Back from Guiyang, really not recommended for July-August,

because it's just too~

Folks! Speaking from the heart, I didn't have high expectations for Guiyang in July, but ended up so charmed I wanted to change my return ticket 😭 This isn't a deterrent, but a sincere warning—the summer here is so comfortable, you might not want to face the city heatwaves after visiting!

🚌【Transport Guide】:
✨City transport: Guiyang's bus system is convenient, with regular buses costing 1 yuan (exact change needed for unmanned buses). Minibuses cover suburban routes with slightly higher night fares. Taxis start at 8 yuan + 1 yuan fuel surcharge, but downtown traffic gets congested—avoid rush hours. ⚠️Note: Many minibuses are privately operated and drive fast—hold tight! Avoid unlicensed cabs for safety.
✨Scenic area transport: For distant attractions like Huangguoshu or Libo, consider chartered cars/tour groups or direct scenic area shuttles. Mountain roads can be winding—drive carefully if self-driving.

🏨【Accommodation Recs】:
🌟Luxury: In Guiyang, try "Sofitel Guiyang Hunter" with French flair + 55th-floor city views, walkable to Jiaxiu Tower. At Huangguoshu, "Banyan Tree Huangguoshu" offers private hot springs facing the waterfall—wake up to a landscape painting!
🌟Budget-friendly: Stilt-house inns in Xijiang Miao Village immerse you in Miao culture; B&Bs near Qingyan Ancient Town blend historic charm with modern comforts.
🌟Students/budget travelers: Chain hotels (e.g., Guanshanhu District) or budget hotels near Qingyun Road Night Market—affordable and surrounded by food!

🚗【Summer Escape Itinerary】:
📅5-day highlights:
Day1: Arrive → Jiaxiu Tower → Qingyun Road Night Market (stay in Guiyang)
Day2: Guiyang → Libo Small Seven Arches (emerald wonderland) → Xijiang Miao Village (night views, stay)
Day3: Miao Village immersion (dress-up photos) → Zhenyuan Ancient Town (boat on Wuyang River, stay)
Day4: Zhenyuan → Huangguoshu Falls (Tianxing Bridge + Water Curtain Cave) → Anshun (stay)
Day5: Anshun → Qingyan Ancient Town → Depart
📅6-day deep dive: Add "Longli Grasslands" or "Liupanshui Wumeng Grasslands" for camping + grass sliding!

🔥【Must-See Spots】:
Huangguoshu Falls: Asia's largest waterfall group—July-August brings powerful flows. Wear a raincoat through Water Curtain Cave! ⚠️Bring a jacket—it's chilly by the falls.
Xijiang Miao Village: When night falls, thousands of lights resemble a starry sky—Miao costume photos are magical!
Libo Small Seven Arches: Emerald lakes + 68-tiered waterfalls—perfect summer hiking. Wolong Pond is a must.
Qingyan Ancient Town: Ming-Qing stone alleys + braised pork knuckle. Climb the walls for panoramic views—10 yuan ticket is a steal!
Nanjiang Grand Canyon: Rafting + zip-lining—ultimate summer water fun!
Jiaxiu Tower: Guiyang's landmark. Romantic riverside nightscapes—ideal for evening strolls.

🍽️【Food Recs】:
✨Must-eats:
-Huaxi Beef Noodles (sour soup + yellow beef—locals swear non-chain shops beat "Yuhuaxi"!)
-Sour Fish Soup (Miao specialty—tangy & spicy)
-Si Wa Wa ("Guizhou spring rolls" stuffed with veggies)
-Luo Guo (Liupanshui-style—everything tastes better grilled)
-Wan'er Cake (soft brown sugar cakes—Xu's on Minsheng Road is legendary)
✨Night market heaven: Erqi Road/Guiyun Road Night Markets—dozens of snacks under one roof. 50 yuan fills you up!

📌【Pro Tips】:
✅Weather prep: July-Aug averages 20-30°C, but mountains have big day-night swings—pack light jackets + rain gear! Sunscreen is essential—high UV.
✅Savings: Seniors/students get discounts at some sites—book tickets online for deals.
✅Cultural respect: During Miao activities, avoid touching silver ornaments or random photos—honor traditions.
✅Pacing: 1-2 major spots daily—Guizhou's mountain roads demand rest breaks.
✅Hidden gems: Banyan Tree's private hot springs, Qingyan's "Lollipop Bar" (jazz nights Thu-Sat)—unique finds shine!
✅Safety: Choose official operators for rafting. Watch for post-rain rockfall warnings.

Now typing in AC, all I can think of is Guiyang's sour soup and evening breezes 😭 Honestly, July-August here isn't "worth visiting"—it's a MUST! Summer here isn't endurance—it's pure joy. Beware: you might refuse to leave~