If you have plenty of time and donโt accept special forces-style travel, this guide is of no reference value; but if you have limited annual leave, a tight budget, and want to check off the main attractions in a short time, scroll down for reference๐ก
This Guizhou trip covered 4 places: Guiyang city, Huangguoshu Waterfall, Libo Xiaoqikong, and Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (Fanjing Mountain was not visited due to lack of time). Here is the detailed itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive by plane in Guiyang โ Guiyang Airport Shuttle Bus to Guiyang North Station (1 hour) โ High-speed train to Anshun West (about 30 minutes) โ Direct shuttle bus to Huangguoshu (35 minutes)
๐ Stay near Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area
Huangguoshu 21ยฐC Hotel
๐๐ป No sightseeing on the first day, dinner outside the scenic area, and a simple stroll around. Highly recommend this hotel for its cost performance and shuttle service to the scenic area (the owner will drive you to the entrance in a Maybach!).
Day 2
Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area (7h) โ Direct shuttle to Anshun West High-speed Rail Station (35 minutes) โ High-speed train to Libo (1h 45mins) โ Scenic area shuttle bus to Xiaoqikong Scenic Area East Gate (about 15 minutes)
๐ Stay inside Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area
Ruijing Hotel
๐๐ป Huangguoshu route: Big Waterfall, lower half of Tianxing Bridge, Doupotang (only the godโs view), skipping some small spots. This way you finish early and can rest and eat at the entrance. There are many detailed guides available online.
๐ก For photos, itโs recommended to visit Water Curtain Cave last at the Big Waterfall because you will get wet and makeup may smudge.
๐๐ป The hotel in Libo is a bit older but has good service. The advantage is you can enter the scenic area early the next day to shoot popular spots without crowds (opens at 8 am).
Day 3
Visit Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (6h) โ Direct shuttle to Qianhu Miao Village West Gate (about 3.5 hours)
๐ Stay inside the Miao Village
Yixiangju Panorama Hotel
๐๐ป Xiaoqikong highlights: only visit Xiaoqikong, Laya Waterfall, 68-step Waterfall, Wolong Pool; no visit to Yuanyang Lake (no boating). Highly recommend eating Banji Thumb Beef Noodles outside the East Gate.
๐๐ป This hotel is a must-recommend! The owner helps with luggage, suggests efficient routes and shuttle bus tips, and rooms offer panoramic views of the Miao Village.
Day 4
Visit Qianhu Miao Village (8h) โ Carpool to Kaili South High-speed Rail Station (about 40 minutes) โ High-speed train to Guiyang North (36 minutes)
๐ Stay near Guiyang North Station
Atour Hotel
๐๐ป Many people avoid the Miao Village, but itโs actually very fun. The difficult roads are part of its unique terrain. After the first two stops, you can basically accept it. The village terrain is V-shaped, with the main street at the lowest point and accommodations on the hillsides. Choose lodging close to the shuttle bus stops because dragging luggage uphill is really exhausting.
Day 5
Visit Guiyang city โ Taxi to the airport (25 km)
Special Forces Tips๐ก
1. Choose high-speed trains + direct scenic area shuttles to save time; check schedules and book tickets in advance.
2. At Huangguoshu, focus on the Big Waterfall and lower half of Tianxing Bridge; Doupotang panoramic view is enough, donโt overdo it and waste energy.
3. Arrive at Libo Xiaoqikong an hour early to shoot empty scenes and avoid crowds, doubling your chances of great photos.
4. Choose Miao Village lodging near shuttle stops; the ownerโs help with luggage saves a lot of effort, and panoramic rooms have amazing night views.
5. Wear comfortable sneakers throughout; daily steps exceed 10,000, and hard-soled shoes will make you question life.
The beauty of Guizhou is hidden in its mountains, waters, and local life. Although the special forces-style fast pace is tiring, the satisfaction of checking off every attraction is unbeatable~
Brooks Olivia 56๏ช0