Zunyi Travel Guide
Population: 7,432,800
Area: 30,762 square kilometers (11,877 square miles)
Nationalities: Han, Gelao, Miao
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Huichuan, Honghuagang); 8 counties (Zunyi, Tongzi, Suiyang, Zheng'an, Fenggang, Meitan, Yuqing, Xishui); 2 autonomous counties (Daozhen Gelao and Miao Autonomous County, Wuchuan Gelao and Miao Autonomous County); 2 county-level cities (Chishui, Renhuai)
Seat of the city government: No.343, Renmin Road, Huichuan District, Zunyi City
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0852-8234910, 9259053
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Bank of China Zunyi Branch: No.1, Minzhu Road, Honghusgang District, Zunyi City
China Post Zunyi Branch: No.69, Zhonghua Road (South), Honghuagang District, Zunyi City
Location: Situated in northern Guizhou Province, Zunyi is bordered by Chongqing in the north and in the neighborhood of Luzhou city in Sichuan Province. The capital city of Guizhou, Guiyang, is located 155 kilometers (96 miles) south to Zunyi.
History: From the 8th century BC to the 5th century BC, the domain of present Zunyi was governed by several kingdoms of local ethnic groups. It was in the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD) that the court established county around present Zunyi city proper. Bozhou, the old name of Zunyi had been used for 962 years since the year of 639 in early Tang Dynasty (618-907). Three years later, Luomeng County under Bozhou was changed to Zunyi County. This is the first time the name 'Zunyi' occurred.
Physical Features: Zunyi lies in the east of the slope where the Yunan-Guizhou Plateau stretches toward Sichuan and Hunan. The Dalou Mountains zigzags southwest-northeast through the city and divides the city into the southern part with basins, low mountains and hills as the main landforms and the northern area covered by medium mountains and valleys.
Climatic Features: Enjoying a subtropical humid monsoon climate, the city is not bothered with chilly winter and torrid summer. The weather is relatively moderate, and the annual average temperature falls between 13 and 18 degree centigrade (degree Fahrenheit). The rainy season coincides with the heat season.
When to Go: Zunyi is an all-year-round tourist destination. Although it will be hotter in summer, it has many summer resorts to help repelling the summer heat.
Local Highlights:
Gelao minority is the oldest ethnic group in Guizhou. They have their own spoken language but no written language. The third day of the third lunar month is the Spring Festival of the Gelao people.
Furthermore, Guizhou is the origin of Chinese national liquor Maotai. During July and August, Guizhou will hold liquor festival in Zunyi city proper, Maotai Town of Huairen City and Shizhang Cave of Chishui City. Visitors can admire the Shizhangdong Waterfall, Maitai Distillery, and meanwhile taste the local liquors.
Special Local Products: Maotai Liquor, tobacco leaf, wax printing of Miao, Maofeng tea, Chishui sun vinegar
Scenic Spots:
Chishui Scenic Spot and Historical Site: Chishui is the principal tourist destination of Zunyi. The Shizhangdong Waterfalls which is famous for its spectacular waterfall, bamboo sea and Danxia Landform are praised to be on a par with the distinguished Huangguoshu Waterfall. In addition, the Sidong Creek, Ancient Town of Bing'an, Moon Lake, China Jurassic Park, Zhuhai (Bamboo Sea) National Forest Park and many other attractive spots make Chishui the must-go destination for visitors to Zunyi. Notable is that Danxia landscapes in Chishui enjoy a high reputation. They can be admired in many scenic spots in Chishui.
Other Scenic Spots: Loushan Pass, Hailongtun Military Castle, Maotai Town, Kuankuoshui Virgin Forest
Tourist Tips:
1. Zunyi does not have airport, but it is still a vital traffic hub of Guizhou Province. Zunyi Railway Station stands at the end of the Beijing Road north of the city proper, and is about ten minutes' drive from the downtown area. Through the Guiyang-Zunyi Expressway, Zunyi can be reached from the capital city Guiyang with a bit more than two hours. The central bus station lies near the railway station in Beijing Road. Another is the Zhongzhuang station in Hai'er Dadao of Honghuagang District, about ten kilometers (6.2 miles) from downtown Zunyi.
2. Chishui is located in northwestern Zunyi. The most convenient way to Chishui is taking plane to Luzhou of Sichuan Province first and then changing to buses.