Guiyang a tough place? Be cautious when visiting from February to March, here’s the honest truth
To be frank, this season in Guiyang is mainly “damp and chilly,” but the upside is fewer crowds and lower prices. As long as you’re well-equipped, it’s worth enduring! 😤
1. Before You Go: Don’t fight the weather 🥶
Weather overview: February’s average temperature is 5.5~8.5℃, higher than usual, but cloudy skies and occasional light rain are normal, with occasional heavy fog. March warms up, but mornings and evenings have big temperature swings, and it still feels damp and cold.
Clothing guide:
- Base layer: quick-dry shirt + fleece/thin down jacket, sweat won’t stick.
- Outerwear: windproof and water-repellent shell jacket, more effective than an umbrella.
- Shoes & socks: waterproof hiking shoes + wool socks, slip-resistant and warm.
- Essentials: hand warmers, scarf, gloves—just take them off when taking photos.
2. Attractions: Pick the right spots to avoid wasted trips 🏞️
Must-visit in the city (easy transport)
- Qianling Park: cheap entrance, climb the mountain to see monkeys, and get a city view. Recommended to enter from the south gate and take the cable car up to save energy.
- Yelang Valley: 20 RMB entrance, full of bizarre rocks perfect for photos, great for curious explorers.
- Tianhetan: explore caves and walk the Hundred-Step Bridge, the water scenery is a highlight, suitable for family outings.
Nearby picks (check if open)
- Hongfeng Lake: beautiful lake and mountain scenery, boat rides to see islands, but winter views are a bit bleak.
- Xifeng Hot Springs: natural radon springs at 53~56℃, perfect for warming up, don’t forget your swimsuit.
- Avoid: Monkey Ear Tiankeng and Taoyuan River Rafting are currently closed, check opening status before going.
3. Food recommendations: Sour and spicy is the soul 🌶️
Hotpot (must for warming up)
- Sour soup fish/beef: Guliangchen, Yuzhen sour bamboo shoots, sour and spicy to whet your appetite, the soup base with rice is amazing.
- Doumi hotpot: Xindaxin, rich soup base, gets more fragrant the longer it cooks, perfect for mixing with rice.
- Duoduo noodles: Chacha Chen, Anshun specialty, sour and spicy broth with minced meat, great value at about 45 RMB per person.
Snacks & late-night eats (full of local flavor)
- Laoguo (griddle cakes): Luo Xiaoer, Yi Laoguo, everything can be griddled, dipping in chili powder is addictive.
- Beef noodles: Shehui beef noodles (only open late night), a hot bowl of soup late at night warms both heart and stomach.
- Old brands: Yu Niang potato cakes, Yu Ji crispy buns, keep snacking along Minsheng Road and Zhengxin Street.
4. Tips & advice: Avoid detours 🧭
Accommodation location
- Penshuichi/Dashizi: convenient metro, concentrated food and drink options, recommended Hilton Hampton and Atour Light Residence.
- Guanshanhu: newer environment, good for self-driving, recommended TOWO Shangpin and Huacheng Light Luxury.
Transportation
- Metro: covers most city attractions, avoid rush hours.
- Driving: beware of heavy fog warnings, slow down, keep distance.
- Gear: always carry rain gear, shoes must be slip-resistant, waterproof phone case is a must.
Stomach care
- Spice level: Guizhou chili is strong, start mild, don’t overdo it.
- Relieve spice: bring yogurt or iced jelly, Wang Niangniang’s hand-made iced jelly is great.
- Local specialties: buy chili powder and rosehip dried fruit at Minsheng Road market, don’t try to carry too much, shipping is better.
Guiyang in February to March is truly damp and cold, but the food is truly delicious. Dress warmly and bring a good appetite, and this “tough” trip can turn into a “delicious” experience! 🚶♂️