Overseas Chinese Travel to Guizhou After National Day for Off-Peak Visits: 5-Day Itinerary Featuring Ginkgo, Hot Springs, and Terraces

Last week, Mr. Chen from San Francisco, USA, contacted me via WeChat. He mentioned wanting to take two days off after the National Day holiday to bring his parents to Guizhou for a trip. "There were too many people during the National Day week, and we were really worried about the crowds. Since my parents are getting older, I don't want them to endure long queues."

This is spot on. After 10 years of ground handling in Guizhou and hosting hundreds of overseas Chinese families, we know this: visiting after 10 8 is when it truly feels like a vacation. The National Day crowds have dispersed, the weather is still mild, ginkgo trees are just turning golden, rice terraces are freshly harvested and glowing gold, and you can soak in hot springs while enjoying mountain views—that's what real relaxation looks like.

Today, we're breaking down a Guizhou private tour route we often recommend to overseas Chinese: 5 days and 4 nights. Starting from Guiyang, this itinerary connects three autumn-exclusive highlights: Panzhou Ginkgo Grove, Shiqian Hot Springs, and Jiabang Terraced Fields. The pace is relaxed and perfect for families with seniors and children.

Why visit Guizhou in late 10

Many overseas Chinese ask us when the best time to visit Guizhou is. Our conclusion: from 10 to the end of 8. The reason is straightforward.

First, after the 7-day National Day holiday, crowds at popular spots like Huangguoshu Waterfall and Xijiang Miao Village drop to one-third or half of their usual levels. You won't have to wait an hour just to pass through a ticket gate, and you can take photos without waiting for others to clear the frame.

Second, Guizhou's weather in 10 is very stable. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 22°C. Mornings and evenings are cool but not cold—a light jacket will suffice. Unlike the gloomy, rainy conditions after 11, or the scorching heat with sudden heavy downpours during 7-8.

Third, autumn scenery reaches its peak. The ginkgo trees in Tuole Village, Panzhou, turn yellow from mid to late 10, while the rice terraces of Jiabang burst into golden hues after harvest. These two scenic windows last only about ten days each—miss them, and you'll have to wait until next year.

How to plan a 5-day itinerary

Day 1: Guiyang airport pickup → Panzhou Tuole Village (~320 km, 4 hours)

We'll pick you up at Guiyang Longdongbao Airport and take the Hu-Kun Expressway toward Panzhou. We'll stop for a break at Anshun Service Area and arrive in Tuole Village around noon.

Had lunch in the village with farm-style ginkgo nuts stewed with chicken, using nuts collected under a ginkgo tree; the broth was clear and sweet. In the afternoon, I strolled through the village. Tuole Village is home to over a thousand ancient ginkgo trees, ranging from hundreds to thousands of years old. By late 10, the leaves turn from green to yellow, bathing the entire village in golden hues. A clear stream runs through the village; its crystal-clear water is dotted with fallen ginkgo leaves—perfect for photos.

Stay overnight in Panzhou County at a hotel with better amenities than village lodging.

MeituShuo ReminderThe optimal viewing period for the ginkgo trees in Tuole Village is typically from 10 month 15 to 10 month 30. Arriving too early means they aren't fully yellow, while arriving too late means the leaves have fallen. One week before your trip, let us confirm the color change status for you; our local team can provide real-time photos.

Day 2: Panzhou → Shiqian Hot Spring (approx. 280 km, 3.5 hours)

Depart from Panzhou in the morning, take Qingxing Expressway then Sijian Expressway to Shiqian County. Shiqian Hot Springs is one of Guizhou's most famous natural hot springs; the spring clusters are mainly concentrated south of the city and earn it the title "Capital of Springs."

Check in at the hot spring hotel first upon arrival, then enjoy a soak in the afternoon. The Shiqian hot springs maintain a steady temperature of 45-50°C and are rich in trace elements like silicic acid and strontium, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth. The resort features both indoor and outdoor pools. We recommend starting with the indoor pool to acclimate to the water temperature before moving outside. Soaking outdoors while gazing at the mountain views is a truly relaxing autumn experience.

Dinner in Shiqian County featured local green bean noodles for about $10 per bowl—smooth, chewy, and served with sour chili peppers and chopped scallions.

Day 3: Shiqian → Jiabang Rice Terraces in Congjiang (approx. 260 km, 4.5 hours)

Today was the longest day of the trip, but the scenery along the way was worth it. Leaving Shiqian toward Qiandongnan, we passed Kaili and entered the mountains. The road became winding, with terraced fields and Miao villages filling the view outside the window.

Jiabang Terraced Fields, located in Jiabang Township from Congjiang County, are among China's most beautiful terraces. By mid-to-late 10, rice harvesting is complete, leaving golden stubble that cascades in layers from the mountain base to the summit. We typically arrive at Jiabang around 3–4 PM, just in time for the sunset to bathe the terraces in a radiant golden glow.

Stay overnight at a homestay in Jiadang or Dangniu Village. Conditions are simple but clean, with terraced fields visible right from your window.

Avoid These PitfallsThe roads to Jiabang Terraces are narrow with many curves, making it difficult for large vehicles to pass. We typically use 7-seater vans for this route as they offer better maneuverability and safety. If you're driving yourself, we don't recommend entering Jiabang—unfamiliar mountain roads can lead to issues. Hiring a car with a driver is the safer option.

MeituShuo ReminderJiabang Terraced Fields has limited homestay availability. During peak seasons (including autumn, which is a minor peak), bookings should be made at least two weeks in advance. If you book through our Guizhou Custom Tour service, we'll secure your room ahead of time so you won't have to worry about finding accommodation upon arrival.

Day 4: Sunrise at Jiabang Rice Terraces → Congjiang → Guiyang (~280 km, 4.5 hours)

Wake up at 6 AM to watch the sunrise. The morning mist over Jiabang's rice terraces is breathtaking. As the sun rises, the fog slowly lifts from the valleys, revealing the terraced fields layer by layer. Many guests say they'll never forget this view.

After watching the sunrise and having breakfast, head back to Guiyang around 9. On the way, detour to Zhaoxing Dong Village for lunch. You can admire the Dong drum towers and covered bridges without paying an entrance fee—just stroll through the village and enjoy a bowl of beef offal noodles.

Avoid These PitfallsEntrance fee to Zhaoxing Dong Village is 80 yuan. If you're just passing through for a meal or to view the drum towers from outside, you can skip the ticket by taking the local path through the village that avoids the core paid area. Locals often use this route. However, if you plan to watch the Dong Grand Song performance, it's worth buying a ticket. Performances are typically held at 10 AM and 3 PM.

Return to Guiyang around 5 PM. In the evening, you can stroll through Erqi Road Snack Street or Qingyun Market and try local delicacies like Siwawa, Changwang noodles, and fried tofu balls.

Day 5: Half-day tour of Guiyang city center → Airport transfer

Don't rush on your return day. In the morning, visit Qianlingshan Park for just 5 yuan—home to wild macaques that both seniors and children love. Alternatively, stroll through Qingyan Ancient Town and try its braised pork trotters and rose candy.

We'll drop you off at the airport based on your flight schedule to conclude this trip.

What's the approximate cost?

Charter rates for this route: 5-seat sedan or SUV for 5 days (including fuel and tolls) is approximately 4500-5500 CNY. 7-seat business van (recommended for comfort and space) is approximately 5500-7000 CNY. This is an all-inclusive price for Guizhou car charter service, covering driver, fuel, tolls, and parking fees. Accommodation and entrance tickets are not included.

Accommodation: Panzhou and Shiqian hotels cost 200-400 CNY/night, JiaBang homestays are 150-300 CNY/night, and Guiyang hotels range from 200-500 CNY/night. Total accommodation budget for 5 days is approximately 1500-2500 CNY.

Ticket Info: Tuole Village is free. Shiqian Hot Spring Hotel includes hot spring tickets (accommodation packages typically range from 600 to 1200 CNY per room, including double breakfast and two hot spring entries). Jiabang Terraced Fields currently have no entry fee. Attraction tickets in central Guiyang are very affordable.

Overall, the total cost for two people over 5 days (including private car hire, accommodation, meals, and tickets) is approximately 8000-12000 yuan, or 4000-6000 yuan per person. This is significantly cheaper than during the National Day peak season, with a much better experience.

Charter a car or drive yourself?

This route covers three directions: Panzhou, Shiqian, and Congjiang, with a total distance exceeding 1100 km. The mountain roads leading to the Jiabang Rice Terraces require advanced driving skills. We recommend hiring a car with a driver.

First, safety. Guizhou has many mountain roads, tunnels, and curves, which can make unfamiliar drivers nervous. Our drivers know these routes by heart and bring years of experience to every trip.

Second, it's worry-free. No need to worry about navigation, parking, or refueling. Rest or enjoy the scenery while you drive, and start exploring as soon as you arrive.

3. Flexible. Itineraries can be adjusted on the go. Want to stay an extra half day in Jiabang because the weather is nice? No problem—just let your driver know.

Our Guizhou car rental with driver service features local drivers who can recommend great local eateries and help you avoid traffic congestion.

Final thoughts

After National Day, Guizhou is perfect for travel: fewer crowds, clear skies, and peak autumn colors. It's the ideal time for overseas Chinese returning home to visit. Meitu Shuo Travel specializes in tours for overseas Chinese in Guizhou, offering private car services, customized itineraries, and small-group experiences tailored to your schedule and preferences.

This 5-day Ginkgo Hot Springs Terrace route is a classic autumn itinerary we've perfected over countless runs. Ideal for traveling with parents, kids, or small groups of friends. No need to rush between attractions—plenty of time each day to truly enjoy the experience.

Planning to visit Guizhou after National Day? Add me on WeChat to chat first:18285125548 (Phone / WeChat)Free route planning for you. No deposit required upfront.

Read more

• What to see in Guizhou for overseas Chinese visiting from September to November

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

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

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