Baihua Lake Baihua Lake is situated about 14 miles northwest of Guiyang City; where wooded islands surround this clear
fresh water lake. It covers an area of 3,335 acres. The wooded island is a sanctuary to a variety of birds like bitters ospreys and teals. To the south of the lake stands an ethnic village. Formerly the site of an ancient battleground, the remains of an ancient city gate and road can be found. Next to the village is a lake bay, dreamily named Moon Bay. To the southeast of the lake is a small town called Zhuchang, an ancient town famous for its traditional Chinese buildings and wine.
Huaxi Park Huaxi Park lies in the southern suburbs of the city. This park is named Huaxi (Flower Stream) because of the clear stream that flows through the park, speckled with fragrant flowers growing on its bank. It is a fairyland of flora and fauna, resplendent with elegant gardens, wooded plants, and handsome green hills. Spectacular stalactites are suspended from the exposed side of the hills and the rock outcrop. A one-hundred-step bridge zigzags over the stream, enabling you to have an intimate view of the scenic stream. In the spring it draws many tourists who throng the park to admire the blooming flowers of the peach blossom, while in summer it is a place to escape from the summer heat.
Forest Park The 741 acres of Forest Park are located about 2 miles southeast of Guiyang City. This park is the largest of its kind in China. It is densely covered with sub tropical rain forest and permeated with pure, fresh air. In the month of July, it is a favorite place for people to escape the summer heat. To enhance Forest Park, a beautifully designed man-made lake and a small garden were created. A memorial hall to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, a great political figure and the forerunner of the Chinese Revolution, was built within the boundaries of this small garden. Inside the hall is a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.
Jiaxiu Tower Jiaxiu Tower is located across the Nanming River, just opposite of the city's Southern Gate. It is a 65-foot high three-storied tower, which stands on the Fuyu Bridge (Jade Floating Bridge). It was built during the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty. At that time, the purpose of building this bridge was to encourage scholars to meet together to sit for the annual provincial examination. Jiaxiu in Chinese means the best scholar in the exam. Now, most visitors are attracted to visit Jiaxiu Tower to see the exhibitions of furniture, paintings, wooden crafts and stone tablets inscribed with poems.
Qianling Park Qianling Park is located about 1 mile northwest of the city's center. It is a cool and quiet park, which covers an area of 1,052 acres. Boating activities on the clear Qianling Lake gives tourists some respite from the crowded city. Encircling the lake is the zigzagged Nine-Twisting Path, with ancient trees lining both sides. Along the trail up to the top of Qianling Hill there are many inscriptions on the cliffs. The largest of these inscriptions is the Chinese character written by a Qing Dynasty literate during the reign of Emperor Xianfeng. Buddhist temples were originally built on the hilltop, but were destroyed some time later. Some of the temples have since been restored and are used to house exhibits of Buddhist artistic works. Standing on the hilltop, you can have a panoramic view of the park and the whole city. This park is also a habitat to hundreds of wild and monkeys.
Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou Province, located at an elevation
of 3,000 feet in the very center of the southwest province. It is
dominated by mist-shrouded hills that surround the Wujiang Valley.
The climate is mild throughout the year, much like that in Kunming,
the capital of neighboring Yunnan Province.
The most interesting scenic
spot in the city is the Southern Cave, or the "Underground Park"
as the locals call it. About half a mile in length, the cave contains
spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
A three-hour journey west from Guiyang will take you to the Huangguoshu
waterfall. It is one of the biggest falls in China, reaching 316 feet
in height and spanning 346 feet in width. Water pours down the cliff
into the Xiniu Pool and as sunlight is diffracted through the drops
of water, glorious rainbows are produced. There is a natural cave
behind the waterfall, 131 feet above Xiniu Pool. Standing inside and
watching the water pouring down is an unforgettable sight. Around
Huangguoshu are 18 smaller falls and 30 karst caves.
