Zunyi is a sizeable riverside city in northern Guizhou that is little visited by foreign tourists. It is 200kms north of Guiyang on the Nanning-Chongqing Expressway and has plenty of history.
Although there’s an airport, Guiyang, the provincial capital to the south, is the main gateway, with flights from Beijing and Shanghai. Zunyi is also on the busy Guiyang-Chongqing rail line.
Zunyi’s old town is the main attraction for tourists. It features many restored buildings and also comes with the best shopping and eating in town. Red Army Street is built on the existing Zunyi Park zoo site and also has interesting architecture.
Other Zunyi attractions include the Xiangshan Temple, a large temple with a busy market street running up to it. The many Zunyi Conference and Revolutionary Historical Sites with leanings toward Mao Zedong will appeal to historians.
Travel to Zunyi- getting there
Zunyi is best accessed by train from either Guiyang (south) or Chongqing (north). Trip time from Guiyang is 3 hours, 30 minutes. The bus journey to Zunyi is 2 hours, 30 minutes. Guiyang Longdongbao Airport is 3 hours away by bus and lies to the east of the provincial capital.
In brief
Worth it? Only if you’re interested in the political establishments around Mao Zedong.
What to do: see Zunyi old town, explore historical sites.
Best time to go: after summertime in September and October.
How long? A day or two at most.
Tidbit: Mao Zedong became member of the politburo proper in Zunyi.
Zunyi attractions
- 1 - Zunyi old town: the most interesting part with its restored, old buildings and good shopping and eating.
Side trips from Zunyi
- 1 - Jin Ding Shan: a nice daytrip from Zunyi, this mountain, 20 minutes northwest of town, has easy hiking.
- 1 - Hai Long Tun Fortress: a castle from the Middle Ages, located south of town, lies atop a mountain and has stunning views.
Events
- 1 - Guizhou Wine Festival: a fun event throughout July and August for those into wine, this festival takes place in Chishui as well as Zunyi.