How to spend 5 days in Guizhou with your kids this summer: A real itinerary for a family of four

Ms. Lin from Singapore brought her two children (8 and 5 years old) back to Guiyang for a summer visit. A month before departure, she messaged us on WeChat: "What can we do in 5 days? The kids shouldn't get too tired, and Grandma needs to keep up." We designed a relaxed itinerary with plenty of water activities and minimal travel time. After returning to Singapore, she shared: "Our younger one said the waterfall was more fun than Disney."

Family trips differ from couples' getaways or photography tours—the biggest concerns are rushing and sun exposure. We ran this route for 50–60 families last summer. Here's exactly how to schedule it over 5 days, which day is the most tiring, and which attractions kids love most.

5-Day Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Guiyang and rest; Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall; Day 3: Playful water activities at Xiaoqikong, Libo; Day 4: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village; Day 5: Leisurely exploration of the village followed by return to Guiyang for departure. All activities are within Guizhou Province, with a maximum single-drive segment of 3.5 hours. We ensure you check into your hotel or reach attractions before 6 PM each day, avoiding consecutive mountain crossings.

Day 1: Soft landing in Guiyang

Upon landing at Longdongbao Airport, your driver will transfer you directly to the hotel. In the afternoon, take the kids to explore Jiaxiu Pavilion (free admission; allow 10 minutes for a quick visit). For dinner, head to Lianghuanzhai for sour soup fish. The tomato-based broth is kid-friendly; if spice is a concern, request a plain white soup version from the kitchen. We recommend booking a hotel in Huaguoyuan or Guanshanhu—these areas offer newer properties with spacious rooms.

MeituShuo Reminder: Guiyang is at an elevation of 1100 meters. If you're flying in from coastal or lowland areas, avoid scheduling distant attractions on your first day. Let the child nap first; they'll be more alert and ready for activities the next day.

Day 2: Huangguoshu — The kids' favorite day

Depart at 7 AM; arrive at the scenic area in 2.5 hours. Start with Tianxingqiao Bridge, where "trees wrapping stones and stones wrapping trees" create a maze-like experience suitable even for a 5-year-old. Have a light lunch within the park, then head down to the waterfall and walk through the Water Curtain Cave in the afternoon. Although there are many steps, the total distance is short—plan for about 3 hours. Stay overnight in Anshun to reduce driving time on day three.

Ticket: 328 CNY; free for children under 1.4 meters. Raincoats are essential; disposable ones sold in the scenic area cost 10 CNY each (overpriced). We recommend bringing yours from a supermarket in Guiyang.

MeituShuo ReminderHuangguoshu is least crowded in the morning during summer. Enter the park before 9 a.m. to skip the line at Water Curtain Cave; after 12 p.m., tour buses arrive in large groups, and you may wait more than 40 minutes to pass through the cave.

Day 3: Xiaoqikong, Libo – So much water fun you'll never want to leave

Anshun to Libo takes 3 hours. For Xiaoqikong, enter via the East Gate and exit through the West Gate; this is recommended for families with children as it follows the water flow naturally. Take a boat ride at Yuanyang Lake to save energy. You can let kids wade barefoot at the 68-tiered waterfall and Wolongtan—be sure to pack a change of clothes and flip-flops.

Ticket: 110; park shuttle: 40 (highly recommended—the walk covers nearly 20 km).

Day 4: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village

It takes 3.5 hours to travel from Libo to Xijiang. After arriving in the afternoon, head to the viewing platform first for a panoramic view. In the evening, return to the village for the Long Table Banquet, and at 8 o'clock, watch the thousands of lights illuminate the night. We've arranged accommodation in a homestay within the village, where you can step out onto the second-floor balcony to enjoy the night view.

Tickets at 90 yuan include the sightseeing bus. The village has stone-paved paths and steps; please dress children in non-slip sneakers, as sandals can easily cause ankle injuries.

Day 5: Leisurely Tour of the Miao Village and Return

Let the kids sleep in, enjoy a morning Miao ethnic dance and music performance, and have sour soup fish for lunch. Depart for Guiyang at 2 PM and arrive at the airport in 3 hours—just right.

A family of four or five must charter a private car.

We don't recommend self-driving for family trips in Guizhou for three reasons: the mountain roads are winding and steep, foreign driver's licenses cannot be used to rent cars directly; traveling with children requires frequent stops for restrooms or water, which public transport can't accommodate; and luggage plus child safety seats won't fit in a 5-seater car.

Book a 7-seat business van for 4 to 5 guests. Off-season rate: 800 per day; summer season: 900 to 1000 per day. Driver, fuel, and tolls included. All vehicles are equipped with child safety seats—just provide your child's height when booking.

MeituShuo ReminderFor family group tours, one core attraction per day is enough. We've seen many families pack their schedules tightly, only to have children throw tantrums the next day and ruin the trip for everyone.

Final thoughts

Family trips are ruined by over-scheduling. 6 days is more comfortable than 5, but 5 is enough—especially since you don't need to change hotels daily. This route requires only two hotel changes, so it's easy for seniors and kids alike.

Read more

• Complete Guide to Visiting Huangguoshu Waterfall

• Mr. Smith's family deep tour of Guizhou for 15 days

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