Best Spots to See Guiyang’s Traditional Architecture

Nestled among the lush, rolling hills of China’s Guizhou province, Guiyang is a city where ancient traditions and modern life converge. While it may not be as internationally renowned as Beijing or Shanghai, Guiyang offers a unique and captivating glimpse into China’s architectural heritage, particularly that of the Miao and Buyi ethnic groups. The city’s traditional architecture is not just about buildings; it’s a narrative of history, culture, and the harmonious relationship between people and nature. For the discerning traveler, exploring these structures is a journey into the soul of Southwest China. This guide will take you through the very best spots to experience Guiyang’s stunning traditional architecture, from ancient Qing Dynasty streetscapes to remote mountain villages that seem frozen in time.

Qingyan Ancient Town: A Walk Through Ming and Qing Dynasties

Just 29 kilometers south of Guiyang’s city center lies Qingyan Ancient Town, arguably the most famous and accessible destination for traditional architecture in the region. Founded in 1378 during the Ming Dynasty, this town was a critical military stronghold and a bustling post on the ancient tea route. Today, its well-preserved state offers an immersive historical experience.

The South Gate and the City Wall

Your architectural tour begins at the imposing South Gate. The massive stone wall, constructed from local slate, snakes around the town, a testament to its strategic past. Walking atop the wall provides a panoramic view of the town’s tiled roofs, hidden courtyards, and the surrounding countryside. The gate itself is a magnificent structure, featuring intricate wood carvings of deities and mythical creatures meant to ward off evil spirits—a common feature in Han Chinese architecture.

Siheyuan Courtyards and Temples

Wandering the narrow, flagstone-paved streets, you’ll encounter numerous siheyuan—traditional Chinese courtyard homes. These complexes, built around a central courtyard, showcase a blend of Han and local styles. Their design emphasizes symmetry, with beautifully carved wooden windows, doors, and eaves. Key buildings to seek out include: - The Zhao Family Courtyard: A prime example of a merchant’s home from the Qing Dynasty, featuring a complex layout and exquisite woodwork. - Tianhou Palace (The Empress Temple): This temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu is a surprising find in a mountain town, reflecting the widespread influence of coastal traders. Its grand hall and ornate roof ridges are spectacular. - Ciyun Temple: A Buddhist temple known for its serene atmosphere and ancient stone carvings.

The blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian influences in the town’s temples and public buildings tells the story of a diverse and prosperous historical community.

Jiaxiu Pavilion: The Iconic Landmark of Guiyang

No visit to Guiyang is complete without seeing the Jiaxiu Pavilion. Standing proudly on Fuyu Bridge over the Nanming River, this three-story wooden pagoda is the symbol of the city. First built in 1598 during the Ming Dynasty, it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating from 1909.

The pavilion is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese pavilion architecture. Its iconic green tiles, red pillars, white stone balustrades, and dramatically upturned eaves create a perfect picture of elegance and balance. The name "Jiaxiu" means "first among scholars," and the pavilion was indeed built to honor Guizhou’s finest scholars and intellectuals. Climbing to the top offers not only a history lesson but also a fantastic view of the modern city rising around this ancient treasure, a powerful juxtaposition of old and new.

Hongfu Temple: Spiritual Architecture Amidst the Forest

For a different type of architectural experience, head to Qianling Mountain Park. Here, nestled in a dense forest, you’ll find Hongfu Temple, one of the most famous Zen Buddhist temples in Southwest China. Founded in the 1670s by a renowned general who chose to become a monk, the temple complex is a stunning example of how traditional architecture integrates with its natural environment.

The temple is not a single building but a sprawling complex of halls, pavilions, and shrines built along the mountainside. As you ascend, you pass through structures like the Mahavira Hall, which houses magnificent statues of Buddha. The architecture follows classic Buddhist temple design, with sweeping roofs adorned with zhengwen (ridge beasts) and intricate bracketing systems (dougong) that support the weight of the roofs without a single nail. The sound of chanting monks, the scent of incense, and the surrounding ancient trees make the architectural beauty here a profoundly spiritual experience.

Gaopo Miao Village: The Living Architecture of the Miao People

To truly understand the breadth of Guiyang’s traditional architecture, you must venture beyond Han Chinese structures and into the villages of the Miao people. Approximately 50 kilometers from downtown Guiyang, the Gaopo Miao Village offers an authentic and breathtaking look into their unique architectural style.

The Diaojiaolou (Hanging Footstock Buildings)

The most striking feature of Gaopo is its Diaojiaolou, or stilt houses. These wooden structures are built on steep slopes, with the rear section standing on the ground and the front section suspended on wooden stilts. This ingenious design adapts to the mountainous terrain, saves arable land, and provides a dry, ventilated space underneath for keeping livestock or storing tools.

The villages are often arranged in a cluster, with houses seemingly stacked upon one another, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The use of untreated wood, which weathers to a beautiful silvery-gray, and the dark-toned roof tiles blend the village perfectly into the landscape. Unlike a museum, this is a living, breathing community. Seeing villagers in their traditional Miao attire going about their daily lives against this architectural backdrop is an unforgettable experience.

The Lusheng Field and Drum Tower

At the heart of many Miao villages, including Gaopo, lies a large, flat open space known as the Lusheng Field. It is here that the community gathers for festivals, dances, and celebrations. Nearby, you will often find a Drum Tower, a multi-story pavilion that serves as the symbolic and ceremonial center of the village. While more common in Dong villages, some Miao communities have their own versions. These towers are incredible feats of carpentry, built entirely of wood using mortise and tenon joints without nails.

Zhenshan Ethnic Village: A Buyi Cultural Showcase

On the peninsula in Huaxi Park, Zhenshan Ethnic Village is a beautifully preserved Buyi village that has become a living museum. The Buyi people, another significant ethnic group in Guizhou, have a distinct architectural style that is prominently displayed here.

The village is composed of stone houses, a stark contrast to the wooden stilt houses of the Miao. The Buyi are master stonemasons, and they use local slate to build everything from their homes to their roads and fences. The houses often feature courtyards and are built to be sturdy and practical. Wandering through the narrow, stone-paved alleyways of Zhenshan feels like stepping back centuries. The village also offers demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as batik making, allowing visitors to appreciate the culture that gave rise to this unique architectural style.

Tips for Your Architectural Tour of Guiyang

To make the most of your exploration, keep a few things in mind. The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking on uneven stone paths. Always be respectful when visiting active religious sites or people’s homes in ethnic villages. Ask for permission before taking photos of residents. Don’t just focus on the big sights; some of the most charming architectural details are found in a quiet alley, a hidden courtyard, or a beautifully carved door frame. Finally, pair your architectural journey with the local cuisine. Try Guiyang’s famous street food like siwawa or sour soup fish for a full sensory experience of the city’s rich culture.