Attractions · Zunyi

The Zunyi Conference Site is where the CPC Central Committee held the Zunyi Conference in 1935; the conference established Mao Zedong's leading position in the Party Central Committee and was a life-and-death turning point in the Party's history. Highlights include the Zunyi Conference meeting room, Mao Zedong's former residence, the former site of the Red Army General Political Department and the Zunyi Conference Memorial Hall. Tip: book in advance and bring your ID card. Practical info: located at 96 Ziyin Road, Honghuagang District, Zunyi, Guizhou Province; admission free (reservation required); opening hours 08:30–17:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across the countryside; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk, with the Danxia in brilliant colour. Combine with Chishui Danxia, Hailongtun and Moutai Town for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: Book in advance and bring your ID card. A guide can explain the historical background of the conference.

• Address: 96 Ziyin Road, Honghuagang District, Zunyi, Guizhou Province
• Ticket: Free (reservation required)
• Opening: 08:30–17:00

Chishui Danxia is a World Natural Heritage site, known for its red sandstone peak-forest landform. The Shizhangdong Great Waterfall is 76 metres high and 80 metres wide, of immense power. The Foguangyan Danxia cliff is like a red scroll. Highlights include Sidonggou and the Bamboo Sea National Forest Park. Tip: allow 2 days, as the Chishui Danxia sights are scattered. Practical info: located within Chishui City, Zunyi, Guizhou Province; tickets ¥80 for the Great Waterfall and ¥80 for Foguangyan; opening hours 08:00–17:30. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across the countryside; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk, with the Danxia in brilliant colour. Combine with the Zunyi Conference Site, Hailongtun and Moutai Town for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. Plan your time according to opening hours and your energy.

Tip: Allow 2 days, as the Chishui Danxia sights are scattered. In summer you can try rafting.

• Address: Chishui City, Zunyi, Guizhou Province
• Ticket: Great Waterfall ¥80, Foguangyan ¥80
• Opening: 08:00–17:30

Hailongtun was the military castle of the Yang family Tusi of Bozhou, first built in the Southern Song, and is China's best-preserved Tusi castle ruins. Its passes are steep and hard to attack, and it was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2015. Highlights include the Tiezhu Pass, Tongzhu Pass, Feihu Pass and the Bozhou Yang Tusi Museum. Tip: the mountain path is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Practical info: located at Hailongtun Village, Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou Province; ticket ¥80; opening hours 09:00–17:00. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across the countryside; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk, with the Danxia in brilliant colour. Combine with the Zunyi Conference Site, Chishui Danxia and Moutai Town for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: The mountain path is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Allow 2–3 hours.

• Address: Hailongtun Village, Gaoping Town, Huichuan District, Zunyi, Guizhou Province
• Ticket: ¥80
• Opening: 09:00–17:00

Moutai Town is the birthplace of sauce-aroma baijiu; the air by the Chishui River is humid and suited to microbial fermentation. The National Liquor Culture City shows the brewing process and history of Moutai. Highlights include the Moutai distillery and the Red Army's Four Crossings of the Chishui Memorial Park. Tip: authentic Moutai can be tasted, but in moderation. Practical info: located at Moutai Town, Renhuai City, Zunyi, Guizhou Province; admission free (exhibition halls extra); open all day. Best season: spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across the countryside; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk, with the Danxia in brilliant colour. Combine with the Zunyi Conference Site, Chishui Danxia and Hailongtun for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks.

Tip: Authentic Moutai can be tasted, but in moderation.

• Address: Moutai Town, Renhuai City, Zunyi, Guizhou Province
• Ticket: Free (exhibition halls extra)
• Opening: All day