Guiyang City Guide

Guiyang cuisine is spicy and sour. Local dishes include Sour Soup Fish and Siwawa. International food options exist in upscale areas. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available mainly in Buddhist restaurants. Many street foods and restaurants stay open late.

Nightlife includes KTV bars, local pubs, and some modern bars in city centers. The scene is growing but not large.

Growing coffee scene with independent and chain cafes. Specialty shops are limited but improving.

Tipping is not customary and generally not expected anywhere.

SIM cards are sold at China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom stores. Passport required for registration. China Mobile offers the best coverage.

Central areas are clean, waste collection is regular. Public restroom cleanliness varies.

Some 24/7 convenience stores and late-night food stalls. 24/7 pharmacies and clinics are limited.

You can buy international products in large supermarkets like Walmart and Carrefour. Local wet markets offer fresh produce. Supermarkets usually open from 8 AM to 10 PM.

Mobile payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay are common for almost all purchases. Cash use is rare and sometimes inconvenient.

ATMs are easy to find in banks and malls. Major bank ATMs accept international Visa and Mastercard, but fees may apply.

Local public schools teach in Mandarin. Guiyang International School offers an international curriculum for expat families.

Small nomad community with limited meetups or co-living spaces. Some cafes are good for working. Networking is mostly through general expat groups.

Abundant green spaces like Qianling and Huaxi Parks. Good for walking and running.

Parks and riversides offer safe running routes. Air quality varies, but running events occur occasionally.

Gyms are available including well-known chains and community centers.

Tennis courts exist at sports centers and clubs, mostly hard courts. Booking and coaching available.

Padel is not common.

Some yoga studios offer common styles. English-speaking instructors are rare.

Local dojos offer Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Sanda. Boxing or Muay Thai may be found. English instruction is rare.

Small ski resorts like Meihua Mountain are 1-2 hours away. Mostly beginner to intermediate slopes with artificial snow and rentals.

Limited water sports on lakes and rivers like kayaking, but facilities are basic and rentals rare.

No surfing spots; Guiyang is inland.

No diving available; the city is inland.

Hospitals such as Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital have modern facilities. English-speaking staff are limited. Use translation apps if needed.

Tap water should be boiled or filtered before drinking. Bottled water is widely available.

Parks like Qianling have playgrounds. Museums and zoos offer family attractions. Baby supplies are easy to find.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low and mostly discreet. Few safe spaces or events. Legal protections are absent.

Pet policies can be strict. Veterinary services exist but English support varies. Few dedicated pet parks.