Guiyang is a transportation hub in Southwest China and the central city of Guizhou Province. Not being particularly famous in the world, many travelers consider it to be just a transfer stop before visiting other attractions.
However, Guiyang City is a place worth stopping in to spend some leisure time. Now, let's find out what you can do in Guiyang.
1. Take a Day Tour in the City
Guiyang is a combination of ancient and modern attractions, where you can visit historical buildings in the morning and then the big data centers in the afternoon, or relax in some local parks and gardens.
The whole province is undergoing a time of transition. Come here to experience the changes.
Cuiwei Garden is comprised of a large-scale group of ancient buildings, and was founded around 1488–1505. Here, you can marvel at the integration of Buddhist temples and garden sceneries.
Further south again is the fantastic Qingyan Ancient Town, which was founded in 1378. It's full of wonderful ancient architecture, which itself is a repository of Chinese history and culture. Fancy a cup of rose-candy tea?
If you are looking for some changes, you can take a look at the big data center located in Gui'an New District, where many global enterprises, such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, have set up their big data systems.
You can also visit Jiaxiu Pavilion, a British villa built in 1948, and more. Guiyang and its environs are well worth a visit.
2. Taste Local Food and Snacks
If you like spicy food, Guiyang is paradise. Walking along the streets, you can find restaurants selling all kinds of spicy and sour food. Would you like to try some popular dishes?
Changwang noodles: This is the most famous dish in Guiyang. It contains spicy oil and changwang, which means pork intestines and coagulated pig blood. If you don't mind the ingredients, you are recommended to have a taste.
Siwawa: This is a traditional Guiyang snack, which is easily prepared. Use wrappings made from flour to wrap several kinds of vegetable shreds, dip them into chili sauce, and then eat them.
Glutinous rice: By Guiyang's roadsides, you'll find restaurants or vendors serving all kinds of glutinous rice with different flavors. Sweet, salty, sour, or spicy — you may choose whichever flavor you like.
If you don't like strong-flavored food, there are also Western restaurants, bakeries, and cafés in the city.
3. Experience the Nightlife
After night falls, it is time to see another side of Guiyang. You can enjoy feasts at lively food stalls or in the snack streets, have a drink in a bar, or enjoy a cup of coffee in a quiet café or book store. There are two markets are highly recommended to visit: Qingyun Market and 73 Road Market.
Another great option is to enjoy the night view. When the lights illuminate the riverside, bridges, and buildings, the whole city becomes a bouquet of brightness. You can enjoy a slow walk along the riverside and streets, or take photos of the scenery with your camera.
