This vast scenic area in the northwest of the province is home to 184 species of birds, including the iconic black-necked crane, storks, geese, eagles and more. Travelers can visit the lake early in the morning to experience dawn from the top of the Sea Tower, and walk along raised wooden walkways over canals and reeds.

The capital of the province, this is a great base for side trips to see the area’s karst canyons, waterfalls and parks, including Tianhetan Park with its caves, rivers and large sinkhole. Within the city are several attractions of note, including Hong Fu Temple in Hebin Park, Qianling City Park and Jiaxiu Pavilion. Street food vendors here offer countless opportunities to sample local spicy cuisine.

Located in the city of Anshun on the Baishui River, this towering 255-foot waterfall is the largest in China. Its name literally translates to Yellow-Fruit Tree Waterfall, and it can be viewed from multiple platforms – from a bird's eye perspective, from a distance, or from below. Behind the waterfall curtain is a 440-foot-long natural cave.

This tourist destination in Bijie city houses an important national site – an area of karst formations carved out over millennia by the Liuchong River. Limestone caves, underwater caverns, deep valleys and jagged mountains form the landscape here – a must-visit attraction in Guizhou Province. There are nine main caves to explore here, each with its own unique features.

This beautiful city is home to ethnic Miao and is a fantastic place to learn about Miao culture and tradition. The city itself enjoys a scenic location on the Wuyang River, nestled in a natural cradle of limestone mountains. The Kaili Ethnic Museum, Yuetan Temple and the Sunday markets are a few popular attractions here.

Located just outside of Kaili City, this area boasts the highest mountain in this part of the province, and its name "Leigong" means God of Thunder. In the summer, this is a great place for hikes - perfect for nature-lovers looking to spot wildlife and enjoy time out of the cities.

One of the most popular historic locations in the province, this small fortified town dates back to 1378. Constructed on rocks and made completely of stone, the town remains largely as it was when it was first built, and is a worthwhile side-trip from the capital of Guiyang, a 30-minute drive away.

Just outside Anshun is the ancient Han Chinese settlement of Tun Bu. This well-preserved old city showcases the Han people's stonemasonry skills in its beautiful historic architecture, and travelers are often welcomed into village homes for tea.

This scenic Dong minority town provides a glimpse into another of China's diverse ethnic cultures. The town has historic houses and cobblestone streets to explore, and you can hike to the next village of Jitang, a mile or so away. In Zhaoxing, you can see several examples of traditional Dong architecture, such as the covered "wind and rain bridge," and ornate drum towers.

This city in the north of the province is a popular destination for domestic tourists as a prominent landmark in the history of Chinese communism. Historic sites here include the Old Town, a selection of temples from the 1920s, and the residence of Mao Zedong.