Three Days and Two Nights in Guiyang: A Blast of Fun, Food, and Adventure

Standing atop Jiaxiu Tower, overlooking the Nanming River, I suddenly realized: Guiyang's beauty lies in the surprises hidden within its mountainous folds—this city of landscapes constantly redefines the depth of travel with a mountain, a pond, or an ancient alley when you least expect it. ------------------------ 🌄 Ultimate Attraction Guide | Guiyang’s "Mountain and River Code" ✨ Natural Wonders · Must-See Soul Landscapes 1. **Qianling Mountain Park** (Free / Sightseeing car ¥20) • **Guide**: Enter at 7 AM to feed macaques (hold food in a fist, do not chase or hit them), enjoy panoramic views from Hongfu Temple at the summit, and avoid crowds by boating on the lower lake. • **Hidden Gem**: Hike the eastern trail to Qilin Cave (about 1 hour), where ancient temples and waterfalls create a scene straight out of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*. 2. **Xiaohe Wetland Park** (Free) • **Must-Do**: Rent a shared e-bike (~¥20/hour) for a 3 km ride along the river, passing reed marshes and duck ponds, ending with a picnic at "Wildcat Slope." • **Tips**: Best light at dawn or dusk; bring snacks (park food is pricey). 3. **Moon River Canyon** (Qingzhen) • **Adventure**: Drive 1 hour from the "Sky Eye" scenic area for canyon rafting (~¥150/person). The cliffside cave walkway hides Ming Dynasty rock carvings. ------------------------ 🏯 Cultural Heritage · Timeless Guiyang Memories 1. **Qingyan Ancient Town** (Free / Commercial area requires tickets) • **Pro Tip**: Enter via "Qingyan Slow Life Square" to avoid the overpriced east gate commercial zone. • **Authentic Experience**: Stroll Zhuangyuan Street (non-commercial) in the afternoon, admire old doorways along stone paths, and attend a guqin performance at "Zhao Zhuangyuan Mansion" at dusk. 2. **Confucian Academy** (Free / Reservation required) • **Cultural Dive**: Weekend activities include Hanfu dress-up and guqin gatherings. Pick up a free classic scripture-copying kit at "Minglun Hall." • **Easter Egg**: The eastern "Zhishan Garden" is a hidden spot for vintage photos, with bamboo groves and flowing water. 3. **Xiuwen Yangming Cultural Park** (Free) • **Deep Dive**: Hike 20 minutes to Longchang Academy, where philosopher Wang Yangming attained enlightenment. Pass rice fields and bamboo forests to find the engraved *Epitaph for a Traveler*—perfect for quiet reflection. ------------------------ 🌆 Urban Landmarks · Guiyang’s Modern Aesthetics 1. **Guantan Avenue Art Corridor** (Free) • **Visual Feast**: A 2 km stretch of colorful asphalt, blending sculptures and graffiti. Don’t miss the "Starry Tunnel" light show (7–9 PM). 2. **Guizhou Geological Museum** (Free) • **Science Buffs**: AR interactions near the prized "Guizhou Dragon" fossil. The rooftop offers views of the old city and Guanshan Lake’s "Tale of Two Cities." ------------------------ ⏰ 48-Hour Itinerary **Day 1: Nature Meets History** Qianling Mountain hike → Xiaohe bike ride → Qingyan’s non-commercial zone → Scripture copying at Confucian Academy **Day 2: Tech and Scenery Collide** Huangguoshu Waterfall (play in the backflow at Shupotang) → Dragon Palace Cave → Night stroll on Guantan Avenue ------------------------ **Pitfall Alerts**: • "Zhuangyuan Cake" in Qingyan’s west gate is overpriced; walk 200m to the old street for 50% off. • Skip the forced "Miao Three-Course Wine" outside Huangguoshu—enter via the main gate for better deals. ------------------------ Guiyang’s travel philosophy is simple: Follow the mountains, pause at the waters, and step into history. These tips reveal the fabric of local life—may you find your own "cool" in the landscape.