Things To Do
in Baiyan

Baiyan sits along a winding river in Guizhou, blending preserved ancient lanes with a growing modern café scene. The city is framed by surrounding green hills and misty mornings, offering scenic views and a relaxed pace for travelers. Its cuisine highlights bold Sichuan-inspired flavors and fresh river fish, often enjoyed at riverside eateries.

Visitors can explore historic neighborhoods, markets, and nearby natural spots that reveal a softer side of inland China.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Baiyan's Cultural Heritage
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the Baiyan Cultural Center, where you can immerse yourself in local traditions and art. Engage with local artists and learn about the history of Baiyan through interactive exhibits. Don't forget to take some photos of the stunning architecture that reflects the region's heritage.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Baiyan's antique market, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts. Engage with vendors and discover the stories behind their crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the Baiyan Night Market, bustling with local food stalls and artisan vendors. Indulge in street food delicacies and experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and music. Cap off the night by watching a traditional dance performance that showcases Baiyan's rich cultural tapestry.

day 2
Natural Wonders of Baiyan
morning
:

Start your exploration with a hike at the nearby Baiyan Mountain Park, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The early morning air is crisp and refreshing, making it an ideal time for photography. Look out for native plants and wildlife that thrive in this beautiful habitat.

afternoon
:

After your hike, enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints within the park. Spend the afternoon leisurely walking along the nature trails and stopping to appreciate the tranquil environment. Take a moment to meditate or simply absorb the beauty of nature.

evening
:

Return to the city and unwind at a local teahouse, where you can taste a variety of Chinese teas. The ambiance is peaceful, allowing for introspection after a day spent in nature. Engage with couples or families enjoying their evening, making this a perfect spot to connect with locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea$2-4
🚕Taxi start (short ride)$1-3
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-90
🛍️Local souvenir$3-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic local culture and scenic riverside views
  • Affordable costs and friendly people
  • Good base for short nature trips
  • Limited English in some areas
  • Crowded markets can be noisy and chaotic
  • Weather can be rainy and humid in summer
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪儿?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "这个多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "你会说英语吗?" - Do you speak English?
  • "再见" - Goodbye
  • "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
  • "我想点这个" - I would like to order this

Places to Visit in Baiyan

Visit one of these nice places.

Baiyan Old Town Gate

Carved beams and lanterns create a timeless frame, especially at dawn.

Huang River Promenade

Long riverside walkway with reflections and city silhouettes at sunset.

River Bridge at Night

Illuminated bridge with misty backdrops—great for long exposures.

Teahouse Interior

Warm wooden interiors with natural light and potted plants for atmospheric shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Baiyan

Baiyan’s cuisine blends river-fresh ingredients with Sichuan-style heat and mountain greens. Expect bold flavors, fragrant chilies, and seasonal vegetables sourced from markets and surrounding farms.

Baiyan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baiyan Spicy River Fish

Fresh river fish pan-fried or steamed with a fragrant chili oil, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorn sauce.

Must-Try!

Mushroom and Greens Stir-Fry

Seasonal mushrooms with leafy greens in a light soy glaze, a staple dish in local homes.

Chili Tofu with Mountain Vegetables

Silky tofu tossed with crisp mountain vegetables and a savory, spicy coating.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Baiyan Old Town Market

Open-air stalls selling fresh produce, noodles, skewers, and herbal teas along the riverside.

Riverside Night Market

Evening stalls offering snacks, soups, and sweet treats with views of the water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Baiyan has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The rainy season runs from May to September, making spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A nod or light handshake is common; use polite titles when addressing elders.

Temple Etiquette

Dress modestly, remove hats, and ask permission before taking photos inside temples.

Public Behavior

Keep voices moderate in public spaces and avoid loud displays of anger.

Dining Etiquette

Use serving utensils for shared dishes and avoid pointing chopsticks at people.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good, but crowded markets can attract petty theft. Stay aware of your belongings, use reputable transportation, and avoid poorly lit areas at night. Carry water and a basic first aid kit for outdoor days.

Tipping in Baiyan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not common in most eateries; rounding up the bill or a small tip in tourist spots is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay are widely accepted; some shops and hotels accept cards.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming flowers; carry light layers and a compact umbrella for showers.

Summer

Hot and humid with regular rainfall; stay hydrated and seek shade near water.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures and clearer skies; ideal for outdoor activities and photography.

Winter

Cool to mild with cooler evenings; pack a warm jacket and enjoy quieter streets.

Nightlife Guide

Baiyan at Night

The nightlife in Baiyan centers on riverside cafes, tea houses with light live music, night markets, and casual bars along the promenade. It favors relaxed, scenic evenings over club scenes, with many visitors enjoying sunset drinks and street snacks by the water.

Hiking in Baiyan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mist Gorge Trail

Scenic gorge with stone steps and viewpoints; moderate difficulty and rewarding sunrise views.

Stone Cliff Loop

Circular trail along limestone cliffs with forested slopes; suitable for casual hikers.

Twin Waterfalls Path

Lush trail leading to twin waterfalls, best visited in spring after rains.

Airports

How to reach Baiyan by plane.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)

Nearest major international airport with connections to major Chinese cities and some international destinations. Access Baiyan by high-speed rail or a 1-2 hour drive.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)

Large hub with extensive domestic and international flights; about 4-5 hours by rail or road from Baiyan.

Getting Around

Walkability

Baiyan's city core is fairly walkable, with narrow lanes and pleasant riverfront paths. Some hills require moderate climbing; comfortable shoes are recommended. Mandarin signage helps visitors, and locals are usually helpful to pedestrians.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Composition

Predominantly Han Chinese with Yi and Miao communities in surrounding districts; Mandarin is the main language, with regional dialects spoken locally.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and community centers; many free courts in neighborhoods.

Table Tennis

A common pastime in urban areas and clubs.

Badminton

Popular in parks and recreation centers, especially in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be moderate to heavy during peak hours. Public transport includes buses and taxis, with growing bike lanes. Crosswalks are important in busy streets due to scooters and bicycles sharing the road.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Baiyan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be made vegetarian; request vegetable-forward versions and avoid heavy MSG blends. Look for tofu and mushroom-based options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are concentrated in the city center with clinics and a municipal hospital. For serious care, travel to Guiyang is common. Pharmacies are widespread; carry a translation app if needed.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide