Discover the best places in Guizhou

Often described as the province with no plains, Guizhou is one of China’s most mountainous and karst-dominated regions, with rugged limestone canyons and dense subtropical forest. Situated east of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, the tech-hub capital Guiyang sits in the middle of a province typified by dramatic landscapes and rural traditional minority villages.

Guizhou’s unique geography has helped preserve a remarkable diversity of multi-ethnic cultures throughout history, such as those of the Miao and Dong people. There are many villages in and around Kaili where these cultures can be appreciated. Both known for their architectural skill, Miao villages have traditional stilt-houses built on the mountainside, and the impressive Dong drum towers – built without the use of a single nail – are equally hard to miss.

Due to its temperate year-round climate, the capital city of Guiyang is a wonderful yet underrated destination in the summertime. The city offers a delightful blend of tradition and modernity, and is also lauded for its ecological focus; it ranks among the top Chinese cities for air quality. Just south of the capital lies Anshun, home to Huanggoushu, the largest waterfall in China, as well as vast networks of crystal caves and underground rivers.

Guizhou’s cuisine is defined by its pairing of spicy and sour flavours, which comes from the widespread use of pickled and preserved vegetables. Try the famed fish in sour soup for a perfect example of this exceptional flavour composition. The province is also the birthplace of two of China’s globally celebrated exports: Lao Gan Ma chili sauce and Moutai, the nation’s favourite liquor. For those inclined, sharing a drink or two with locals is sure to enhance your Guizhou experience.

Take a trip to Guizhou to get off the beaten path and see a remote but culturally rich corner of southwest China .