Last days of summer vacation: How to save money by avoiding crowds in Guizhou

Last week, Ms. Lin from Singapore reached out with concerns about visiting Guizhou during summer break: two-hour waits at Huangguoshu Waterfall and crowded photo spots at Xiaoqikong. She asked, "Would early September be a better time to visit?"

The answer is straightforward: yes, and it's significantly better.

Meitu has been operating ground services in Guizhou for a decade. The best time for overseas Chinese to visit is from the end of summer vacation through mid-September. Flights and hotels are cheaper, attraction tickets are no longer hard to get, and the weather remains comfortably summery—daytime temperatures around 25–26°C, with nights cool enough to need a blanket. This article shares practical tips for traveling during this off-peak window.

How much can you save by avoiding peak hours?

Let's crunch the numbers. Round-trip flights from Singapore to Guiyang during summer vacation range from 3500 to 4500, then drop to just over 2000 in early September. The trend is even more pronounced for departures from the US: one-way fares with layovers cost $7,000–$8,000 during summer, but fall below $5,000 by mid-September.

For accommodations, well-rated stilt house homestays in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village cost between 800 and 1200 per night during summer, dropping to 400–600 in September. Business hotels in Libo County charge over 350 in summer and fall to around 200 by September.

Tickets have no additional discounts, but the benefit of visiting during off-peak hours is that you can enter immediately upon purchasing at the venue. Huangguoshu limits tickets to 20,000 per day during peak season and has no limit during off-peak season.

How to plan a five-day itinerary

Arrived in Guiyang on day one. Spent the afternoon visiting Jiaxiu Pavilion and ended the evening at Qingyun Road Night Market trying Siwawa (baby silk rolls). Admission to Jiaxiu Pavilion is free; average meal cost at the night market is 30 RMB.

Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall (2.5-hour drive). Visit Tianxingqiao first, then Dupotang, and finally the main waterfall. Combined ticket: 220 CNY; shuttle bus: 50 CNY. Full tour takes about 5–6 hours.

MeituShuo ReminderIn early September, the water volume at Huangguoshu Waterfall remains abundant. However, the interior of the Water Curtain Cave is slippery; wear non-slip shoes and avoid sandals, as moss grows on the ground. We have seen guests wearing flip-flops slip and fall inside.

Day 3: Travel from Anshun to Libo Xiaoqikong (4-hour drive). Combined ticket: 130, shuttle bus: 40, boat ride at Yuan Yang Lake: 30. Must-visit stops include the 68-Level Waterfall, Forest on Water, and Wotang Pool.

Day 4: Xijiang Thousand Hui Miao Village (3.5-hour drive). In the afternoon, walk along Baishui River; at night, enjoy the illuminated scenery. Admission: 90, Shuttle bus: 20, September stay in a stilt house homestay: ~500.

MeituShuo ReminderThe night view deck is located on the hillside above Wind and Rain Bridges 4 and 5. Arrive by 6:30 PM to secure a spot; the illuminated views are best after dark. Expect heavy crowds during peak season, but September offers a quieter experience for photography.

Day 5: Return to Guiyang. Stop in Kaili for one hour to enjoy sour soup fish, arrive in Guiyang in the afternoon, and fly back tonight.

Charter a car or drive yourself?

Total distance over five days: approximately 1100 km. High-speed rail to Anshun and Libo is direct, but from Kaili South Station to Xijiang requires a 40-minute bus transfer, which is inconvenient with luggage.

We recommend hiring a car with a driver-guide for the entire trip. Choose a 5-seater sedan or 7-seater van. The cost ranges from 3500 to 4500, including fuel, tolls, and the driver's meals and accommodation. September has good availability, so last-minute bookings can still secure great vehicles.

Two common pitfalls to avoid

Avoid These PitfallsDon't assume September is cool. In Guizhou, daytime temperatures hover around 25–26°C (77–79°F), and you'll still sweat under the midday sun—sunscreen is essential. We had guests returning from the U.S. who thought sunscreen wasn't needed in autumn; after a full day exploring the water forest in Libo, their necks got so burned they peeled.

Avoid These PitfallsDon't book your return flight too late. Although September is off-peak, there's a surge around the Mid-Autumn Festival. If your dates are close to the holiday, booking three weeks in advance can save you 30% to 50% compared to last-minute fares.

Read more

• How to plan a 5-day summer family trip to Guizhou

• How to plan a 5-day trip to Guizhou on your first visit

• How much does Guizhou car rental cost? 2026 latest rates + how to choose a vehicle

Early September is one of the best times to visit Guizhou: flights, hotels, and attractions are more relaxed, offering exceptional value. Share your travel ideas with us, and we'll craft a relaxed, stress-free itinerary for you.

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