GUI TR AVEL | F E AT U R E
ZHOU Explore Countryside Culture in China’s Most Known Unknown Destination By Sophie Steiner
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till generally unfamiliar to those outside of China, Guizhou province has rapidly become one of the country’s top tourist destinations over the last few years. Rolling verdant mountain scenery, flowing waterfalls, traditional minority villages tucked into valleys and undulating rice terraces make Guizhou a favorite amongst history buffs, nature lovers and photo bloggers alike. Located in southwest China – nestled between Yunnan, Sichuan and Guangxi – this under-commercialized region acts as a retreat into rural landscapes for those who have already visited China’s most-famed sites and are now ready to understand its other, more authentic side. Despite being known as one of China’s poorest provinces, Guizhou is
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rich in minority heritage. A trip to this unsung area offers travelers a cultural respite for exploring remote countryside communities, observing local customs and experiencing traditions that make each township distinct. The ethnical identity varies greatly, allowing sightseers to discover thousands of years of abundantly diverse Chinese history without the strenuous travel days. Guizhou also boasts surreal scenery, from pristine natural reserves and sprawling parks to gushing waterfalls, some of the world’s largest cave systems and mountainous hiking routes. And it has the added allure of being almost completely unknown to the outside world, making its unexplored ecological havens all the more enticing.
