Just back from Guizhou, I don't recommend going in September–October—I'm just being honest~
🌤️ Visiting Guizhou in September–October is amazing! The summer crowds have left, the autumn rain makes the mountains greener, the Huangguoshu Waterfall is still powerful, the Xiaoqikong scenic area is as blue as a filter, and the lights in Xijiang at night look like stars scattered across the mountain✨. I've been visiting Guizhou every autumn for years. I've written this guide to help you "avoid rushing and pitfalls"—just follow it~
🍁 What to expect in Guizhou in September–October
· September: Daytime temperatures in cities/scenic areas are around 20–26°C. When it rains, it drops to around 18°C, and it's even cooler in the mountains.
· October: Mostly 15–22°C. It gets cold in the mornings and evenings around Fanjingshan, Leigongshan, and Zhijindong Cave, so bring a jacket for when the wind picks up.
· Key takeaway: The saying "it doesn't stay sunny for three days" isn't a joke. There's plenty of autumn rain, but it's mostly showers, so it won't ruin your trip—just make sure you bring an umbrella.
· Pros: Fewer crowds than in summer, hotel rates are better than in August, and the sour soup and rice noodles are at their best. Cons: Lots of winding mountain roads, so don't try to squeeze 4 distant attractions into one day.
🏔️ Choosing attractions by area (don't try to do it all in one trip)
Guiyang base + surroundings
· Jiaxiu Pavilion: Free night views, and it's very pleasant to catch a breeze by the Nanming River.
· Qianlingshan Park: Very cheap admission. When watching the macaques, don't carry plastic bags—the monkeys will snatch them.
· Qingyan Ancient Town: The town itself is worth a stroll. Just try a little of the pig's trotters, braised dishes, or rose candy; don't get locked into a bundled ticket.
· Huaxi Yelang Valley: A niche stone art park. Admission is 20, and it's surprisingly fun for photos.
Anshun waterfall route
· Huangguoshu: Includes the Grand Waterfall, Doupotang, and Tianxingqiao. Admission starts at 160, or about 210 with the sightseeing bus bundle. The Water Curtain Cave is slippery when it rains, so put your phone in a waterproof bag.
· Dragon Palace: Only consider this if you feel one day at Huangguoshu isn't enough. If it's your first time, prioritize Huangguoshu.
Libo Karst
· Xiaoqikong: Admission 120. Wolong Pond, the 68-Level Waterfalls, Cuigu, and the Water Forest are all worth it. Entering from the West Gate and exiting from the East Gate saves your legs. Wear non-slip sandals in the Water Forest, not leather shoes.
· Maolan: Only go if you love primitive hiking; beginners can skip it.
Southeast Guizhou culture
· Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village: Admission 90, or about 120 with the sightseeing bus bundle. Just enjoy the night view from the observation deck, the Wind and Rain Bridge, and the old streets. Don't sign up for so-called "low-priced long-table banquets" that end up dragging you to buy silver jewelry.
· Zhenyuan Ancient Town: The Wuyang River runs through the town. It's less commercialized than Xijiang. Staying for a night and taking a walk is very relaxing.
· Zhaoxing Dong Village: Easy to get to from Congjiang Station. The Drum Towers, Dong songs, and Tang'an Terraced Fields with golden rice in autumn are much more comfortable than crowded spots.
Tongren/Bijie add-ons
· Fanjingshan: Seeing the Red Clouds Golden Summit depends on luck; the weather at the top is changeable. It's mostly cable car + walking. A windbreaker is a must. Don't force elderly people or children to climb the Golden Summit.
· Zhijindong Cave: Admission 110. A solid choice for rainy days since underground caves aren't weather-dependent.
· Wanfenglin: In the Xingyi direction. Autumn rice fields + cone-shaped peaks. Admission starts at 70. Cycling around slowly is more comfortable than rushing between attractions.
🚄 Transportation (easiest for independent travelers)
· Arrive at Guiyang Longdongbao Airport. You can take the subway or a taxi in the city. If you want to do a loop, stay near Guiyang North Station—it's the most convenient hub for high-speed rail.
· Huangguoshu: Guiyang North/Guiyang to Anshun West takes about 30 minutes at the fastest. From Anshun West, transfer to the direct scenic bus or take a taxi to the Huangguoshu Visitor Center. The whole trip takes about 1.5 hours.
· Xiaoqikong: Guiyang North to Libo Station takes about 1.5–2.5 hours. From Libo Station, transfer to the direct bus to the West Gate, or take a bus/taxi to the East Gate distribution center. I recommend entering from the West Gate and exiting from the East Gate.
· Xijiang: Guiyang North to Kaili South takes about 40 minutes. From Kaili South, transfer to the direct bus/coach to the Xijiang North Gate or West Gate, which takes about 40–60 minutes. If you have a lot of luggage, choose the North Gate—dragging a suitcase up stairs will make you cry.
· Fanjingshan: Guiyang to Tongren Station/Tongren South, then transfer toward Jiangkou. The East Gate cable car is the main route. If it's your first time, don't try to force a complex loop yourself.
· Driving tips: Guizhou is very mountainous. GPS sometimes loses signal in the mountains. Don't drive on winding mountain roads at night, and slow down when it rains.
🍜 What to eat (avoiding spicy pitfalls)
· If you don't want Sour Soup Fish or Sour Soup Beef Offal, choose clear soup. If it's your first time having sour soup, order "mildly spicy." If you have a sensitive stomach, just say "no spice/less sour."
· Changwang noodles, beef rice noodles, and lamb rice noodles: Essential for breakfast. Guiyang Old Town, Kaili, and Zunyi all have their own styles.
· Siwawa (vegetable rolls): You wrap the vegetables yourself and pour on the sour and spicy sauce. If you don't eat spicy food, ask for a clear soup dipping sauce separately.
· Laoguo (griddle pot): Liupanshui/Bijie styles are common. Potatoes, pork belly, and stinky tofu are all delicious. Don't order too much, or it will be too oily.
· Qingyan braised pig's trotters, rose candy; try a little Xijiang Miao-style sour soup + glutinous rice wine; check the freshness of Zhenyuan tofu pudding/river fish.
· Houttuynia cordata (fish mint) is the soul of the food but also a potential pitfall. If you don't eat it, say in advance: "No fish mint in any dipping sauces."
📅 How to plan a relaxing itinerary
3 days, 2 nights | First-timer's lazy version
D1 Guiyang: Jiaxiu Pavilion + Qianlingshan + Qingyun Road/Erqi Road snacks, stay in Guiyang
D2 Huangguoshu day trip: Grand Waterfall + Doupotang + Tianxingqiao, return to Guiyang or stay in Anshun
D3 Qingyan half-day → return
5 days, 4 nights | Classic, no backtracking
D1 Arrive in Guiyang, stroll around the city
D2 Full day at Huangguoshu
D3 Guiyang → Libo Xiaoqikong, stay in Libo County
D4 Libo → Kaili → Xijiang Miao Village, evening night view from the observation deck, stay in the village/Kaili
D5 Half day in Xijiang → return to Guiyang
7 days, in-depth | Scenery + culture
Guiyang → Huangguoshu → Xiaoqikong → Xijiang → Zhenyuan → Fanjingshan → Guiyang; if you have more time, add in Xingyi Wanfenglin or Zhijindong Cave, but don't add Zhaoxing at the same time, or you'll be exhausted.
⚠️ Pitfalls to avoid (hard-learned lessons)
1. Lots of autumn rain: Bring a folding umbrella, a thin windbreaker, and non-slip shoes. The Water Curtain Cave at Huangguoshu, the Water Forest at Xiaoqikong, and the steps at Fanjingshan are all slippery.
2. Don't just buy the ticket for the Grand Waterfall at Huangguoshu. If it's your first time, buy the bundle that includes the sightseeing bus to save your legs. Enter the park early; tour groups are at their peak at noon.
3. Don't wear white sneakers in the water at Xiaoqikong. The stones in the Water Forest are covered in moss, and it's common to fall and get muddy.
4. When booking accommodation in Xijiang, check the distance to the "North Gate/West Gate/Observation Deck." Dragging luggage uphill will make you collapse. The stilt houses in the village have poor soundproofing, so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
5. Ask before taking photos in Miao/Dong villages. Don't step on thresholds or touch headpieces. Follow instructions and don't take photos in ritual areas like during the Guzang Festival.
6. Ignore "low-priced chartered cars/free guides/discounted tickets" outside stations. Use official direct buses or book tickets through legitimate platforms.
7. State your tolerance for sour soup, fish mint, and chili paste in advance, or your non-local stomach might be running to the bathroom three times a day.
8. Check the weather before buying cable car tickets/making reservations for Fanjingshan. If it's rainy or foggy, you won't see anything at the top, so don't force the itinerary.
9. Attractions in Guizhou are far apart. Arranging to visit Huangguoshu, Xiaoqikong, and Xijiang in a single day is self-torture. Stick to at most one mountain, one water feature, and one village.
10. Ask if there's an elevator when booking accommodation in mountain areas. If you have to carry luggage up to the third or fourth floor of an old inn without an elevator, you'll really be cursing.
Guizhou in September–October doesn't require a "check-in" style rush. Listening to the water at Huangguoshu, seeing the blue at Xiaoqikong, watching the lights at Xijiang, and seeing the river at Zhenyuan, with a bowl of noodles and a sip of sour soup in between—that's the most comfortable way to experience it🍂