Autumn in Guiyang: 7 weekend-worthy destinations

You don't need to travel far for a weekend in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province. This list of seven autumn destinations features mountains and waters, pastoral scenery, and the warmth of everyday life.

Qiantao township, Huaxi district

About a one-hour drive from Guiyang, Qiantao township in Huaxi district offers a beautiful countryside escape. It has high forest coverage, with a river flowing through the village, linking scattered farmhouses and green mountains.

Pianpo village, Pianpo Bouyei township, Wudang district

Pianpo village has a rich Bouyei cultural heritage. Houses are built along the mountain and arranged in a picturesque order, cleverly blending with the surrounding natural environment. Stay in a beautiful mountain homestay, or sit idly in a small courtyard – there is always a place to settle your longing for the countryside.

Shilihualang Scenic Area, Kaiyang county

The core landscape of Kaiyang's Shilihualang, "Yushui Jinpen", gradually ripens in late September, with golden colors spreading across the fields. Cycle slowly along the greenway by the Qinglong River, passing through Shuitou Bouyei village, Matou village, and Fenghuang village. After touring, enjoy a meal of selenium-rich farm dishes full of the warmth of everyday life.

An enchanting rice-field view of the Shilihualang Scenic Area in Kaiyang county. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang]

Wujiang Gorge Scenic Area, Xifeng county

The Wujiang River stretches 38 kilometers through Xifeng county, with cliffs on both banks of the emerald-green water.

You'er village, Qingzhen county-level city

You'er village, on the shore of Hongfeng Lake, incorporates "Mondrian" artistic elements, with yellow, red, and blue as the main color tones. Strolling through the village, you can discover different surprises at every step, and every corner is filled with an artistic atmosphere.

Gubao town, Xiuwen county

Gubao town is the birthplace of Xiuwen kiwi fruit and has been awarded national geographical indication certification. Today, Xiuwen kiwi fruit cultivation has spread across 108 administrative villages in 12 townships and sub-districts throughout the county, with a planting area reaching 167,000 mu (11,133.33 hectares), ranking third in the country and first in Guizhou province.

Machang town, Gui'an New Area

Machang town in Gui'an New Area has a rich Bouyei ethnic atmosphere. As you enter the village, you'll be offered gate-blocking wine and hear mountain songs, while in the courtyards you can pound glutinous rice cakes. Specialty foods include the eight signature dishes of the Bouyei people, Bouyei goose meat, braised beef, and Bouyei specialty glutinous rice cakes.