During the National Day holiday, Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, became a sought-after destination for travelers both from China and abroad. One young American adventurer, Andre, shared his thoughts on exploring the city’s parks as a prime way to connect with its vibrant spirit.

“I really felt a deep connection to nature at Qianling Mountain Park; it’s like you enter a paradise right in the middle of the city,” Andre commented. He appreciated the unique harmony between the mountains and metropolitan life, where lush greenery is just a glance away from urban settings.

As the largest urban integrated natural mountain park in China, Qianling Mountain Park has long been a major attraction in Guiyang. The park is home to thousands of plant and animal species, offering visitors unique opportunities to observe giant pandas and macaques, as well as stunning panoramic views of the city from its highest elevations.

Guiyang also holds the title of China’s first “National Forest City,” making the most of its ecological benefits to create over 1,000 parks, ranging from urban parks to forest parks, wetlands, and community green spaces. This extensive interconnected network of greenery has earned the city the moniker “City of a Thousand Parks,” boasting an average green area of over 14 square meters per person.

Spanning more than 5,000 acres, the sprawling Guanshanhu Park attracts visitors with its rich foliage, sparkling waters, and diverse wildlife. Urbanite Li Wanli from Shanghai, for example, spent the holidays birdwatching with friends and enjoying evening concerts, relaxing on the park’s grassy expanses.

Guiyang’s parks have transformed into vibrant leisure hubs for both locals and tourists, offering a delightful variety of activities like live music, markets, frisbee games, camping, and paddleboarding. Young people are especially drawn to these green spaces, seeking fresh experiences and engaging activities.

The city’s abundant greenery has also revitalized its cultural scene, bringing new life to old factory districts. In recent years, venues such as Qinyun Market and the “New Print 1950” cultural district have replaced traditional industrial settings with inviting shopping and entertainment environments.

Opened in 2024, “New Print 1950” has quickly become a cultural landmark in Guiyang. Once the site of the Guizhou Xinhua Printing Factory, this district now boasts a fusion of dining options, bookstores, and creative spaces, blending nostalgic charm with contemporary design. Over 100,000 visitors flocked to this vibrant venue during the holiday, taking in theater performances and concerts.

With its youthful vibe, Guiyang has welcomed the rise of more than a hundred “city managers”—innovators crafting new consumer experiences and urban activities. One standout location in the Guanshanhu District is Ayun Duo Warehouse, featuring a ginkgo hall, a red-brick theater, a skateboard park, and quirky cafés, appealing to the diverse tastes of young people.

Official statistics show that from January to July 2024, over 100 million tourists visited Guiyang and Guian, a 13% jump compared to the previous year. As it transitions from a “City of a Thousand Parks” to a “Trendy New Destination,” Guiyang continues to impress with its inviting, green, and vibrant atmosphere.