The ultimate summer escape in Guizhou! Family trip to Longli oil painting prairie made easy
Looking for a cool getaway near Guiyang?
Longli oil painting prairie features gentle alpine meadows and cool days and nights.
Enjoy horseback riding, grass sledding, feeding lambs, and stunning windmill sunsets. Plenty of activities for all ages.
Here’s a 3-day, 2-night itinerary and budget for a family of three.
Near Guiyang | Longli oil painting prairie 3-day, 2-night family summer escape guide
Suitable for: family of three, two adults and one child | summer cooling, alpine meadow fun, windmill sunsets, starry skies | budget 4,000 yuan
Summer prairie feels like 21–23℃, with big temperature swings between day and night. Sunny days, cool mornings and evenings
Total budget reference (about 3,920 yuan)
Item details cost
Accommodation 2 nights family homestay near the scenic area, twin family room 1,400
Tickets and activities main entrance ticket + cable car, scooter, grass sledding, horseback riding, feeding animals, and more package
Food three meals of local specialties, snacks, and drinks 1,020
Transportation self-driving fuel and parking (excluding major transport) 400
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Longli oil painting prairie, explore the prairie fun, watch the sunset
· Afternoon: Arrive at the scenic area, take the colorful cable car to the mountaintop for a panoramic view of thousands of acres of alpine meadows and windmills. Easy and kid-friendly.
· Attractions: high-altitude glass bridge, sky mirror photo spot; feed lambs at the sheep ranch, kids get close to animals.
· Must-try: 3.8 km unpowered scooter ride, parent and child can ride together and control the speed, boys love it; rainbow grass sledding experience.
· Evening: wait at the windmill viewing platform for the prairie sunset, green meadows all around, great for photos.
· Night: enjoy local grilled skewers; if weather permits, stargaze and join occasional bonfire parties. Stay at a homestay near the prairie.
Dinner recommendation: Longli meat pie chicken hot pot, fresh mushroom chicken soup, suitable for all ages.
Day 2: Slow exploration of the prairie, light nearby activities
· Morning: morning walk on the prairie, watch cattle and sheep grazing, fly kites on the grass, enjoy the fresh highland air.
· Late morning: horseback riding at the racetrack, choose gentle ponies led by handlers, kids can try being little riders; hike the prairie wooden boardwalk, collect pine cones, observe insects for a nature lesson.
· Noon: eat Buyi sour soup fish and glutinous rice cakes at a farmhouse restaurant.
· Afternoon: rest, optional visit to Longli Monkey Valley for a short stroll, see streams and small waterfalls, cool off by stepping in the water (only on flat paths, no deep trails).
· Evening: return to the prairie, relax and stroll without rushing. Stay in Longli again.
Day 3: Leisurely return trip
· Morning: sleep in, stroll and eat in the county town, try a bowl of lamb noodles.
· Optional: quick stop at Longli River Bridge viewpoint to see alpine canyon scenery.
· Noon: have a good lunch, then head home.
Food recommendations
1. Longli meat pie chicken: local specialty, native chicken + handmade meat pie + mushroom hot pot, a must-try
2. Buyi sour soup fish, grilled lamb skewers, five-color glutinous rice, lamb noodles, tofu balls
Packing list
1. Clothing: short sleeves for daytime, thin jacket or windbreaker for mornings and evenings; prairie wind is strong, evening feels 5–8 degrees cooler. Long pants to protect against grass insects and burrs.
2. Protection: high-SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses; strong UV on the prairie.
3. Shoes: non-slip sneakers, grass is often wet with dew, avoid sandals.
4. Others: mosquito repellent, some snacks and water, picnic mat.
Important family tips
1. Altitude 1,500–1,700 meters, most people don’t get altitude sickness. Avoid intense running, drink plenty of water.
2. Follow staff instructions for horseback riding and scooter rides, supervise 9-year-old children carefully.
3. Limited dining options on the mountain; bring some snacks. Eating at farmhouse restaurants downhill offers better value.
4. Weather can change quickly. Fog or rain may pause some outdoor activities. Be flexible with your plans.