08-06-12 

Following the Olympic torch relay, we left Yunnan and began our trip to Guizhou Province in southwest China.

Guizhou Province, in the northeastern part of the Yungui Plateau, is nearly unknown to most travelers. However, its unique natural scenery, remarkable customs, brilliant history and pleasant climate make it a worthwhile place to visit. So today, we are going to travel to Guizhou Province.

Our first stop is Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou. The relay began at 8:15 this morning in the city's People's Square. Ouyang Ziyuan, chief scientist for China's lunar probe project and the director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Guiyang Institute of Geochemistry is the first torch bearer.

--Intro:
In ancient times, the north side of a mountain was called Yin and the south side yang. This is how Guiyang got its name, because of its location on the south side of Guishan Mountain. Because of its lush forests, it has a second name, the Forest City.

Like Kunming, Guiyang's climate is often mild and moist, neither too cold in the winter nor too hot in the summer with plenty of sunshine and rainfall.

The residents are mostly Han, but there are also more than 30 other minority groups here including Miao, Buyi, and Dong. So the city is rich with unique folk culture and traditions as well as many scenic spots.

--Highlights:

1. Hongfeng Lake (Red Maple Lake)
Thirty-three kilometers from Guiyang city, Hongfeng Lake, is the largest artificial lake of Guizhou, with more than 100 islands surrounded by 57 square kilometers of clear blue water, the area is 6 times large as that of the famous West Lake in Hangzhou.

Considered as the pearl of the Yungui Plateau, the lake is the most fascinating of the three lakes in Guizhou.

The surrounding mountain ranges are covered with red maple trees that turn to a fiery red every autumn. Their reflection on the surface of the lake has led to the name Hongfeng or Red Maple Lake. Consider timing your visit for autumn.

The scenic areas include North Lake, South Lake, Rear Lake and the minority ethnic villages.

North Lake is the smallest and is famous for its islands such as Bird Island, Snake Island, Tortoise Island and so on. All the islands were named for their unique shapes.

South Lake has many caves full of stalagmites and stalactites and Rear Lake is known for its picturesque lakeshore countryside.

The drum tower by the lakeshore can be reached by boat and offers a panoramic view of the lake. From the tower you will be treated to the sight of a wide variety of ethnic architecture in including traditional Miao houses DiaoJiaolou and Puyi flagstone houses.

(Diaojiaolou is usually close to the mountain or above the river with an extended floor space, built on slopes with only support poles and no foundations, and are entirely made of wood without iron.)

Huaxi Park [photo source: tripc.com]

2. Huaxi Park (Flower Stream Park)
Huaxi Park, in the center of the Huaxi Scenic Area, is a blend of nature, scenery and ethnic culture in the south suburb of Guiyang City. Unlike man-made parks, the streams and four hills are all natural formations.

Huaxi, or flower stream, elegantly winds across the park. The streams clean water and intoxicating scenery has inspired residents to call it "First Love Stream in China" - a perfect place to develop your romance. It is also the place where Ba Jin, one of China's most acclaimed writers, and his wife Xiao Shan spent their honeymoon.

The four hills are named Lin Hill, Phoenix Hill, Tortoise Hill and Snake Hill because of their shapes. Lin Hill is the highest, and looks like the ferocious Chinese mythological beast the Kylin howling angrily at the sky. Tourists can view the entire park from the hill.

The One Hundred Steps Bridge is a popular and unique part of the park. The bridge is built entirely of stones placed in the water. People walking across the bridge look like they are walking on the surface of the water, especially in the summer when the water level is high.

Several other bridges, pavilions, towers and gardens are all worthwhile parts of a visit to the park.

--Transportation:
Plane Ticket
From Beijing to Guiyang: 1,730 yuan/ 240 US dollars, 3 hours, one way
From Shanghai to Guiyang: 1,600 yuan/ 220 US dollars, 2 hours and a half, one way
Trains are also available, but because travel time is more than one day they are not recommended.

--Accommodations:
Guiyang the capital of Guizhou Province offers a wide variety of tourist accommodations.

--Tips:
1. The local food is spicy but the star-rated hotels and quality restaurants offer both western cuisine and foods from throughout China.

2. Maotai Liquor, the world-renowned Chinese distillate spirit is brewed in Guizhou Province and is an honored as one of the Three Famous Wines of the World. Don't miss the chance to taste the best Maotai Liquor there!