Stayed at Yunlu Wild Luxury in Guiyang, and the aftereffects are amazing.
⛰️ Summer in Guiyang, hidden in these ancient towns
Last time I talked about Guiyang's natural scenery, this time let's talk about Guiyang's cultural summer retreat routes. Honestly, Guiyang's ancient towns are seriously underrated—few people, cool weather, and full of charm.
In July, Guiyang is 25°C during the day and 20°C at night. Strolling leisurely through the ancient towns, even time seems to slow down.
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🏘️ First stop: Qingyan Ancient Town (In-depth version)
Stop saying Qingyan Ancient Town is too commercialized; you just haven't explored the right spots.
The correct way to avoid crowds:
· Enter before 8 AM, before the tour groups arrive
· Avoid the main street, explore the side alleys instead
· In the afternoon, hike along the outer city walls of the town for great views
My secret little corners:
1. North Gate City Wall — Climb up here and walk along the wall for a full circle, overlooking the entire town’s blue-tiled roofs, perfect for photos
2. Backstreets — A stone-paved road polished by time, flanked by tall stone walls, with beautiful light and shadow
3. Wenchang Pavilion — The highest point in the town, very few people, perfect for sitting and daydreaming
Hiking route: Climb the city wall at the North Gate → Walk along the wall to the East Gate → Descend and explore the backstreets → Visit Wenchang Pavilion for panoramic views, about 2 hours total.
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🌾 Second stop: Longjing Village
Just next to Qingyan Ancient Town, a 15-minute walk, but only one percent of the tourists go here.
This is a typical Buyi ethnic village with a thousand-year-old well whose water is warm in winter and cool in summer, tasting especially sweet in summer.
What to experience in the village:
· Walk along the creek beside the ancient well, the water is crystal clear
· See the traditional Buyi architecture with wooden walls and blue tiles, very distinctive
· Under the old banyan tree, elders often play chess and chat, full of life
The village is small and can be explored in an hour, but the tranquility here can’t be found in the ancient town.
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🏯 Third stop: Wenchang Pavilion (Old Town Guiyang)
Not the Wenchang Pavilion in Qingyan, but the one in Guiyang’s old town.
This pavilion was built in the Ming Dynasty and is the only nine-sided Wenchang Pavilion in China. Its architectural structure is ingenious, with no nails used, relying entirely on mortise and tenon joints.
What to explore nearby:
· The old alleys beside Wenchang Pavilion hide many old houses of Guiyang
· Walk down Democracy Road to feel the life atmosphere of Guiyang’s old city
· In the evening, the pavilion looks especially beautiful when lit up
Few tourists come here; mostly locals stroll around, giving it a very authentic vibe.
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🌳 Fourth stop: Hiking around Jiaxiu Tower
Jiaxiu Tower itself is quite crowded, but the Nanming River trail nearby is really pleasant.
Recommended hiking route:
Start from Jiaxiu Tower and walk upstream along the Nanming River. The entire path is riverside trail, shaded by trees, not sunny at all.
Along the way you’ll pass:
· Cuiwei Garden — a small Jiangnan-style garden, quiet and peaceful
· Guiyang Art Museum — architecturally striking, worth a visit
· Riverside Park — a local leisure spot, full of life
The whole route is about 3 kilometers, a slow walk takes over an hour, perfect for an evening stroll.
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📅 Guiyang Cultural 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang → Afternoon hike around Jiaxiu Tower → Evening view of Jiaxiu Tower at night
Day 2: In-depth tour of Qingyan Ancient Town → Evening visit to Longjing Village
Day 3: Wenchang Pavilion + Old Town stroll → Afternoon departure
💡 Why recommend the cultural route:
· Cooler than pure natural scenery, mostly under buildings and shade
· Fewer people, no need to squeeze with tour groups
· Truly experience Guiyang’s history and culture
· Suitable for those who don’t want to be too tired
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🌧️ About Guiyang’s rain
July is Guiyang’s rainy season, but don’t worry, the rain is usually showers that stop quickly, and it gets cooler after the rain.
Rainy day alternatives:
· Guizhou Provincial Museum — learn about Guizhou’s history and culture, with rich collections
· Guiyang Art Museum — often has great exhibitions
· Indoor exhibition halls in various ancient towns — Qingyan Ancient Town has several small museums
Just bring a folding umbrella, no need for heavy raincoats.
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Accommodation
🏨 Yunlu Wild Luxury Homestay
A secret spot atop Gaozhai Mountain in Guiyang, panoramic sea of clouds with sunrise and sunset views, mountain-top rooms with unobstructed views, far from city noise, immersive mountain forest summer retreat experience.
🏨 Anantara Guiyang Resort
Guizhou’s first international luxury resort hotel, 1314-meter cliff infinity pool, fusion of Thai and Miao cultures, spectacular karst landscape backdrop, top choice for summer vacation.
🏨 Jingranyuan·Mountain Residence (Guiyang Longdongbao Airport Shuanglong Aviation Economic Zone Branch)
China Railway Eco-city detached villa, private garden with mountain views, fully equipped with KTV and chess room, perfect for family or friends’ vacation, excellent value.
🏨 Yunding·Sumu Resort Villa
Xiuwen forest secret lake-view villa, immersed in Yangming culture, complete with fishing, tea room, and library, cool climate at 26°N latitude, deeply healing vacation.
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