After seven budget trips to Guizhou, I've finally explored it thoroughly!

2025 Ultimate 4-Day 3-Night Guizhou Travel Guide: Guizhou, this land full of mystery and charm, boasts magnificent mountains, rich ethnic customs, and a diverse culinary culture. Here's a meticulously prepared 4-day 3-night guide to help you experience Guizhou's unique landscapes and cultural wonders. Itinerary Day 1: Guiyang - Exploring Ancient Charm and Urban Energy - Morning: Arrive in Guiyang and check into a hotel near the Fountain Pool Metro Station. After settling in, head to Qianling Mountain Park (¥5 entry, free for students/seniors with ID). Take the ¥20 one-way cable car for panoramic city views. Stroll through the park to encounter mischievous macaques and visit Qilin Cave, where General Zhang Xueliang was once imprisoned—history whispers through its walls. - Afternoon: Visit Jiaxiu Tower, a free iconic landmark straddling the Nanming River. Wander around to soak in its ancient architectural charm. - Evening: Dive into Qingyun Market's vibrant night scene. Try "Siwawa" (rice-paper-wrapped veggie rolls) and crispy tofu balls. Don't miss Jiaxiu Tower's light show (7:30-10:00 PM), where illumination transforms history into fantasy. Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall - Nature's Thunderous Majesty - Morning: Arrive early at Huangguoshu Waterfall (¥160 with shuttle, book 3 days ahead). Marvel at China's largest waterfall as torrents plunge 77.8 meters, creating rainbows in the mist. - Afternoon: Explore Tianxingqiao's karst wonders and "Journey to the West" filming site at Doupotang Waterfall (5-6hr hike). Every step reveals postcard-worthy vistas. - Evening: In Anshun, savor "Duoduofen" rice noodles at Long Laoda (¥30/person) and fruit slushies at Xiaoshu Bingjiang to recharge. Day 3: Xiaoqikong & Xijiang - Nature Meets Ethnic Culture - Morning: At Xiaoqikong (¥120 with shuttle), start at Wolong Lake—emerald waters mirror surrounding peaks, perfect for Instagram shots. - Noon: Paddle across Yuanyang Lake (¥50 boat rental), gliding past watercolor landscapes. - Afternoon: Visit the 19th-century Seven Arches Bridge, draped in vines, before downhill strolls to exit. - Evening: In Xijiang Miao Village (¥65+¥20 shuttle), watch thousands of stilted houses light up from the viewpoint. Join a Miao banquet (¥120) featuring sour fish soup and rice wine, then explore illuminated wind-rain bridges. Day 4: Fanjingshan - Summit of the Sky - Morning: Enter Fanjingshan by 7:00 AM (¥80+¥120 cable car in peak season). Hike 1.5hrs up Red Cloud Golden Summit—steep but rewarding with heavenly cloud-sea views. - Noon: Descend past the mushroom-shaped balancing rock, then forest-bathe in pristine wilderness. Budget Breakdown - Tickets: ~¥425/person (with mandatory shuttles) - Lodging: ¥200-400/night in Guiyang; ¥300-600 for Miao village mountain-view rooms; ¥200-400 near Fanjingshan's east gate - Transport: ~¥500 for 4-day buses/chartered cars. High-speed rail to Anshun (30min) saves 1hr vs. bus. - Food: ¥50-80 daily—feast on sour soups, street snacks (total ¥300-400) - Total: ~¥1500/person Top Stays - Guiyang: Magnotel near Fountain Pool Metro—spotless rooms steps from malls/food streets - Miao Village: "Heart of Mountains" B&B—wake to cloud-wrapped peaks from ethnic-decor rooms - Fanjingshan: East Gate guesthouses—hiker-friendly with local tips Must-Eat List - Sour Series: Guichu sour beef hotpot (¥60), Kaili sour fish soup - Street Bites: DIY "Siwawa" wraps, crispy But's duck, Lei's fried tofu balls - Night Market: Erqi Road's blood-and-intestine noodles, grilled ox intestines Pro Tips - Transport: High-speed rail + shuttle beats buses to Huangguoshu - Discounts: Students/teachers/military get ticket discounts—bring IDs - Gear: Non-slip shoes for waterfalls, sun protection, portable chargers - Bookings: Reserve Huangguoshu/Fanjingshan tickets 3-7 days early Photo Ops - Seven Arches Bridge: Shoot at 7:00 AM for crowd-free misty magic - Miao Village: Nighttime telephoto shots of glowing stilt houses, or borrow a B&B rooftop vantage Guizhou's beauty lies in its mountain-water poetry, ethnic tapestry, and fiery flavors. This 4-day odyssey unlocks its essence—prepare for memories etched in mist and spice!