Guizhou Itinerary: Where to Stay & How to Plan Your Trip

Planning your first trip to Guizhou, China? 🇨🇳 From breathtaking waterfalls 💦 and turquoise lakes 🌊 to traditional Miao villages 🏡 and misty mountains 🏔️, Guizhou is full of beautiful places waiting to be explored.

But before booking your flights and hotels, there is one important question: Should you stay in Guiyang throughout your trip, or move between different destinations?

🏨 Staying in one hotel is convenient, especially when travelling with family, elderly parents or large suitcases. However, returning to Guiyang after visiting distant attractions can mean spending hours on transportation instead of enjoying the scenery.

Our recommendation? For most first-time visitors, a two-base Guizhou itinerary offers a good balance. Stay in Guiyang for city sightseeing, then spend one or two nights closer to attractions such as Huangguoshu Waterfall or Libo Xiaoqikong.

Let's find out where to stay and how to plan a comfortable Guizhou holiday without spending too much time travelling! ✈️

1. Should You Stay in Guiyang or Move Between Bases? 🏨

Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou and an important transportation hub. It offers plenty of hotels, restaurants, shopping areas and railway connections.

However, Guizhou's major attractions are spread across different regions. Returning to Guiyang after every excursion may waste valuable sightseeing time.

Here are three accommodation styles to consider:

🏙️ One Base: Stay in Guiyang

If you have only 3–4 days, staying in Guiyang throughout your trip can be convenient.

Popular places to explore include:

• 🏯 Jiaxiu Pavilion: A famous Guiyang landmark.
• 🏘️ Qingyan Ancient Town: Traditional architecture, old streets and local snacks.
• 🍜 Guiyang city centre: Great for local food, shopping and exploring city life.

Why choose this option? You only need one hotel booking, making it easier to manage luggage and avoid repeated check-ins.

🏨 Two Bases: A Good Balance for First-Time Visitors

For a 5–7 day holiday, consider staying in Guiyang plus one additional destination.

Popular combinations include:

• 💦 Guiyang + Anshun: For Huangguoshu Waterfall.
• 🌊 Guiyang + Libo: For Xiaoqikong Scenic Area.
• 🏡 Guiyang + Xijiang: For traditional Miao village experiences.

💡 Travel tip: Staying closer to a major attraction can save you from a long return journey after a full day of sightseeing.

🧳 Multiple Bases: Explore More of Guizhou

If you have 8–10 days or more, consider combining Guiyang, Anshun, Libo, Xijiang and Jiangkou.

This gives you more time to explore different landscapes, but remember that every hotel change means packing, checking out and arranging another transfer.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family tip: Avoid changing hotels every night if you are travelling with young children or elderly parents.

2. Which Attractions Can You Visit as Day Trips from Guiyang? 🚆

A fast train does not automatically mean an easy day trip!

Remember to include the complete journey:

🏨 Hotel → 🚕 Railway Station → 🚆 Train → 🚌 Local Transfer → 🎫 Attraction → 🔙 Return Journey

💦 Huangguoshu Waterfall

One possible public transport route is:

🚆 Guiyang North → Anshun West → 🚗 Huangguoshu Scenic Area

After arriving at Anshun West Railway Station, you still need local transportation to the waterfall.

Allow enough time to explore the different viewing areas and enjoy the scenery.

📌 Our tip: Consider staying overnight in Anshun if you want a more relaxed visit, especially when travelling with children or elderly parents.

🌊 Libo Xiaoqikong

Famous for turquoise water, waterfalls and lush forests, Xiaoqikong is a must-see for nature lovers. 🌿

You can take a high-speed train from Guiyang to Libo Railway Station, followed by a local transfer to the scenic area.

📸 Photography tip: Consider staying overnight in Libo so you can enjoy a full sightseeing day without rushing back to Guiyang.

🌃 Xijiang and Zhaoxing

🏡 Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is famous for traditional wooden houses and beautiful illuminated night scenery.

🏯 Zhaoxing Dong Village is known for traditional drum towers and a peaceful village atmosphere.

❤️ Want to enjoy the evening views? Stay overnight instead of rushing back to Guiyang.

🏔️ Fanjingshan

Fanjingshan is famous for dramatic mountain peaks, misty scenery and iconic temples.

⚠️ Remember to plan for:

• 🎫 Advance ticket reservations.
• 🚗 Road transfers to the scenic area.
• 🚠 Cableway and internal shuttle arrangements.
• 🌧️ Weather-related changes.

Our recommendation: Consider staying near Jiangkou rather than relying on a rushed day trip from Guiyang.

3. Three Guizhou Itinerary Ideas for 5, 7 and 10 Days ✈️

The following are sample planning frameworks, not confirmed transport schedules. Adjust them according to your flight times, train connections and attraction reservations.

✈️ Guizhou Itinerary 5 Days: Stay in Guiyang

<badge color="success">Best for short holidays</badge>

Why choose this route?

• 🧳 Only one hotel booking.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Convenient for families.
• 🌿 Suitable for a relaxed holiday.

🌿 Guizhou Itinerary 7 Days: Two Accommodation Bases

<badge color="success">Best overall balance</badge>

🏞️ Guizhou Itinerary 10 Days: Explore More Regions

💡 You can consider Fanjingshan as an alternative extension, but allocate sufficient time for mountain transfers and an overnight stay nearby.

4. Where Should You Stay in Guizhou? 🏨

🏙️ Guiyang: City Centre or Railway Station?

📌 Always check your exact departure station before booking.

🌄 Anshun: City or Near Huangguoshu?

• 🏙️ Anshun city: More restaurants and daily conveniences.
• 🌿 Near Huangguoshu: Potentially shorter transfers and easier early starts.

🌊 Libo: County Town or Xiaoqikong Area?

If Xiaoqikong is a major highlight, consider staying in Libo for easier access to the scenic area.

Compare hotel location, shuttle availability and nearby restaurants.

🏡 Village Guesthouses: Check Luggage Access

Before booking accommodation in Xijiang or Zhaoxing, ask:

• 🚗 Can a vehicle reach the hotel entrance?
• 🧳 Is luggage assistance available?
• 🪜 Are there stairs or steep slopes?
• 🚐 Can the hotel arrange station transfers?
• 🕘 Is late check-in available?

5. How to Travel Around Guizhou Without a Car? 🚆

You do not need to rent a car to explore many popular Guizhou attractions.

Combine high-speed trains, local buses, tourist shuttles and private transfers where necessary.

🚉 Check the Exact Railway Station

Before purchasing tickets, confirm:

• Departure and arrival stations.
• Train times.
• Hotel-to-station transfers.
• Station-to-attraction transportation.
• Return train availability.

🚌 Arrange the Last-Mile Connection

For Huangguoshu, Xiaoqikong and Fanjingshan, additional transportation may be required after arriving at the railway station.

Do not assume the railway station is next to the scenic-area entrance.

🧳 Plan Your Luggage

If you are taking day trips, ask your hotel whether luggage storage is available.

For hotel changes, confirm early check-in, luggage assistance or transfer arrangements in advance.

🎫 Can Foreign Tourists Buy Train Tickets in China?

Yes! Foreign travellers can use China's official 12306 railway booking system with an eligible valid passport, subject to identity verification and booking requirements.

Check the official 12306 English FAQ before travelling.

6. What If Tickets Sell Out or Weather Changes? 🌧️

Travel plans can change, especially when visiting mountain attractions.

🎫 If Attraction Tickets Are Unavailable

Popular attractions may require real-name reservations and designated entry times.

Check the official ticketing platform before confirming non-refundable accommodation.

🌫️ If Mountain Weather Changes

Rain, fog or poor visibility may affect mountain sightseeing and cableway operations.

Keep some flexibility in your itinerary, especially if Fanjingshan is one of your main attractions.

🚆 If You Miss the Last Return Connection

1. Check official train-change or refund conditions.
2. Contact your current hotel.
3. Arrange an additional night if necessary.
4. Inform your next hotel about the delay.
5. Recheck your onward train or flight.

⚠️ Do not assume taxis or private transfers will always be available late at night in remote areas.

7. What Should Travellers from Malaysia Confirm Before Booking? 🇲🇾

✈️ Compare International Flights

Guiyang is an important gateway for exploring Guizhou.

Compare available flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang or your preferred Malaysian airport.

• 🌙 Arriving late? Stay in Guiyang for your first night.
• 🌅 Departing early? Choose accommodation with convenient airport access.
• 🔄 Using different arrival and departure cities? Calculate additional transfer time.

🛂 Check Entry Requirements

Malaysian ordinary passport holders may qualify for China's visa-free entry arrangements, subject to current conditions and permitted travel purposes.

Always check the latest requirements with the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia.

🗣️ Prepare for Language Differences

English information may be limited at smaller stations and local guesthouses.

Save hotel names, railway stations and attraction entrances in Chinese on your phone.

🍜 Consider Food Preferences

Guizhou cuisine is famous for sour and spicy flavours.

If you have dietary preferences or food restrictions, check restaurant menus and communicate your requirements before ordering.

💰 Compare the Total Travel Cost

Consider more than just hotel prices:

• 🏨 Accommodation.
• 🚆 Train tickets.
• 🚕 Local transfers.
• 🎫 Scenic-area transportation.
• 🧳 Luggage storage.
• 🛏️ Additional overnight stays.

A slightly more expensive hotel near your main attraction may save considerable travel time.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Guizhou Trip ❤️

There is no single perfect accommodation strategy for every Guizhou itinerary.

Here's a quick recap:

• 🏙️ One Guiyang base: Best for short holidays and nearby attractions.
• 🏨 Two accommodation bases: A good balance for most first-time visitors.
• 🧳 Multiple bases: Better for longer holidays and regional exploration.

Before booking, select two or three must-visit attractions and check the complete transportation journey, including railway stations, local transfers and return connections.

For travellers from Malaysia, also check flight arrival times, hotel passport arrangements and luggage facilities.

🌿 Our final tip: Don't spend your holiday constantly travelling back to the same hotel just to avoid changing rooms. Choose accommodation that gives you more time to enjoy Guizhou's beautiful waterfalls, turquoise lakes, traditional villages and mountain scenery.

A great Guizhou itinerary is not about visiting the most places. It's about finding the right balance between travel time, comfort and unforgettable experiences. ✨

Best China Hotels

🔥 Exclusive China Train Coupon: Get 3% off now!

【5% OFF】China’s Must-Visit Attractions

Check out some of China’s must-see spots! 👀

The Great Wall of China

Tickets: From RM23.7

Book Now

Terracotta Army

Tickets: From RM71.1

Book Now

Beijing Palace Museum

Tickets: From RM35.55

Book Now

Shanghai Tower

Tickets: From RM50.66

Book Now

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Tickets: From RM48.89

Book Now

Yu Garden

Tickets: From RM23.7

Book Now

*Prices are estimated and may vary depending on season, ticket availability and ticket type. All prices are in RMB.