Huaxi

1.The Green: Heart of China's Summer Capital

2.Located in the middle section of Huaxi: Avenue in the Huaxi District of Guiyang, Huaxi Park is widely cherished as the "Green Heart of China's Summer Capital" and the "Pearl of the Plateau". Situated approximately 17 kilometers from the Guiyang city center, this sprawling sanctuary covers a total area of about 1,200 mu (with a core area of 800 mu). It is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and a National Wetland Park that perfectly integrates meandering rivers, karst peaks, lush wetlands, and idyllic rural scenery.

3.Stepping into Huaxi: Park feels like entering a living ink wash painting of the high plateau. On a summer afternoon, sunlight filters through dense tree canopies onto the sparkling water, while the air fills with the scent of wildflowers and cool mist. Unlike the bustling urban energy of other spots, Huaxi offers a tranquil escape where visitors can lie on the grass, listen to the wind, and forget the noise of the city. With an average summer temperature of just 23°C, it is the premier choice for escaping the heat in Guiyang.

A Landscape of Flowers and Streams

The park's history dates back to the Ming Dynasty when it was known as "Huaxili." It earned its name—meaning "Flower Stream"—because of the crystal-clear water and the flowers blooming like brocade along the banks. The park centers around the Huaxi River, which flows gently through the landscape.

• 4.Ten-Mile River Beach (Shili Hetan): This is the ecological core of the park. It features abundant aquatic grass and winding streams. In summer, lotus flowers bloom vividly; in autumn, golden reeds sway in the wind. Walking along the wooden boardwalks offers a paradise for photography and birdwatching.
• 5.The Golden Avenue: Planted during the Republic of China era, this famous road is lined with towering plane trees. In autumn, the falling leaves create a golden carpet, making it a romantic spot for cycling and walking. Historically, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and pear blossoms were planted here to ensure flowers bloomed in all four seasons.
• 6.Ping Bridge (Pingqiao): Built during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, this stone bridge lies across the water like a jade belt. It has long been a gathering spot for poets and scholars to compose verses about the "Ten Views of Huaxi".

Buyi and Miao Cultural Heritage

Huaxi Park is deeply intertwined with the culture of the local Buyi and Miao ethnic groups. The area has historically been a settlement for the Buyi people, who regard the Huaxi River as their "Mother River". Legend tells of a Buyi girl who transformed into a river deity to save her village from flooding, ensuring the stream remains clear forever.

7.Visitors can often see: Buyi women in traditional batik dresses singing folk songs by the river. The park is a window into Guizhou's ethnic soul, where traditions like the "Chabai Singing Festival" (held on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month) come alive. During festivals, young people gather on the riverbanks to dance the bamboo dance, sing mountain songs, and splash water in celebration. The park is also rich in folklore, such as the "Turtle and Snake Guarding the Bridge" stone sculptures beneath Ping Bridge, said to be incarnations of the Dragon King.

8.Experiences: Boating and Gastronomy

9.To fully experience Huaxi: Park, one must slow down. Renting a boat to drift on Huaxi Lake (formerly Huaxi Reservoir) provides a stunning view of the surrounding karst peaks reflecting in the water. Cycling along the river paths or having a picnic on the grassy banks are highly recommended activities.

No trip is complete without tasting the local cuisine. The area is famous for Huaxi Sour Soup Fish, a dish deeply rooted in the local ethnic heritage. Whether exploring the mysterious Yelang Valley stone sculptures nearby or simply enjoying the "pastoral wetland" vibe, Huaxi Park offers a unique blend of nature and culture that makes travelers fall in love with the gentle side of Guizhou.