Located in eastern Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Guizhou features a subtropical humid monsoon climate. Its unique landforms and climate shape distinct scenic beauty and cultural experiences across four seasons. Selecting the right travel time is key—you can admire diverse natural landscapes and experience distinctive folk customs. From spring’s blooming flowers and summer’s cool retreats to autumn’s golden terraces and winter’s hot springs & snow, Guizhou promises unforgettable journeys. This guide details seasonal highlights, recommended spots and travel tips to help you plan a perfect trip.
Guizhou Spring Tourism: Blossoms & Folk Customs
Guizhou’s spring spans March to May, with an average temperature of 10℃ to 20℃. Mild and pleasant, it’s the best season for flower viewing and folk experiences. As all things revive, flowers bloom across the region, blending with karst landforms into picturesque scenery. It’s also a peak season for ethnic minority activities, offering deep cultural immersion.
For flower appreciation, Anshun Pingba Cherry Garden is a top pick—Asia’s largest cherry planting base with hundreds of thousands of trees. From mid-March to early April, pink cherry blossoms burst into bloom, forming magnificent tunnels along roads and lakes. Gentle breezes bring fluttering cherry petals, like a fairyland. Additionally, peach and pear blossoms around Guiyang Qingzhen’s Hongfeng Lake complement the lake and mountain views; Qiannan Danzhai’s 10,000-mu rapeseed fields, golden and vibrant, pair beautifully with Miao stilted buildings for idyllic charm.
Folk experiences not to be missed include the Miao Sisters’ Festival in April. In Taijiang County, Qiandongnan, Miao people dress in grand costumes, holding drum dancing, antiphonal singing and Sisters’ Rice feasts. The colorful glutinous Sisters’ Rice symbolizes good luck, inviting tourists to join the lively ethnic atmosphere. Moreover, Kam Grand Chorus performances are regularly held in Zhaoxing Dong Village, where dozens of Kam singers deliver stunning a cappella shows.
Spring Travel Tips: Precipitation increases gradually—bring rain gear and non-slip shoes. Temperature differences between day and night in mountainous areas are significant; wear layered clothing. Flower-viewing spots draw crowds—plan ahead for off-peak visits.
Anshun Pingba Cherry Garden
Guizhou Summer Tourism: Cool Summer Retreat in Natural Seclusion
June to August is Guizhou’s summer, with an average temperature of only around 23℃. Compared to the sweltering heat in most parts of China, Guizhou is a natural summer resort, ideal for escaping the heat. During this season, green mountains and rivers, roaring waterfalls and streams, and lush forests create a cool and comfortable environment, perfect for admiring spectacular water and mountain scenery.
Liupanshui, known as China’s Cool City, is a top recommendation with an average summer temperature of just 19.7℃. Yushe National Forest Park, a core attraction in Liupanshui, boasts high forest coverage and gurgling streams—wandering through it, cool breezes dispel all summer heat. Wumeng Grassland is another great choice, with an average altitude of over 2,400 meters. Its vast grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and opportunities for camping and stargazing offer unique pleasures.
For water scenery, Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area is unparalleled. In summer, the 68-level stepped waterfalls are full of gushing water, splashing like jade beads. The turquoise Wolongtan is crystal clear, resembling an emerald inlaid among mountains. Tourists can walk along plank roads, wandering between waterfalls and streams to enjoy coolness and comfort. Additionally, Huangguoshu Waterfall enters its flood season in summer, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight with towering water curtains and splashing spray—an unmissable check-in spot.
Summer Travel Tips: Despite the comfortable temperature, UV rays are strong—take sun protection measures. Mountain weather is changeable with occasional short downpours; carry rain gear. Some scenic spots have slippery terrain—wear non-slip sports shoes. Summer is a peak tourist season; book attractions and accommodation in advance.
Liupanshui
Guizhou Autumn Tourism: Golden Terraces & Colored Forests
September to November marks Guizhou’s autumn, with an average temperature of 15℃ to 25℃. Sunny days and mild sunshine make it the best season for autumn appreciation. At this time, forests are dyed in rich hues, terraces turn golden, and rice fields fill the air with fragrance—everywhere is filled with the joy of harvest and poetic beauty. It’s also an excellent time for off-peak travel.
For autumn scenery, Congjiang Jiabang Terraces in Qiandongnan are a must-visit. Stretching 25 kilometers from the foot of the mountains to the peaks, these grand terraces are a sight to behold. From mid-October to early November, golden rice ears sway in the wind, forming magnificent golden curves that complement the ancient Miao stilted buildings. Overlooking from the observation deck on high, the vast terraces unfold like a stunning pastoral painting. Additionally, Liping Tang’an Terraces are distinctive—stone-built ridges outline unique shapes, and the golden terraces shine brightly in the sun, serene and beautiful.
For colored forest views, Tongren Fanjing Mountain is unparalleled. In autumn, red maple leaves interweave with green pines and cypresses, painting the mountain in vibrant colors that contrast beautifully with the temples among the peaks, like a fairyland. Tourists can climb the mountain to admire the magnificent peak forests and colored forests, feeling the magic of nature. Furthermore, Guiyang Huaxi District’s Golden Avenue is worth a visit—French parasol trees on both sides don golden coats, and the stream reflects the golden leaves. Gentle breezes bring falling leaves, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Autumn Travel Tips: The weather is dry—stay hydrated. Temperature differences between morning and evening increase; bring a light jacket. Some autumn scenic spots are in mountainous areas with inconvenient transportation—recommend self-driving or choosing regular travel agency routes. Participate in local agricultural activities such as rice harvesting to experience the joy of harvest.
Fanjing mountains
Guizhou Winter Tourism: Hot Springs, Snow & Folk Customs
December to February is Guizhou’s winter, with an average temperature of 5℃ to 15℃. Though relatively cold, it offers unique hot spring and snow resources, along with a variety of fascinating folk celebrations—making it a warm and joyful travel season.
For winter relaxation, hot spring experiences are a top choice. Guizhou is home to numerous high-quality hot spring resorts, such as Shiqian Hot Spring and Jianhe Hot Spring. Rich in various minerals beneficial to the human body, these hot springs have suitable water temperatures. Soaking in hot springs in winter can dispel cold, nourish health and relax the body and mind. Some hot spring scenic areas have launched integrated formats like “hot spring + snow” and “hot spring + music” to enrich the experience.
For snow travel, Yushe National Forest Park Ski Resort and Meihua Mountain International Ski Resort in Liupanshui are the top choices for southern tourists to experience skiing. Benefiting from low latitude and high altitude, they form unique southern snow landscapes. Tourists can enjoy various snow sports like skiing and snow tubing under the warm sun, embracing the joy of snow.
Folk activities in winter are splendid, including the Miao New Year, Kam New Year and Shui Nationality Duan Festival. In Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, Miao people dress in grand costumes, arrange long-table banquets and hold activities such as Lusheng dancing and Miao singing. Tourists can taste Miao sour soup fish, drink door-blocking wine and deeply experience Miao culture. In Zhaoxing Dong Village, Kam Grand Chorus performances and batik experiences are held continuously, allowing tourists to feel the unique charm of Kam culture.
Winter Travel Tips: The temperature is low—bring warm clothing such as thick coats, scarves and gloves. Snow scenic spots have slippery terrain—wear non-slip snow boots. Pay attention to the duration of hot spring soaking to avoid discomfort. Some folk activities are regional—check the event time and location in advance.
Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village in Guizhou
Choose the Best Time to Visit Guizhou
Guizhou offers abundant travel options across seasons: spring for flowers and folk customs, summer for coolness and water scenery, autumn for terraces and colored forests, and winter for hot springs, snow and folk celebrations. Choose the right season based on your interests and schedule to deeply experience Guizhou’s unique charm. Before traveling, check the weather and traffic conditions of your destination and plan your trip reasonably for a smooth journey.
For a worry-free Guizhou travel plan, choose the professional services of a regular travel agency. China Dragon Travel has extensive experience in Guizhou’s tourism market, familiar with seasonal attractions and folk activities. It can customize personalized itineraries according to your needs and provide full-range thoughtful services, allowing you to enjoy Guizhou’s four-season beauty and culture without the hassle of planning. Whether traveling alone, as a couple, with family or in a group, China Dragon Travel delivers high-quality travel experiences, helping you better explore Guizhou’s unique charm.
