Why Is Guizhou China's Top Summer Retreat?
This summer, across the country, the heat has been "steaming and boiling." From north to south, high temperatures are rampant: Henan has become "He-nan" (so hot the river dries up), Jinan has become "Qi-nan" (all south, meaning entirely hot), and Wenzhou has become "Tang-zhou" (scalding hot prefecture). So where exactly is that enchanting, cool paradise?
Let us turn our gaze to the great southwest of China, where there lies an "emerald" with an average summer temperature of 23.7°C—it is indeed China's top summer retreat province:
The Wumeng Grassland in western Guizhou,
The highest-altitude and largest plateau pasture in the southwest region.
Every July and August, a massive wave of summer retreaters floods into Guizhou, staying for as short as three to five days or as long as two to three months. They explore the fantastical mountains and rivers of Guizhou and enjoy a carefree life.
With its stunning mountains and hills and a dense network of rivers, the cool plateau, averaging over 1,100 meters in altitude, hides a giant "central air conditioner."
Let the spray from Guizhou's waterfalls dampen your clothes and wash away the summer heat.
The "brave" overlook the vast skies, while "honored guests" race a hundred boats. The refreshing three-dimensional world of Guizhou makes visitors from all corners of the country reluctant to leave.
The canyon next to the Yachi River Bridge is a summer camping paradise.
How many more secrets does this 176,000-square-kilometer cool haven hold, and why has it become China's top summer retreat province?
Let us embark on a "wizard of Oz" adventure amidst the vast mists of Guizhou.
Why is Guizhou the top summer retreat province?
While the rest of the country issues high-temperature alerts averaging 35°C, Guizhou basks in the gentle breeze and drizzle of a summer average of 23.7°C. Not to mention Liupanshui, the "Cool Capital of China," where temperatures often drop below 20°C—even the provincial capital, Guiyang, boasts the lowest summer average temperature at its latitude, making eastern cities envious.
Water is the secret to Guizhou's coolness.
It can be said that across Guizhou's nine prefectures, there are excellent summer retreats and cool paradises everywhere.
Over 500 years ago, Wang Yangming, the master of Mind Philosophy who "enlightened at Longchang" while teaching in Guizhou, was deeply impressed by the climate of this treasure land. Besides writing a couplet, "Grand thoughts fly with the wind, soaring emotions above the clouds; gentle light of spring haze, refreshing air of autumn heights," he left another famous line—
"The plantain leaves before the eaves form a green forest; throughout the long summer, no heat intrudes."
Guizhou is like a cool "Great Wall," blocking the heatwaves from the east.
Why is Guizhou so cool in summer? This requires telling the story of a billion-year transformation from an ancient, frigid era—
Hundreds of millions of years ago, Guizhou was still a vast ocean. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates caused the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to gradually rise, with rock layers emerging from the sea, forming today's Guizhou Plateau, which averages over 1,100 meters in altitude.
Due to the high altitude, polar continental air masses from the north and tropical marine air masses from the south are obstructed here, forming the "Yunnan-Guizhou Quasi-Stationary Front." This "natural humidifier" endows Guizhou with abundant but low-intensity rainfall, making it one of China's centers of high cloud cover and low sunshine. The number of cloudy days per year reaches 200-240, thereby lowering summer temperatures.
Long-term precipitation dissolves the surface, like a grand landscape movement, shaping the myriad karst landforms of mountains and valleys.
Wanfenglin, a magnificent southwestern wonder spanning thousands of miles.
Low latitude, high altitude, and abundant moisture—such conditions make Guizhou naturally cool. The superior moisture conditions also nurture rich and diverse ecological secrets within the "golden climate ecological zone" at 25 degrees north latitude.
The serene and beautiful Maolan National Nature Reserve in Libo, Fanjingshan—an "ecological island" rising from a karst ocean... Forests, the "climate regulation masters," cover 62.1% of Guizhou, making it more vibrant, refreshing, and pleasant.
Fanjingshan, a lush "ecological island" dripping with greenery.
Steep terrain, abundant water sources, thriving vitality, and a pleasant climate collectively shape this ever-changing "cool plateau."
This is why Guizhou's average temperature in the hottest month ranges between 22°C and 26°C, with extreme highs not exceeding 38°C. There is no scorching heat like in the eastern regions, and the climate remains warm in winter and cool in summer all year round.
The "First Bend of Jinzhou" on the upper reaches of the Maling River in Xingyi City.
Looking around the world, places at similar latitudes to Guizhou include Florida, the Bay of Bengal, Dubai, and Hawaii—all great summer destinations. However, Guizhou, with its dramatic landscapes and myriad scenery, is truly the "gem" of this world-class scenic belt.
Guizhou becoming the top summer retreat province is a result of "right timing, geographical advantages, and human harmony."
Figure 1: Francois' langur in Mayanghe. Photo by Cao Jingjian.
Figure 2: Dove tree (Davidia involucrata). Photo by Qin Gang.
Figure 3: Alsophila spinulosa forest in Chishui. Photo by Qin Gang.
If the cool climate and southwestern hub status are Guizhou's "hard power" as the top summer retreat province, then its dramatic landscapes and carefree natural realms are Guizhou's underlying "true prowess."
Guizhou boasts many world-class landscapes that represent China.
The mountains and waters, now Guizhou's unique natural endowments, long hindered its development and kept it hidden from the world.
It was not until the new era that over 20,000 towering bridges spanned the mountains, and tunnels totaling a million meters in length crossed rivers and valleys. Guizhou transformed from "no three miles of flat land" into a "high-speed plain," revitalizing its appearance and becoming a true southwestern hub—a key connection point in the "Belt and Road" land-sea new corridor.
Exploring Guizhou's mountains and rivers is no longer difficult, and people from all over gathering in Guizhou to escape the heat is no longer rare.
Figure 1: Yachi River Bridge; Figure 2: Anshun Baling River Bridge. Photo by Zhou Ruixi.
Figure 3: Five Bridges Spanning the Wujiang River. Photo by Cao Jingjian
Wang Yangming said, "The world's mountains converge in Yunnan and Guizhou." Guizhou is a "kingdom of mountains."
In the north, the Dalou Mountains rise abruptly, forming a natural barrier between the Guizhou Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. To the northeast, the Wuling Mountains extend from western Hunan into Guizhou, with their main peak, Fanjingshan, resembling a solitary "eminent monk" standing aloof from the world. In the central region, the Miaoling Range traverses the entire area, extending to southeastern Guizhou. In the west, Jiucaiping, a summer retreat, is the highest point in Guizhou.
Jiucaiping, the highest point in Guizhou.
When it comes to global karst landscapes, Guizhou stands out. Karst topography is undoubtedly the most spectacular aspect of Guizhou's mountains. Jagged rocks, cave systems, natural bridges and stone forests, sheer cliffs, peak clusters with deep valleys, and underground rivers all seem like beautiful imprints left by the creator on Earth.
Guizhou—China's "Karst Province"—
boasts numerous extreme geological landscapes.
Today, Guizhou has found a modern way to "shake hands and make peace" with its rugged karst terrain and perilous mountains: outdoor sports. People soar through the skies, race across mountain slopes, and delve deep underground... At different altitudes, there are different thrills, yet all reveal a new "three-dimensional Guizhou."
Figure 1: Longqingtan Grand Canyon in Yanhe Tujia Autonomous County, Tongren City. Photo by Gong Xiaoyong
Figure 2: Zhijin Cave, hailed as the "King of China's Karst Caves." Photo by Yang Xiao
On the Wumeng Grassland in Liupanshui, at an altitude of 2,857 meters, one can witness the rare natural phenomenon of "Buddha's Halo." Standing atop the mountain and looking down, clouds surge against the cliffs, and a sea of mist stretches endlessly. Camping here feels like stepping into a fairyland.
The mist-shrouded Wumeng Grassland.
Starting from the 1,600-meter-high Jiuceng Mountain, paragliding offers a unique perspective of Guizhou. Experiencing low-altitude parachuting from the 370-meter-high Balinghe Bridge allows for exhilarating flips and breaths in the air. Riding a hot air balloon, one can "dance" in the skies of Xingyi, admiring the world's largest karst peak forest—Wanfenglin—from a different angle.
"Taking to the Skies"—Liupanshui is a premier parachuting destination in China.
Riding mountain bikes through karst forests, traversing natural barriers, and racing across undulating terrain offer a unique sense of adventure. Experiencing motorcycle drifting at Liupanshui's Yejiping or the Twenty-Four Turns in Qianxinan Prefecture, or off-road driving, allows one to physically feel Guizhou's grandeur.
Following rivers into the mountains and underground reveals Guizhou's most magnificent treasures. Here, "every mountain has a cave, and every cave is extraordinary." The Shuanghe Cave, the longest in Asia, has yet to be fully explored. Zhijin Cave is renowned as the "King of Caves." Often, a single sinkhole or fissure can lead one "astray" into the depths of caves, exploring mysterious unknown worlds.
"Going Underground"—Diving, caving, rock climbing.
Guizhou's underground holds a "multiverse."
The unique karst landscape also shapes the grandeur and beauty of Guizhou's water scenery. Locals say, "If you haven't experienced the water, you haven't truly been to Guizhou!" This phrase captures the essence of Guizhou's refreshing summers and hides the "code to its charm."
If mountains are the sprawling canvas of Guizhou's landscape, water is the divine brushstroke that brings it to life.
Exploring caves along the river leads to a serene and secluded paradise.
Karst terrain struggles to retain water, and rainfall acts like ancient divine tools, carving out eight major interconnected river systems across Guizhou's mountains. These rivers surge through deep gorges and valleys, flowing powerfully north, east, and south from the central region.
With numerous rivers, Guizhou is filled with ideal spots for water activities.
The river crisscrossed Guizhou is even more spectacular.
Rivers rushing through canyons create another "water wonder"—waterfalls. Known as China’s "Thousand-Waterfall Province," Guizhou’s abundance of waterfalls is also linked to the continuous movement of karst landforms.
Guizhou has over 3,360 waterfalls with development potential and 629 with scenic value. Take the Maling River Gorge, for example—adventurers exploring its kilometer-high drops can witness over a hundred waterfalls cascading in succession, marveling at this unique natural spectacle.
Dishuitan Waterfall nestled among the mountains.
Waterfalls also shape refreshing and cool landscapes. Tianxingqiao Waterfall resembles "silver chains falling into a pool," while Huangguoshu Waterfall crashes down like a celestial river, cleansing the world. Chishui Grand Waterfall, the largest in China’s Danxia landform area, was even chosen by diving enthusiasts as the venue for the 2016 China Elite Waterfall Diving Competition. Leaping beside the mighty waterfall, divers embody the newly born Monkey King, completing their "transformation" before the falls.
Yinlianzhuitan Waterfall downstream of Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Rivers, waterfalls, and lakes collectively shape a "water-rich" Guizhou. The rugged and deep karst gorges, filtered and permeated by numerous underground rivers over time, render Guizhou’s waters clear and captivating. Coupled with the spectacular scenery along the canyon banks, eons of natural craftsmanship have given rise to Guizhou’s classic summer water sport—rafting.
Guizhou has over 1,200 rivers longer than 10 kilometers, 820 of which are suitable for rafting. Maling River Gorge boasts "China’s Premier Rafting"—Maling River Rafting; Shanmu River Rafting in Shibing County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, is hailed as "rafting on mineral water"; Gaoguo River in Zhenyuan County is known as "the singing river," with a rafting route over 10 kilometers long and a drop of more than 200 meters.
Figure 1: Extreme kayaking on Luobei River, Guiding County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.
Image provided by Guizhou Youni Boat Club.
Figure 2: Rafting in Maling River Gorge, Xingyi. Photo by Zhang Dehou.
Steep mountains, deep valleys, and turbulent rapids have shaped Guizhou’s unique tradition—single-bamboo drifting on the Chishui River—and attracted countless visitors to challenge nature. Beyond enthusiasts of dragon boating, canyoning, and stream trekking, national athletes also find themselves captivated by Guizhou. From Hongfeng Lake in Guiyang to Xiasi Ancient Town in Majiang County, Qiandongnan, Guizhou hosts several Asian-class kayaking training bases.
Unique northern Guizhou folk skill—single-bamboo drifting.
Standing on a single bamboo pole, everyone becomes a "lightness skill master."
Of course, you can also experience tranquil waters in Guizhou. For serene water beauty, Libo, a unique karst "emerald" at the same latitude, is unparalleled. Rivers, lakes, springs, and streams breathe life into this "emerald," while forests with over 90% coverage stretch from mountains to waters, connecting with plateau karst lakes to form the exquisite "Libo Small Seven Archways."
The delicate and elegant Libo Small Seven Archways,
resembling a "super bonsai" of karst topography.
In Guizhou, escaping the summer heat, the first experience is to perceive the wildness of its mountains and waters. Beyond the landscape, the most magnificent scroll of Guizhou lies in its echoes over hundreds of millions of years and its long human history spanning five millennia.
Moreover, there is a colorful world, with hundreds of millions of years fleeting by.
Travelers who come to Guizhou to escape the summer heat are often astonished by its unique fantasy of time and space. Today, visitors to the ancient town of Qingyan might not realize that beside them lie fossils of the Qingyan biota from 230 million years ago. Indeed, time in Guizhou is so condensed and so fantastical.
The first stop on this journey through time is the ancient and profound imprints left on stone in Guizhou.
Crinoids bear witness to the dramatic changes Guizhou has undergone.
Image provided by Guizhou Provincial Geological Museum.
There is a saying, "Come to Guizhou to see the ocean," which is not a joke. Hundreds of millions of years ago, Guizhou was still a vast ocean. Guizhou boasts unique fossil groups from the Ordovician and Triassic periods, unparalleled in China. As the "Kingdom of Paleontology," it records multiple life explosions on a scale of hundreds of millions of years.
Guizhou is rich in marine animal fossils.
Image provided by Guizhou Provincial Geological Museum; graphics by Cool Security.
By the time human civilization began to emerge, the light of civilization in Guizhou had already dawned. Contrary to common stereotypes, Guizhou was actually one of the centers of Paleolithic civilization. Thereafter, whether it be the legends of the ancient Yelang relics, the Eastern Han bronze chariot and horse from the Wanhun Han Tomb in Xingyi, or the Southwest Tea Road stretching from Yunnan and Guizhou to Sichuan, Chongqing, and Guanzhong, as well as the "Three Confucian Scholars of the Qing Dynasty" highly praised by Liang Qichao, all have illuminated Guizhou's enduring humanistic brilliance.
Guizhou's cultural relics are equally diverse and colorful.
In the 14th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1381), Zhu Yuanzhang sent generals Fu Youde and Mu Ying with 300,000 troops to expedition against the Yuan prince Basalawarmi in Yunnan. After pacifying the prince, Zhu Yuanzhang recognized the importance of stability in the southwest and ordered troops to "stay and build cities," leading to the large-scale construction of garrison towns and military fortresses such as forts, tun, and zhai outside the city walls, laying the foundation for Guizhou's urban layout today.
In the 11th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1413), Zhu Di ordered the establishment of the Guizhou Provincial Administration Commission, making Guizhou the 13th province of China. Generations of newcomers arrived from various regions, joining local residents to开拓 Guizhou's countless mountains and valleys, deeply integrating into this colorful and inclusive land. The flagstone paths of Anshun Tunpu are precisely the traces of Guizhou's dynamic history. The joys, sorrows, and calls of the ancestors still resonate in the drumbeats of Anshun Dixi today.
"Living Fossil of Drama" - Tunpu Dixi.
Fig. 1 photo by Li Yongzhong; Fig. 2 photo by Han Guiqun; Fig. 3 photo by Wang Chun.
The second stop: let us listen to the symphony of Guizhou's colorful customs—
The mountains carve out diverse landscapes, and people scattered across the land have formed unique Guizhou customs. With 18 indigenous ethnic groups, Guizhou has the highest number of traditional Chinese villages and ethnic minority villages in China. Ethnic villages are built along mountains and rivers, like distinct and splendid cultural islands, awaiting travelers to arrive both physically and spiritually.
Fig. 1: Miao ethnic clothing. Photo by Zhou Ruixi.
Fig. 2: Long-horn Miao clothing. Photo by Li Guiyun.
Fig. 3: Dong ethnic clothing. Photo by Miao Keqiang.
Enjoying the grand songs under the drum tower and the bronze drum dance beside the long-table banquet are classic activities in Guizhou. However, the charm of Guizhou today has taken on a new form. In Qiandongnan Prefecture, one can witness thrilling bullfights and feel the excitement of a ten-thousand-person basketball game. In Guizhou, ancient ethnic customs dance to the rhythm of the modern era.
Figure 1: Dong people's Caigetang (song-dance ritual). Photo by Yin Zhong
Figure 2: Bouyei people's June Sixth Festival. Photo by Li Guiyun
Figure 3: The Miao people's grand festival "Guzang Festival" in Qiannan Prefecture. Photo by Wang Jiwen
Figure 4: Miao Bullfighting Festival. Photo by Liu Binghui
Figure 5: Basketball game in Qiandongnan Prefecture. Photo by Yao Shunwei
The third stop is Guizhou’s epic century of heroic spirit—
During the Long March, the Zunyi Conference saved the Chinese revolution. In the "City of Turnaround," Zunyi, a great leader left the bold verse: "The strong pass is like iron, yet we crossed it from the start." By the "River of Fine Wine," he commanded thousands of troops to cross the Chishui River four times in a "surprise move." More than 500 revolutionary sites and relics still spread the spark of history.
Maotai Town, beside the Chishui River, is a famous brewing town and a significant revolutionary site.
In the years that followed, Guizhou began its rapid development. The Third Front Construction forged Guizhou into a hub of national heavy industry; the China Sky Eye (FAST) carries humanity’s dreams of the stars; big data centers take root in the cool highlands... Guizhou’s modern face reflects a millennium of change.
This is Guizhou—a province where time and space uniquely converge.
The China Sky Eye (FAST), today’s Guizhou’s "heavy national treasure."
Refreshing summer in Guizhou, vibrant human life
Exploring spectacular landscapes and delving into cultural wonders across time and space—this is Guizhou’s unique summer. Yet, only when you wander through Guizhou’s intricate streets and alleys and experience its dense tapestry of daily life will you realize that beyond the cool freshness of this land lies a warm, bustling human world.
Qianchun Interchange, with the mountains separating it from downtown Guiyang.
Every city in Guizhou is a unique "ecological盆景 (potted landscape)": Guiyang, China’s first National Forest City; Anshun, a "stone city" shaped by karst topography; Maotai Town, a natural "wine jar" surrounded by mountains. In these illusory "mountain-water cities" of Guizhou, the most值得体验 (worth experiencing) is the nightlife of the local people.
Traveling through Guizhou, every place is radiant, every corner is a沸腾 (bustling) human world.
At the Taiping Road night market, you can eat your way from one end of the street to the other.
Summer happiness is as simple as this.
On Taiping Road in Yunyan District, Guiyang, as night falls, ice jelly, flowers, coffee, and lemon tea instantly fill the night market with atmosphere. In Tongren, after work, people stroll to the ancient city of Zhongnanmen or take a night cruise on the Jinjiang River to enjoy the gentle breeze. They might also explore Moon Street to sample various snacks and delicacies, or wander into the old streets of Zhongnanmen to watch live band performances by the roadside...
Fig. 1 Photo by Zhou Ruixi; Fig. 2 Photo by Mumaoren
How can you tour Guizhou at night without tasting its fiery local flavors?
The red oil sprinkled on morning Changwang noodles, all-encompassing hot pots, diverse dipping sauces, as well as chili chicken, pickled chili, roasted chili, and the snackable "crispy spicy"—these represent the spicy and exhilarating Guizhou. Various cooling and refreshing sour soups and pickled vegetables embody the tangy and refreshing Guizhou. The aroma of fine wine along the Chishui River, sweet and cool ice jelly snacks—this is the refreshing yet fiery "Shuangshuang" Guizhou!
Fig. 1: Charcoal-grilled chicken. Photo by Zhou Ruixi
Fig. 2: Find a noodle restaurant in Guiyang and enjoy a bowl of Changwang noodles. Photo by miemie
Fig. 3: Grilled small tofu that expands and bursts with filling. Photo by Jingyu
Fig. 4: Authentic Anshun snack: Small pot rice noodles. Photo by Li Lihong
In Guizhou, hidden snack streets are everywhere, and some small shops operate with a unique attitude—opening at 9 PM and closing at dawn. The seamless transition between late-night snack stalls and breakfast shops, offering 24/7 food and fun, is a legend unique to the people of Guizhou.
When fully satiated, the spiritual life of Guizhou people just begins. Here, it is far more open and inclusive than you might imagine.
The nightlife in Guiyang is dazzling and colorful.
The famous "Youth Cultural Home" Xixifu Bookstore was first established in Zunyi; the popular "script murder" games actually originated from Guiyang, the "script murder capital"; international beer festivals and other trendy events ensure your trip to Guizhou is truly worthwhile.
When it comes to the more popular music culture, renowned musicians like Zhou Shen, Chen Li, Gong Linna, and Yao Shisan have all risen from Guizhou to national fame. Guiyang also boasts the nationally top-tier Guiyang Symphony Orchestra, with packed performances every Friday...
The Guiyang Symphony Orchestra's 2022-2023 music season is about to begin.
Many renowned domestic and international musicians will gather in Guiyang to bring a feast of music.
Fig. 1: Renowned composer and conductor Tan Dun.
Fig. 2: Guiyang Symphony Orchestra Music Director Zhang Guoyong; Fig. 3: Guiyang Symphony Orchestra in performance.
Provided by Guiyang Symphony Orchestra
Coexistence of tranquility and passion, dialogue between tradition and youth, convergence of the primitive and the modern—this is Guizhou, China's top summer retreat province, a new Guizhou that is calm and self-assured!
Experiencing Guizhou through a summer retreat might reveal its most brilliant side, but it is certainly not the whole picture.
Those who come to this cool plateau to "escape the heat" are far more than just restless travelers. The big data industry attracted by the favorable climate, the "China Sky Eye" project established due to topographic advantages, and the increasingly important ecological civilization efforts amid global warming—these are all "distinguished guests" coming to Guizhou to "escape the heat," and they will also illuminate the future of humanity.
Tranquility coexists with passion, the ancient converses with the young.
The wonders of Guizhou, China’s summer retreat province, extend far beyond its cool climate.
This is Guizhou—home to 38.52 million people, a refreshing plateau, and a land of pure delight!
Image Editors | Bingzhen Taozi, Jingyu
Map Reviewer | Monk
Review Expert | Yang Qinye, Researcher at the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS
*Notes on Guizhou History* by Fan Tongshou, Guizhou People's Publishing House, 2008
*Tales of Guizhou’s Development* by Liu Xuezhu, Guizhou People's Publishing House, 1970
Official Website of Guizhou Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism
Guizhou Provincial People's Government – Statistical Yearbook
*Guizhou Province’s 14th Five-Year Plan for the Protection and Development of Ethnic Villages*
Propaganda Department of the CPC Liupanshui Municipal Committee
Propaganda Department of the CPC Qianxinan Prefectural Committee
Propaganda Department of the CPC Qiandongnan Prefectural Committee
Propaganda Department of the CPC Panzhou Municipal Committee