The Most Refreshing Guiyang Dishes for Hot Days

When summer heat becomes unbearable, travelers often seek culinary escapes that cool both body and soul. Few places deliver this experience better than Guiyang—the capital of Guizhou Province—where the cuisine is a masterclass in balancing spice, acidity, and refreshing textures. From icy noodles to herb-infused broths, here’s your guide to the most revitalizing dishes this vibrant city has to offer.

The Magic of Guiyang’s Summer Cuisine

Guiyang’s food culture thrives on contrast: fiery chili peppers meet cooling herbs, and steaming hot pots are paired with chilled accompaniments. The city’s elevation (about 1,100 meters above sea level) means summers are milder than in other Chinese lowland cities, but humidity still calls for dishes designed to beat the heat. Locals swear by these culinary remedies, many of which have gained cult followings among food-loving travelers.

1. Siwawa (丝娃娃) – The Ultimate DIY Cool-Down

Imagine a DIY salad roll so refreshing it feels like a splash of cold water on a sweltering day. Siwawa, often called "Guiyang-style spring rolls," is a must-try street food. Thin rice wrappers are served with a rainbow of fillings: shredded cucumber, carrots, radish, tofu, and herbs like mint and cilantro. The magic lies in the dipping sauce—a tangy, slightly spicy blend of vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil.

Why It’s Perfect for Hot Days: The crisp vegetables and cooling herbs provide a hydrating crunch, while the light rice wrappers won’t weigh you down. It’s a dish that feels like eating a salad but with far more excitement.

2. Liangfen (凉粉) – The Jelly Noodle Sensation

Liangfen, or "cold jelly noodles," are a staple in Guiyang’s summer diet. Made from mung bean or pea starch, these translucent noodles have a bouncy, slippery texture that’s incredibly satisfying. They’re served chilled and dressed with a punchy sauce of vinegar, garlic, chili oil, and Sichuan pepper. Some vendors add pickled vegetables or crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

Pro Tip: For the best experience, head to Zhenning Road, where street vendors have perfected the art of balancing spice and coolness in their liangfen.

3. Sour Soup Fish (酸汤鱼) – A Tangy, Hydrating Feast

Don’t let the "soup" in the name fool you—this dish is anything but heavy. Guizhou’s famous suan tang yu features freshwater fish (usually carp or catfish) simmered in a vibrant red broth made from fermented tomatoes and rice. The result is a tart, slightly spicy, and deeply umami flavor that awakens the palate.

Why It Cools You Down: The fermentation process creates natural probiotics, which aid digestion—key when the heat saps your appetite. Plus, the broth’s acidity is incredibly thirst-quenching.

4. Málà Lengmian (麻辣冷面) – Spicy, Cold, and Addictive

A cousin to Sichuan’s dandan noodles, Guiyang’s málà lengmian takes the concept of chilled noodles to new heights. The dish features wheat noodles served cold, tossed in a numbing, spicy sauce (thanks to Sichuan peppercorns), and topped with minced pork, scallions, and crushed peanuts.

The Heat Paradox: While the dish is packed with spice, the cooling effect of the cold noodles and the tingling málà (numbing-spicy) sensation create a bizarrely refreshing experience. It’s like eating air conditioning.

5. Ice Jelly (冰粉) – The Ultimate Summer Dessert

No Guiyang summer meal is complete without bingfen, a wobbly, crystal-clear jelly made from plant seeds. Served in a bowl of crushed ice and drizzled with brown sugar syrup, it’s often garnished with fresh fruit, raisins, or even a splash of fermented glutinous rice (jiuniang).

Where to Find the Best: Look for stalls near Qianling Park, where vendors serve it with a local twist—adding mint for an extra cooling kick.

Beyond the Plate: Guiyang’s Refreshing Food Culture

Guiyang’s approach to hot-weather dining isn’t just about the food—it’s a lifestyle. Here’s how to dive deeper into the experience:

1. Night Markets: Where Cool Dishes Shine

The Huaxi Night Market and Erqi Road Snack Street transform into cooling stations after sunset. Wander through stalls serving siwawa, liangfen, and bingfen alongside local drinks like sour plum juice (suanmeitang), a tart, sweet beverage that aids digestion.

2. Tea Houses: Sipping Your Way to Coolness

Guiyang’s tea culture leans heavily on light, floral varieties like Maojian green tea. Many teahouses offer iced versions in summer, perfect for sipping while overlooking the city’s lush hills.

3. The Role of Herbs

Many Guiyang dishes incorporate mint, perilla leaf, and cilantro—herbs known for their cooling properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Even the spiciest dishes often include these to balance the heat.

Final Bite

Guiyang’s summer cuisine proves that beating the heat doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re wrapping siwawa, slurping liangfen, or indulging in bingfen, every bite is a reminder that the best way to cool down is with bold, vibrant, and utterly refreshing food.