Experience the best of Guiyang

Guiyang stands about a kilometre above sea level on the Guizhou plateau, ringed by limestone hills, and its height keeps summers mild. The Jiaxiu Pavilion, a three-storey tower from the Ming dynasty, stands on a rock in the Nanming River, and Qianling Park climbs a forested hill to Hongfu Temple and a troop of macaques.

Qingyan, an old walled town with stone lanes from the Ming era, lies to the south. South-west of the city, Huangguoshu is among China's largest waterfalls, with a cave behind the falling water. East of Guiyang, hill villages of the Miao and Dong peoples, such as Xijiang, have wooden houses stepped up the valley sides, and Moutai spirit is made in the north-west of the province.

Guizhou food is sour and hot: fish stewed in a tangy tomato-and-chilli broth, fiery chilli dips and rice noodles with spiced pork are the local staples. Locals say the province never has three clear days in a row, and mist and drizzle are common. Spring and autumn are mild and green.