Guizhou's Hidden Gems Recommended by National Geographic – 99% of People Haven't Been There!

### **🌍 Why Choose Guizhou?** ✅ **Summer Paradise**: Average 23°C in summer, with cool mountains and waters – no need for air conditioning! ✅ **Geological Wonders**: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Libo's Small Seven Arches, Zhijin Cave… frequently recommended by National Geographic! ✅ **Ethnic Culture**: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, Zhaoxing Dong Village – immerse yourself in minority cultures! ✅ **Great Value**: Many scenic spot discounts, affordable food, perfect for students/family trips! --- ### **📅 Classic 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary** **Day 1: Guiyang (Food + City Exploration)** - **Morning**: Arrive in Guiyang, visit **Qianling Mountain Park** (¥5 ticket, see monkeys + Hongfu Temple). - **Afternoon**: Check out **Jiaxiu Tower** (free), then head to **Qingyun Road Night Market** for Siwawa, Changwang Noodles, and sour fish soup! - **Accommodation**: Stay near Da Shizi or Pen Shui Chi for convenient transportation. **Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall (China’s No. 1 Waterfall)** - **Transport**: Guiyang → Huangguoshu (2-hour drive, recommended to join a tour/charter a car). - **Highlights**: - **Grand Waterfall** (Must-see! The Water Curtain Cave is breathtaking). - **Doupotang Waterfall** (Filming location for the 1986 *Journey to the West*). - **Tianxing Bridge** (Silver Chain Waterfall is stunning). - **Tips**: Wear non-slip shoes! More spectacular during the rainy season. **Day 3: Libo’s Small Seven Arches (Earth’s Emerald)** - **Transport**: Guiyang → Libo (1.5-hour high-speed rail, then 30-minute bus). - **Highlights**: - **Small Seven Arches Bridge** (Instagrammable spot, go early to avoid crowds). - **Wolongtan** (Turquoise-blue lake like a fairyland). - **Water Forest** (Hiking and water play for ultimate refreshment). - **Accommodation**: Stay in Libo County for easy access to Big Seven Arches the next day. **Day 4: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village (Sea of Lights)** - **Transport**: Libo → Xijiang (3-hour bus). - **Highlights**: - **Rent Miao costumes for photos** (¥20-50/hour, great shots at Wind-Rain Bridges). - **View the nightscape from the observation deck** (Light-up moment resembles *Spirited Away*). - **Long Table Banquet + “High Mountain Flowing Water” toast** (Experience Miao hospitality). - **Accommodation**: Choose a hillside homestay with terraced field views! **Day 5: Return or Add Fanjingshan** - **Relaxed Option**: Return to Guiyang, grab a bowl of **Huaxi Beef Noodles** before leaving. - **In-Depth Option**: Add a day trip to **Fanjingshan** (Cloud sea views at the "City in the Sky"). --- ### **🍜 Guizhou Food Recommendations** 🔥 **Must-Try List**: - **Sour Fish Soup** (Most authentic in Kaili, best with Litsea oil). - **Siwawa** (Guiyang specialty, ¥10 for a filling meal). - **Fish Mint** (Locals love it, but outsiders beware!). - **Sticky Rice/Changwang Noodles/Griddle Cooked Dishes** (Great for breakfast or late-night snacks).