GuiYang
Attractions
Starting as a 7th century military outpost, Guiyang has been an important junction throughout history, linking the Northwest and Southwest with the Pearl River Delta, Hong Kong, and Macao to the east. Known as “The Forest City” because of the surrounding landscape of forests and green mountains, Guiyang is located in the centre of Guizhou province, on the east of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, and on the north bank of the Nanming River, Guiyang has much to offer as an introduction to the history, culture and natural splendour of Guizhou and China’s southwest. The city is renowned for its colourful culture, represented by more than 30 minority ethnic groups has gradually emerged into the tourist limelight as one of the best cities in China for escaping the summer heat.
Climate
Guiyang has a four-season, monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. Guiyang is often mild and moist with plenty of sunlight and rainfall however it does not feel the intense heat or server cold that other cities exhibit. The average yearly temperature is about 15C with July having an average high of about 24C and January an average low of 4.6C. Winter is the longest lasting season however spring, summer, and autumn are all wonderful for sightseeing when the scenery is the most splendid. This in combination with other factors including air quality, wind speed, etc. made Guiyang to be ranked No.2 in the “Top 10 Summer Capitals of China”.
Qingyan Ancient Town
Built as military town during the Ming Dynasty, the Qingyan Ancient Town is one of the most captivating towns in China and is inhabited by multi ethnic groups. Originally an earth town, it has been built into stone after centuries of development. Included within the town are a magnitude of temples, pavilions, ancestral temples, memorial archways, residences and city walls to name a few but of more interest is that the Buddhist temples, Christ Church and Catholic Church exist together all within a space less than 3 square kilometres.
Jiaxiu Tower
The Jiaxiu Tower is a three-storey tower rising 23m high. Green tiles, red pillars, engraved windows and white stone parapets make the tower superb and striking with the tower top providing an impressive view of the surrounding city scenery. Built on a huge turtle-shaped rock on Nanming River, The Jiaxiu Tower is the iconic landmark of the city. Originally a popular venue for gatherings of the intellects, poets and scholars nowadays The Jiaciu Tower is a hot spot for leisure and recreational activities.
Qianling Hill Park
Build in 1957, Qianling Park is named after one of the most prestigious mountains in Guizhou Province – Qianling Mountain. The park exhibits clear waters, green mountains, serene forests, ancient temples and thick vegetation with more than 1,500 types of flowers and trees. There are eight picturesque locations that should be seen when visiting the park: Sanlingwan, Macaque Garden, Hongfu Temple, Kylin Cave, the Zoo, Qianling Lake, Two-Dam Wind-Rain Bridge, and the Winding Mountain Path.
The Guizhou Province Museum
Built in 1953 and opened in 1958, The Guizhou Province Museum has been free to the public since 2008. Consisting of four main departments – Natural Specimens, Historical Artefacts, Minority Cultural Relics, and Modern Cultural Relics – the museum boasts diverse specimens ranging from fossils to bronze age artefacts. The most typical and important exhibition is the ethnic relics and with over 1,000 ethnic objects displayed, one can gain a greater appreciation and knowledge of the local ethnic culture and customs. Don’t forget to pick some national-style souvenirs at their souvenir shop, especially Miao artwork and jewellery.
Nightlife
Vinegar Bar
Known as one of the more unique bars in Guiyang, The Vinegar bar is actually a place offering vinegar drinks. Very different from the vinegar used as an ingredient, the bar offers a variety of vinegar drinks such as fruit vinegar drinks and drinks with special material like the sticky rice and the pearl powder.
Qianling Donglu
Qianling Donglu, the liveliest street in Guiyang, is ironically nicknamed the Drinking Street for the diversity and great numbers of pubs and bars that it exhibits. Take a stroll down the street to enjoy the unique smells and sounds on offer, and when ready, pop into one of the multitude of bars on offer, with the SOHO Club and Lvdao Bar being standout options. Keep in mind that in Guiyang beers are poured in small cups, and games are often necessary in order to drink.