Guizhou (Extended)
Southwestern province with dramatic karst landscapes, the largest Miao and Dong minority villages in China, and spicy sour-soup cuisine.
provinces2026-10-27
At a glance
- Region
- southwest
- Capital
- Guiyang
- Population
- 38.6 million
- Area
- 176,100 km²
- Best season
- May–October
- Pinyin
- Guìzhōu
- Country
- CN
- Signature cuisine
- Sour Soup Fish, Si Wa Wa
Why visit
For the karst landscapes — the Huangguoshu Waterfall (77.8 m tall, 101 m wide) is Asia's largest. For the ethnic minorities — Miao silver jewelry, Dong wooden architecture, Dong singing. For the cool summer climate — Guiyang is called "Summer Capital of China.
Getting there
Guiyang Longdongbao (KWE) is the main airport. HSR from Beijing: 8h. From Shanghai: 7h.
Getting around
HSR within the province. Mountainous terrain makes driving slow.
Key cities
UNESCO sites
- South China Karst — Libo Karst(2,007)
- Fanjingshan(2,018)
Day by day
3 — Huangguoshu Waterfall
Day 1: Arrive Guiyang, drive to Anshun. Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall (full day). Day 3: Return via Qingyan Old Town.
5 — Miao Villages + Karst
Day 1-2: Kaili (Miao markets). Day 3-4: Huangguoshu. Day 5: Guiyang.
Famous for
- Huangguoshu Waterfall
- Miao and Dong minority villages
- Karst landscapes
- spicy sour soup
FAQs
When is Guizhou best?
May-October. Winter is cold and damp. Avoid the rainy season peaks (June-July) for the waterfalls — actually best when full.
Is Huangguoshu the biggest waterfall in China?
Yes — Asia's largest waterfall at 77.8 m tall and 101 m wide. The main waterfall and 18 smaller falls are accessible.
Are the Miao villages touristy?
Some yes (Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is fully commercialized). Others remain lived-in (Langde Shang Miao, Basha Miao Village).