Most foreign travelers need a visa for China. Check with your local embassy.

What language is spoken?

Mandarin and Miao dialects. English is not widely spoken.

Is Gaoshan safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but stick to well-traveled paths and avoid hiking alone at night.

Can I use credit cards?

Cash is king; only larger hotels accept cards. ATMs are scarce.

Comfortable hiking shoes, rain jacket, insect repellent, and modest clothing.

Are there vegetarian options?

Limited; local cuisine is meat-heavy. Inform hosts in advance.

How do I get to Gaoshan?

Fly to Guiyang, then bus or drive to Kaili, and take local transport to Gaoshan.

What is the internet like?

Mobile data is good in town, patchy in remote areas. WiFi at some guesthouses.

Gaoshan

CityGuizhou, China

Gaoshan is a CITY in Guizhou, China.

Nestled in the misty mountains of Guizhou, Gaoshan is a serene escape into terraced rice paddies, ancient tea plantations, and vibrant Miao culture. The air is crisp and cool, carrying the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers. Wander through cobblestone villages where wooden stilt houses cling to hillsides, and locals in embroidered costumes greet you with warm smiles. The region is a paradise for hikers, with trails winding through bamboo groves and past cascading waterfalls. Don't miss the sunrise over the layered rice terraces—a spectacle of gold and green. Gaoshan offers a rare blend of untouched nature and living traditions, perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility.

Best time to visit Gaoshan

March to May and September to November offer mild weather, clear skies, and stunning scenery—spring for blooming flowers and autumn for golden rice terraces. Summer is rainy and humid; winter is cold and foggy but less crowded.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 15°
Feels like: 15°
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 2 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 12-20°C, clear

Travel notes

Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium

Best autumn colors

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

KWE

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport

International

180 km away

KJH

Kaili Huangping Airport

Domestic

60 km away

Getting around

"Local buses connect villages, but schedules are infrequent. Hiring a private car or taxi is more flexible. Walking is best for exploring terraced areas. Bicycles can be rented in town. Roads are steep and winding; driving requires caution."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in most guesthouses and cafes in town

Local SIM

Local SIM available at Guiyang airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low crime but watch out for uneven terrain and weather.

Night safety

7/10

Low crime but watch out for uneven terrain and weather.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Gaoshan is generally safe with low crime. Watch your step on slippery mountain paths and during rainy season. Avoid hiking alone after dark. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial tour guides. Keep valuables secure in crowded markets. Roads can be narrow and winding; drive carefully."

Police

110

Ambulance

120

Fire

119

Entry and health

Health information

"Altitude sickness is rare as Gaoshan sits at moderate elevation. Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water. Mosquitoes are present in warmer months; use repellent. Pharmacies are limited in villages; bring essential medications. For serious issues, head to Kaili or Guiyang hospitals. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet with a nod or smile; handshakes are less common. Remove shoes before entering homes. Dress modestly, especially when visiting minority villages. Photography of locals should be done with permission. Tipping is not expected. Respect local festivals and avoid touching sacred objects."

Mandarin (official)CantoneseShanghaineseHokkienHakkaUyghurTibetanMongolianZhuangKoreanMandarin Chinese

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

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

Hotels

$20-40 | budget guesthouses range $20-40/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Prices are low compared to major Chinese cities.

Timezone

Asia/Shanghai
Local time 10:02

More facts

Population

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Gaoshan, Gaoshan Tujiazu Xiang, gao shan, gao shan tu jia zu xiang, 高山, 高山土家族乡, 高山镇, 高山;Kao-shan-chen;Kao-shan;Gaoshan Zhen, 高山鎮, Gāoshān Zhèn

HikingCulturalNatureOff-the-Beaten-PathPhotography