Guiyang (贵阳; Guìyáng) is the capital of Guizhou province, China. While not the most spectacular of Chinese cities, it has much to offer as an introduction to the history, culture and natural splendor of Guizhou and China's southwest. Moreover, it is drastically cheaper than the more touristed and developed provinces. It makes an excellent base for exploring mountains, caves, rivers, and minority cultures of the province.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate. The temperature changes little, the winter is warm and the summer is cool, and the climate is pleasant.
The Guiyang metro system is called Guiyang Urban Rapid Transit, or GYURT. Four lines are operational as of October 2025. Line 1 is in operation between Xiaomeng Industrial Park in Guanshanhu district and Douguan in Guanshanhu District. It connects to the rail network at Guiyang North and Guiyang railway station. Standard fares are ¥2-6, though each 8 km after the first 24 km will cost an additional ¥1. Line 1 offers interchange with Line 2, Line 3, and Line S1. Line 2 goes from North Baiyun Road to Zhongxing Road connecting to Longdongbao airport (and the rail station), intersecting with Line 1 and Line 3.
1 Jiaxiu Pavilion (甲秀楼). This renowned historic pavilion sits atop Wan'ao Stone in the Nanming River — a rock said to resemble a legendary giant turtle. (updated Jun 2025) 2 Guanshan Lake Park (观山湖公园), Guanshan Bridge, Lincheng West Road, Guanshanhu District (观山湖区观山大桥南北两侧) (Guanshanhu Park Metro Station (观山湖公园地铁站)), ☏ +86 851 84878411. Summer hours 06:00-00:00, winter hours 06:30-00:00. Guanshanhu Park is a forested park that lies 12 km from Guiyang’s city center. It lies around a pair of lakes, Guanshan North and South Lakes, and has a main paved path around them.There are also smaller paths that lead to scenic spots.
1 Guiyang Happy World (贵阳欢乐世界), 483 Baiyun Road South, Baiyun District (白云区白云南路483号) (Bus routes 5, 60, 71, 230, 231, 232, 233, b236, Baiyun 7, Baiyun 19), ☏ +86 851 84862777. May–October: 09:30-18:30, November–April: 10:00-18:00. A popular amusement park in the city's northwest. ¥160 for adults and children over 1.4 metres in height, ¥80 for children between 1.2 and 1.39 metres in height, children under 1.2 metres in height enjoy free entry. (updated Sep 2018)
People in Guiyang like those throughout Southwest China love spicy food. Use of red chilies of various temperatures and salty dried chili powder dips for hot pots is ubiquitous. Food can be prepared mild (不要辣 buyaola) according to your tastes but the best way is to settle in and eat the way the locals do. With a brave stomach, you could eat something new everyday for a week just by walking along the streets of Guiyang and sampling the street foods of Guizhou's minorities around the night markets.
Mi jiu is between 10-30% alcohol content, depending on the variety, and is the go-to drink for local minority restaurants and festivals. Expect to see it available in villages all over the province, and at every Miao or Dong minority restaurant. The slightly vinegary and very sweet rice wine goes down very easily with a spicy and sour local meal. A row of reasonably priced restaurants specializing in Suan Tang Yu can be found on Shengfu Lu near the intersection with Fushui Lu near the Beijing Hualian supermarket. These restaurants will also perform a traditional Miao drinking ceremony if you purchase a bottle of rice wine and request the ceremony (for an additional charge).
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €161 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Guiyang typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 24 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-25. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy