travel Planning 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!

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.

Map of main districts of Guiyang, with top attractions

Main Tourist Areas in Guiyang

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!

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

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.

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, 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.

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, 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!

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.

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, 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... 😊

Guiyang Food Map: Where to Eat

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

Must-Try Local Foods

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.

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

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.

Getting Around the City

Guiyang Metro Commute

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

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! 😆

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

Seasonal Overview

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

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!