This article covers what to see in Guiyang with a rented car and driver, including Jiaxiu Pavilion and Qianlingshan Park, plus suggested visit times, key experiences, and trip planning tips.
Based on local expertise, this guide explains how to explore Guiyang by renting a car with a driver, highlighting major stops like Jiaxiu Pavilion and Qianlingshan Park. It includes practical tips from experienced guides on timing, sightseeing pace, and what makes each stop worthwhile.
Guiyang—a "Forest City" cradled by mountains—is attracting an ever-growing number of visitors with its pleasant 23°C summers and unique mountainous charm. Touring the city with a rented car and driver offers the ultimate freedom for in-depth exploration: you can stop whenever you like to photograph a lake that suddenly comes into view around a bend, or follow an enticing aroma into an unfamiliar alleyway. This guide will help you discover the very best experiences Guiyang and its surrounding areas have to offer.
Let’s take a look at the attractions you can visit in Guiyang by renting a car with a driver:
1. Jiaxiu Pavilion: The spiritual landmark of Guiyang.
Jiaxiu Pavilion is a symbol of Guiyang; built during the Ming Dynasty, it stands atop a massive rock in the middle of the Nanming River. It perfectly embodies Guiyang’s unique urban layout, where the city is nestled among mountains and interwoven with water. Serving as the starting point of your journey, it offers an immediate visual impression of the city—a place where historic architecture blends seamlessly with the modern skyline.
Recommendations for your visit:
Explore the pavilion architecture and admire the exquisite upturned eaves and carved stone inscriptions.
Stroll along the riverbanks and enjoy the illuminated scenery at dusk.
Best time to visit: A visit at dusk is highly recommended. You can watch the sunset bathe the pavilion in a golden glow, followed by the lighting up of the city—creating a dazzling nightscape and a truly atmospheric setting.
Suggested duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Qianlingshan Park: A natural sanctuary in the heart of the city
This is by no means an ordinary city park. Qianlingshan Park brings together genuine mountain forests, lakes, ancient temples, and troops of wild macaques right within the city limits. In just a few steps, you can leave the bustling, traffic-filled streets behind and enter a tranquil world of mountain woodland.
Recommendations:
Light Hike: Hike up the trail to get some exercise and gain a deeper understanding of why Guiyang is known as the "Forest City."
Hongfu Temple: Visit Hongfu Temple, nestled in the mountains, and experience the serene atmosphere of Guizhou's Buddhist culture.
Lakeside Stroll: Take a walk by Qianling Lake at the foot of the mountain and enjoy the scenery of the water and hills.
Important Reminder: The macaques in the park are a wild population; please be sure to maintain a safe distance. Do not feed, provoke, or make direct eye contact with them under any circumstances.
Recommended duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours (allow more time if you wish to go for an in-depth hike).
The park also features a zoo and a panda pavilion, which you can visit for free.
3. Qingyan Ancient Town: A Cultural Treasure Trove in the Suburbs—Best Visited by Rental Car
Qingyan Ancient Town is the shining jewel in the suburbs of Guiyang. Unlike the gentle, watery charm of the towns in the Jiangnan region, Qingyan is a historic military stronghold and trading hub built of stone, embodying the ruggedness and resilience of the mountainous Southwest. Easily accessible by car from the city center, it makes for a perfect destination for a one-day road trip.
Recommendations for your visit:
Stroll along the stone-paved paths: Wander through the main street and secluded alleys, experiencing the bluestone paving worn smooth and glossy by the passage of time.
Climb the ancient city walls: Ascend the well-preserved walls to look out over the dense cluster of rooftops in the ancient town and the surrounding pastoral scenery.
Taste the "Three Treasures" of the ancient town: The local cuisine is the soul of the place! Be sure to try the Qingyan Braised Pig’s Trotters (rich red in color, tender, and flavorful), Gaoba Xifan (a delightful combination of lotus root starch and rice cakes—lightly sweet and refreshing), and Tofu Balls (crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and served with a special chili dipping sauce).
Recommended duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
If you are sensitive to spiciness, clearly specify "no chili" or "mild" when ordering; however, keep in mind that many braised dishes contain spices that may still impart a slight heat.
4. Huaxi Yelang Valley: A stone kingdom created by one man over 20 years.
Huaxi Yelang Valley is not a naturally formed canyon, but a fantastical stone kingdom painstakingly sculpted by an artist over the course of more than twenty years. The stone figures blend the culture of Guizhou’s Nuo opera masks with the artist’s own vision of the ancient Yelang Kingdom; they are grotesque, exaggerated, and imbued with a sense of primal mystery. The entire valley feels like a tribe forgotten by time.
Touring Tips:
Explore the Stone Figures: Wander along the canyon trails to admire hundreds of colossal stone faces—each with a unique expression—alongside towering stone fortresses and winding stone corridors. At the valley floor, a pool of emerald water creates a captivating atmosphere with the reflections of the rock walls.
Photo Spots: Capture a full-length vertical shot of the giant stone face at the entrance; photograph the reflection in the valley pool with the stone fortress as a backdrop; take a candid side-profile shot in the narrow stone alleyways to emphasize depth; capture an overhead view of the entire canyon stone formation from the high-altitude observation deck; and use the stone archways as natural frames for your photos.
Best Times to Visit: 9:00–10:30 AM offers soft morning light and fewer crowds; 3:30–6:00 PM provides excellent conditions for sunset silhouettes. Avoid the 11:00 AM–2:00 PM window, as the overhead sunlight creates harsh shadows.
Recommended duration: 2–3 hours
Opening Hours: 8:30–19:00 year-round; last admission at 18:00.
Admission: 20 RMB for adults.
5. Huaguoyuan White House: Guiyang’s Most Surreal Urban Landmark
The Huaguoyuan "White House" is Guiyang's most visually striking modern landmark. Built against a hillside, this all-white, European-style castle is known as "Asia's No. 1 Mansion." For international visitors, unexpectedly encountering such a magnificent European-style castle amidst the mountainous terrain of Southwest China creates a sense of cultural juxtaposition that is, in itself, a unique travel experience.
Visit recommendations:
Exterior Viewing (Free): The area surrounding the "White House" and the Huaguoyuan Wetland Park are open to the public free of charge. The best spot for panoramic photos is at the East Gate of the Huaguoyuan Wetland Park.
Interior Tour (Paid): The main "White House" building comprises eleven floors; floors 1–4 feature art exhibitions, displays of intangible cultural heritage, and digital art experiences, while floors 5–11 house a hotel. Interior attractions include workshops for Miao embroidery and batik, ethnic costume exhibitions, and a Sanxingdui civilization VR experience. A ticket is required for entry.
Recommended duration: 30–60 minutes for exterior photos; if visiting the interior, allow 1.5–2 hours.
6. Guizhou Provincial Museum: A window into colorful Guizhou
If you are interested in the ethnic minority cultures of Guizhou (such as the Miao, Dong, and Bouyei peoples), this is the ideal starting point. The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of Guizhou's history, natural environment, and ethnic diversity.
Visit Recommendations:
Key Exhibition Hall: Make sure to visit the "Ethnic Guizhou" hall to admire exquisite Miao silver jewelry, embroidered costumes, and unique cultural artifacts.
Contextual Preparation: It is highly recommended to visit this museum before traveling to the Miao and Dong villages in Southeast Guizhou. Doing so will greatly enrich your understanding and overall experience during the subsequent leg of your journey.
Recommended duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
The museum is closed on Mondays (except on statutory holidays), and the use of flash photography is prohibited inside.
7. Erqi Road Snack Street & Qingyun Market: Unlock the Flavors of Guiyang’s Nightlife
The culinary scene in Guiyang is a highlight not to be missed on this trip. Erqi Road Snack Street is the traditional choice, while the newly opened Qingyun Market blends a retro-industrial aesthetic with modern night market trends, offering a more stylish atmosphere. Both are brimming with the vibrant energy and authentic, bustling spirit of local street food culture.
Must-Try Delicacies:
Siwawa (Vegetable Wraps): Thin wrappers filled with over a dozen types of shredded vegetables and drizzled with a tangy broth; each bite is refreshing and appetizing.
Changwang Noodles: The king of Guiyang breakfasts and late-night snacks, featuring a combination of blood curd (duck blood) and pork intestine; the noodles are firm and chewy, and the red chili oil is incredibly aromatic.
Laoguo (Griddle Cook): Guizhou’s version of teppanyaki; diners grill various ingredients themselves on a flat-top pan—a highly social dining experience.
Sour Soup Fish: A signature dish featuring Kaili-style sour soup; the broth is tangy and savory, while the fish is tender and smooth.
Bingjiang / Bingfen: The ultimate post-meal remedy for spiciness; Bingjiang is a creamy slushy made from fruit and ice, offering a wonderfully cooling sensation.
Recommended duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Guizhou cuisine tends to be sour and spicy; if you have a sensitive stomach, try a small amount first or pair it with mild staples (such as rice or steamed buns) to buffer the effect.
Plan Your Itinerary: Choose Based on Your Interests
Option 1: Classic Comprehensive One-Day Tour
Itinerary: Qingyan Ancient Town → Qianlingshan Park → Jiaxiu Pavilion → The White House → Erqi Road Snack Street / Qingyun Market
Highlights: Offers the highest efficiency and the most well-rounded experience. In a single day, it covers city landmarks, natural mountain scenery, the cultural heritage of an ancient town, and night market delicacies, giving you a multi-faceted impression of Guiyang.
Best for: Travelers with limited time who want to see the absolute "best of the best" that Guiyang has to offer in one go.
Recommended Itinerary:Guiyang City Tour - Private Full-Day Highlights
Option 2: Cultural Immersion & Leisurely Pace
Guizhou Provincial Museum → Qingyan Ancient Town → Jiaxiu Pavilion
Highlights: Understand the history before taking in the scenery. Equip yourself with knowledge from the museum to add cultural depth to the rest of your tour. Avoid noisy night markets in favor of a quieter dining atmosphere.
Best for: Travelers with a keen interest in history and ethnic culture who also plan to take an in-depth tour of the Southeast Guizhou region.
Option 3: Relaxed & Leisurely
Route: Huaxi Yelang Valley → Qingyan Ancient Town
Highlights: A leisurely pace that brings you close to nature. The unhurried itinerary makes it ideal for overcoming jet lag or recovering after a long-haul flight, allowing you to spend more time outdoors enjoying the scenery.
Suitable for: Families (including the elderly or children) and nature enthusiasts.
Recommended Itinerary:Qingyan Ancient Town Tour from Guiyang with Yelang Valley
Why should tourists choose a private car charter for their tour of Guiyang?
First, a key fact must be clarified: foreign tourists cannot legally drive themselves in mainland China.However, you can still enjoy all the conveniences of a self-drive trip—by booking a chartered car service with a driver.
So, why is chartering a vehicle more suitable for a one-day tour within Guiyang than public transport, ride-hailing services?
Compared to public transport (buses/subway):
Guiyang’s attractions (especially Qingyan Ancient Town and Huaxi Yelang Valley) are scattered across different parts of the city. Traveling from Jiaxiu Pavilion to Qingyan Ancient Town by bus requires 2–3 transfers and takes about 1.5 hours;
In contrast, a chartered car takes you there directly in just 40 minutes.
More importantly, bus signage and ticketing systems are entirely in Chinese, making them extremely unfriendly to foreign tourists. The "hidden time" spent waiting for buses, making transfers, and walking to stops often amounts to twice the actual travel time.
If you only have one day, wasting 2–3 precious hours on the hassles of public transport is simply not worth it. A chartered car allows you to spend your time fully enjoying the attractions rather than being stuck in transit.
Compared to ride-hailing services or taxis:
While ride-hailing services are suitable for short, point-to-point trips, they have significant drawbacks when visiting multiple attractions in a single day: you have to book a new car for each leg of the journey—often facing long waits during peak hours—and explain your destination to the driver every time (since most drivers do not speak English).
If you decide to change your itinerary on the fly (such as switching to a museum visit because of sudden rain), the process of re-booking and setting a new pickup location can be cumbersome.
Hiring a private car offers a completely different experience: the driver stays with you all day, ensuring zero waiting time between attractions, and you can simply let them know whenever you want to leave or change your destination.
Chartered Car Service
Efficient Travel Integration: Renting a car minimizes transit time, allowing you to devote more of your precious time to the actual experience.
A Comfortable "Buffer Day" Option: Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Guiyang by car before embarking on more physically demanding long-distance trips to destinations like Huangguoshu Waterfall or Libo.
Ideal for Families and Small Groups: When traveling with the elderly, children, or significant luggage, the privacy and "door-to-door" convenience of a rental car are unmatched by public transportation. Pick up your vehicle directly at the airport or high-speed railway station for a seamless transition.
Freedom and a Sense of Discovery: You have the flexibility to stop for photos whenever you like and adjust your plans on the fly based on the weather or your mood—such as detouring to a museum on a rainy day or spending extra time walking the ancient walls of Qingyan Ancient Town when the sun is out.
Conclusion
If you are interested in renting a car with a driver to tour Guiyang, please contact us. We can design a well-planned itinerary tailored to your interests and schedule, ensuring this trip serves as a fantastic starting point for exploring "Colorful Guizhou," rather than just a hasty farewell at the very end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see in Guiyang with a rented car and driver?
You can comfortably visit major city sights such as Jiaxiu Pavilion and Qianlingshan Park, with the flexibility to add scenic stops along the way. A private car makes it easier to move between central attractions and pause for photos, food, or short walks without relying on public transport.
When is the best time to visit Jiaxiu Pavilion?
Dusk is the best time to visit Jiaxiu Pavilion. You can see the sunset light up the Ming-era structure and then stay for the evening illumination along the Nanming River. Plan about 45 minutes to 1 hour for the stop.
How long should I spend at Qianlingshan Park?
A typical visit to Qianlingshan Park works well in 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether you do a light hike or focus on the lake and temple areas. The park combines mountain forest, lakes, historic temples, and wild macaques, so it is worth allowing extra time for walking.
Why rent a car with a driver in Guiyang?
Renting a car with a driver gives you the freedom to explore Guiyang at your own pace while avoiding navigation and language issues. It is especially useful in a mountainous city where scenic viewpoints, riverside areas, and less obvious alleys can be easier to reach by car.
Is Guiyang good for a flexible day tour by car?
Yes, Guiyang is well suited to a flexible day tour because its main attractions mix urban landmarks with green mountain scenery. A car-and-driver itinerary lets you start in the city center, stop at places like Jiaxiu Pavilion, and continue to larger sites such as Qianlingshan Park in the same day.
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