Do I need a visa to visit Guizhou?

Yes, most foreign travelers require a Chinese visa obtained before arrival. Check the latest requirements with your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

What is the local food like?

Guizhou cuisine is known for its sour and spicy flavors. Must-try dishes include Sour Fish Soup, Siwawa (rice flour wraps), and Changwang Noodles. Chili is ubiquitous.

Is English widely spoken?

No. English is not widely spoken outside major hotel staff in Guiyang. In rural areas, communication will require translation apps, phrasebooks, or a guide.

What is the most famous attraction?

Huangguoshu Waterfall is the most iconic single site. The province is also renowned for its ethnic minority villages and karst landscapes at Libo and Anshun.

Is Guizhou suitable for family travel?

Yes, for families interested in nature and culture. The terrain can be challenging with young children or strollers in rural/mountainous areas. Cities are family-friendly.

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter China. Check with the nearest Chinese embassy.

What currency is used?

Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in cities, but cash is needed in rural areas.

Can I drink tap water?

No. Drink bottled or boiled water.

Is Guizhou safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, but take standard precautions, especially at night.

Comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, layers for temperature changes, and insect repellent.

Are there vegetarian options?

Limited in rural areas; tofu and vegetable dishes are available. Communicate dietary needs clearly.

Get a local SIM card or use a VPN for internet access. WiFi is available in hotels.

What is the local cuisine like?

Sour and spicy, with rice noodles, sour fish soup, and grilled meats. Street food is popular.

How do I get to minority villages?

By bus or private car from nearby towns. Some villages have homestays.

Is it crowded during holidays?

Yes, especially during Chinese New Year and National Day (Oct 1-7). Book ahead.

What souvenirs to buy?

Miao silver jewelry, Dong embroidery, and local tea.

Guizhou

ProvinceChina, Asia

Guizhou is a STATE in China, Asia.

Guizhou, nestled in southwestern China's Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is a breathtaking province where dramatic karst landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and lush terraced fields create a painterly backdrop. This is the heartland of China's diverse ethnic minorities, with the Miao and Dong peoples preserving vibrant traditions in villages like Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village and Zhaoxing Dong Village. The iconic Huangguoshu Waterfall, Asia's largest, thunders through misty gorges, while the otherworldly Libo Karst and Zhijin Cave formations showcase nature's artistry. Guiyang, the provincial capital, offers a modern gateway, but the true magic lies in exploring ancient towns like Qingyan and Zhenyuan, where stone bridges arch over serene rivers. Guizhou's culinary scene is uniquely sour and spicy, featuring specialties like sour fish soup and Siwawa. With its cool summers, UNESCO-listed sites, and festivals filled with silver-adorned costumes and Lusheng pipe music, Guizhou offers an authentic, less-touristed glimpse into China's natural and cultural tapestry.

Best time to visit Guizhou

March to June and September to November. Spring (March-May) offers mild weather and blooming flowers. Autumn (Sep-Nov) is cool, dry, and ideal for hiking and photography, with clear skies. Summer (Jun-Aug) is pleasantly cool compared to much of China but is the rainy season, which enhances waterfalls but can cause travel disruptions. Winter can be chilly and damp. Major festivals like the Miao New Year (dates vary) are cultural highlights.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 14-22°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Moderate

Best month for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

Know before you go

Getting there

KWE

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport

International

10 km away

ZYI

Zunyi Xinzhou Airport

Domestic

35 km away

ACX

Xingyi Wanfenglin Airport

Domestic

10 km away

TEN

Tongren Fenghuang Airport

Domestic

20 km away

LLB

Libo Airport

Domestic

10 km away

Getting around

"Inter-city travel is best by high-speed rail, connecting Guiyang to major towns and neighboring provinces. Long-distance buses serve smaller destinations. Within cities, public buses and taxis are common. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi are widely used in urban areas. For remote villages and scenic areas, hiring a private car with a driver is often the most practical option due to mountainous terrain. Renting a car is possible but not recommended for inexperienced drivers due to challenging roads. Domestic flights connect Guiyang to other Chinese cities."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

20 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+86

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; otherwise very safe.

Night safety

7/10

Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; otherwise very safe.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Guizhou is generally safe for travelers. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, markets, and transport hubs; secure valuables. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps. When hiking in remote natural areas, stick to marked trails, be prepared for sudden weather changes, and consider a guide. Road safety in mountainous regions requires caution due to winding roads. Scams are rare but be wary of overcharging by unofficial tour guides or drivers. Political demonstrations should be avoided. Emergency services are reliable in cities."

Police

110

Ambulance

120

Fire

119

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Guiyang and other major cities are adequate for routine care, with Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital being a key facility. In remote rural and mountainous areas, facilities are basic. Common travel concerns include altitude sickness in higher plateau areas, foodborne illnesses—drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food—and seasonal influenza. Recommended vaccinations include routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are a low risk; use repellent. Carry any personal prescription medications. Travel health insurance is strongly advised."

Culture

Local customs

"Respect ethnic minority cultures: always ask permission before photographing people, especially during festivals or in villages. Dress modestly when visiting rural communities. Tipping is not customary in China but is appreciated in tourist-oriented contexts. When offered food or drink, it is polite to accept. At festivals, participate respectfully. Bargaining is acceptable in markets but be polite. Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases is welcomed. Public displays of affection should be restrained."

Standard Mandarin (Putonghua)Southwestern Mandarin dialectsVarious minority languages (Miao, Dong, Bouyei)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) · ¥

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$3-5 | a cheap local meal costs around $3-5

Hotels

$20-50 | budget hotels range $20-50/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Guizhou is one of China's most affordable provinces.

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai +08:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

38,500,000

Area

176,167 km²

Government

Provincial People's Government of China (a provincial-level administrative division of the People's Republic of China)

ISO code

CN-18

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Guizhou pruwinsya, Guidžov, 贵州, Kujcsou, ཀུད་ཀྲོའུ་ཞིང་ཆེན།, Guizhou Province, क्वीचौ, 贵州省, มณฑลกุ้ยโจว, Гуейджоу, 貴州省, Quý Châu, Гуејџоу, Ґуйчжоу, گوئیژو, Гуйжоу муж, Guizhou Sheng, Kuej-čou, Гуйчжоу, Kuì-tsiu-síng, გუიჯოუ, गुइझोउ, گۇيلىن ئۆلكىسى, Guychjou, Guìzhōu, ഗുയിഷൗ, गुइझोऊ, Gŭiĝoŭo, Gveicouh, قويتشو, Κουεϊτσόου, Guidžou, Guizhou, 黔, Queichea, Kuejczou, CN-GZ, Gouizhou, কুইচৌ, 구이저우성, குயிசூ, 贵, Գույչժոու, Kùi-chiu-séng, Guìzhoū, גוויג'ואו, Chun-gi-chhi, Chun-gī-chhī, Cong-ngie, Cuenji, Cun-i, Cunji, Czun'i, Cŏng-ngiê, Dzuni, Gunji, Tsun-i, Tsun-i-ch'eng, Tsun-i-ch’eng, Tsun-i-hsien, Tsun-i-shih, Tsunyi, Tsunyi-hsien, Tuan Nghia, Tuân Nghĩa, ZYI, Zunji, Zunyi, Zūnyì, jjun-i si, zun yi, zun yi shi, zwnyay, zwnyy, zwnyyy, Ĝunji, Цзуньи, Цзуньї, Цуенји, زونئی, زونیئی, زونیای, 遵义, 遵义市, 遵義, 遵義市, 쭌이 시

Major HubNatureCulturalHikingHistoric VillageWaterfallMountainEthnic MinorityFamily-FriendlyBudget-FriendlyPhotography