comfort food, Guiyang

comfort food, Guiyang     see larger image at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9608588704/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Best western restaurants in Guiyang :

1. Grandma’s Kitchen
2. Kempinski Buffet
3. Sheraton Hotel
4. Ramada’s Aroma Cafe
5. Highlands Coffee

(from goguiyang.weebly.com/western-food.html )
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Grandma’s Kitchen 祖母的厨房,B-level,108 Zhonghua Middle Rd

Highlands Coffee, www.highlands-coffee.com, contact: Chris DeLong, highlandscoffee@hotmail.com

Brother John’s Pizzeria & Cafe 约翰兄弟披萨餐厅, (0851) 363 6080, 137 6517 7352, John Jiang Bo 江波, Johnmrta@163.com, address: Qiaotou, Pingqiao, Huaxi District, Guiyang 贵阳市花溪区平桥桥头

good list of Guiyang’s
Western-style restaurants: www.cfguide.com/guiyang/westernfood/list_1.htmd

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other foreign restaurant-related & Chinese restaurant chains, not necessarily in Guiyang:

KFC vs. KFG, also 啃他鸡  “ken ta ji” (in the sign at left  in traditional characters) – rhymes with “ken de ji” 肯德基, the Chinese name of KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kentucky the state is 肯塔基州 “ken ta ji zhou”), and means ‘Eat (knaw on) his chicken’

McDonald’s 麦当劳,KFC 肯德基 ,Pizza Hut 必胜客 = 麦基客   – Chinese creativity

 

KFC 肯德基 look-a-likes in China:FBC, KFG, KLG, MFC

But that’s not the only fake KFC in China…

Here are four of the many others — FBC, KFG, KLG and MFC. Basically, they just threw any combo of three English letters at the wall and chose what stuck. It’s like when American teenagers get random Chinese character tattoos.

from “11 Ridiculous Fast Food Chain Ripoffs In China”
January 24, 2012 , by Sam Greenspan , http://www.11points.com/Food-Drink/11_Ridiculous_Fast_Food_Chain_Ripoffs_In_China

Starbucks Coffee vs. “Star Fucks Coffe” (sic) – Chinese creativity

Starbucks Coffee vs. “Bucksstar Coffee”  – Chinese creativity

McDonald’s vs. McDuck / Mak Dak – Chinese creativity

McDonalds vs. “McMcDnoald’s” (sic) – Three arches ! – Chinese creativity

McDonalds 麦当劳 vs. Michael Alone 麦当家 with upside down (McDonald’s Golden Arches) – Chinese creativity

Back in October, this KFC ripoff in Beijing made itself an “OFC,” for “Obama Fried Chicken.” Probably not the best move when you’re infringing on major international copyrights. This drew enough attention that they ended up changing their name to “UFO.” Still using KFC colors, fonts and styles, still ripping off their menu — but now they’re taunting aliens instead of the U.S. The Vegas line would be *tight* on which one of those will attack China first.  (from “11 Ridiculous Fast Food Chain Ripoffs In China”January 24, 2012 , by Sam Greenspan www.11points.com/Food-Drink/11_Ridiculous_Fast_Food_Chain_Ripoffs_In_China )

KFC vs. DFC – Dainty Fried Chicken – Chinese creativity

KFC vs. KGC – Chinese creativity

KFC 肯德基 vs. Ji‘a’po 吉阿婆 麻辣烫- Chinese creativity
photo

KFC 肯德基 vs. FNC 芙蓉基 – Chinese creativity
photo

KFC 肯德基 vs. MFC 麦肯基 – Chinese creativity

KFC 肯德基 vs. CBC 佳佳基 – Chinese creativity
photo

KFC’s Col. Sanders vs. Ronald Kernel Sanders – Chinese creativity

McDonald’s 麦当劳,KFC 肯德基 = Maikenji 麦肯基

Pizza Hut vs. “Pizza Huh” (sic) – Chinese creativity

Pizza Hut  必胜客 vs. 必胜比萨站 – Chinese creativity

 

McDonald’s 麦当劳 vs. 麦德堡 – Chinese creativity

McDonald’s 麦当劳 vs. Mike 麦克- Chinese creativity

McDonald’s 麦当劳 vs. Mao Ji 汉堡 – Chinese creativity

McDonald’s vs. Mini Dog (正宗美国热狗, transl. “real American hot dogs”) – Chinese creativity

Burger King vs. King Burger- Chinese creativity

Burger King vs. “Cheese Burger” 芝士堡 – Chinese creativity

Dairy Queen 冰雪皇后 – DQ  vs. Dairy Fairy冰雪精灵     – Chinese creativity

Not everything is knockoff in imitation outlets. At Dairy Fairy, a national franchise chain that opened in 2008, ice cream, including the Blizzard-like “Ice Storm,” is served upside-down, just like at Dairy Queen, which has 360 stores in China. Cups are marked with “DF” in red and blue, resembling the colors Dairy Queen uses and its “DQ” nickname. Dairy Fairy employees are donned in blue uniforms with red aprons—nearly a mirror image of Dairy Queen employees. But at a Dairy Fairy in Beijing on Tuesday, the menu also included items that one wouldn’t find at a DQ, such as spicy-pepper-flavored ice cream.

Dairy Fairy declined to comment and didn’t offer details on the number of stores it operates in China. Dairy Queen vice president of international marketing Justin Holtkamp said the company isn’t aware of Dairy Fairy, but that it has other imitators, who just use the company’s name or call it “Dairy & Queen.” Dairy Queen has shut down two stores that infringed its trademark within the last year, he said.

from Made in China: Fake Stores
Imitators Offer Own Versions of IKEA, Dairy Queen Down to the Tiniest Details
By LAURIE BURKITT And LORETTA CHAO
August 3, 2011, Wall Street Journal, http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424053111904292504576484080863377102

fakes of Starbucks, Haagen-Dazs, Cartier, Chanel

KFC 肯德基 and restaurants it has inspired in China: 吉阿婆 Ji A Po Malatang (spicy soup); 李先生 Li Xiansheng / Mr. Li

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legit Chinese restaurant chains:

Pizza Fun 欢乐比萨 – in Guiyang

豪享来 Haoxianglai restaurants – Chinese restaurant chains (and in Guiyang)

豪客来 Houcaller steak restaurants – Chinese restaurant chains (and in Guiyang)

 

真功夫 Zhen Gong Fu (with Bruce Lee 李小龙 logo) – Chinese restaurant chains

上岛咖啡西餐厅 – Chinese restaurant chains

Babela’s Kitchen 巴贝拉 (Italian food)– Chinese restaurant chains

Saizeriya 萨莉亚意式餐厅  (Italian)– Chinese restaurant chains

华莱士 Hua Lai Shi (chicken) – Chinese restaurant chains

rbt 仙踪林 (xian zong lin) – Chinese restaurant chains

Goubuli Dumplings 狗不理包子 – Chinese restaurant chains .

Quanjude Beijing Duck 全聚德北京烤鸭 – Chinese restaurant chains

Da Niang Dumpling 大娘水饺 – Chinese restaurant chains

美国加州牛肉面大王 California Beef Noodle King – Chinese restaurant chains  (not really “American” )

Panda Express – Chinese food restaurants in the US  美国的中餐连锁餐馆

 

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for snack food lovers:

foreign snacks in China Lay’s 乐事, Zero Coke 零度可乐 (可口可乐), Snickers 士力架, Dove 德芙

foreign brands in China: Coca Cola 可口克拉, Pepsi 百事可乐, Lay’s potato chips 乐事,Kraft 卡夫, Walmart 沃尔玛, Subway 赛百味

What’s In A Brand Name? Chinese Brand Names Of Multinationals

Pick your Chinese brand name carefully…

from http://www.hutong-school.com/brand-name-multinationals-china ,
2013 May 7, by Haike Bruneel, Sales & Marketing Officer

After enjoying your “sparrow’s nest coffee” while smoking your “10 000 treasure road”, you drive your “treasured horse” to the nearest “family blessing”.

Choosing a Chinese brand name

Meaning: after having your Nescafé coffee and smoking your Marlboro cigarette, you drive your BMW to the nearest Carrefour.

There are many funny examples of where multinational companies have used Chinese names, with the result looking like they’re lost in translation. They may seem weird to foreign ears, but for native Chinese, they zing like music. What’s more, they often give a new meaning to the original name. (Cartoon © Zhang Chengliang / China Daily)

This is what we’ll be talking about:
• Why is having a Chinese name important for foreign businesses?
• Chinese brand names unfolded
• Renaming your brand, piece of cake?
•When companies don’t partake in the name changing game
• Does your brand name really influence success?
• Same story for Chinese brands

Why is having a Chinese name important for foreign businesses?

Two major reasons:

– It helps with penetrating the Chinese market. For sure, how were you otherwise planning on conquering the huge Chinese market when its consumers can’t even pronounce, let alone remember, your brand name?
– Names are really important in China and more precisely the meaning it represents. Having a meaningful name will make your brand look much more appealing.

Chinese brand names unfolded

When a foreign company chooses a Chinese brand name, there are several possibilities:

1. Literal translation

Using this approach, the disadvantage is that in most cases the new Chinese name doesn’t sound similar to the original brand’s name. These companies will need to spend marketing time and money on building brand awareness and building the association between their original brand name and the Chinese character trade mark.

Examples:

Chinese NamePronounciation (pinyin)Meaning
Apple苹果PíngguǒPíngguǒ: apple
Palmolive纵览ZōnglǎnZōng:palm
Lǎn: olive
Microsoft微软WēiruǎnWēi: micro
Ruǎn: soft
Volkswagen大众汽车Dàzhòng qìchēDàzhòng: public, all
Qìchē:car

2. Phonetic translation

A phonetic translation of a company’s brand name is only beneficial when that company already has a reputation in the Chinese market.

Examples:

Chinese NamePronounciationMeaning
Kraft 卡夫KǎfuKǎ: card
Fu: husband
Wal-Mart 沃尔玛Wò’ērmǎWò: fertile
Ēr: suffix often used in names to indicate the sound [-l], [-el]
Mǎ: mary
Dior迪奥Dí’àoDí: enlighten, guide
Ào: profound and difficult to understand
McDonald’s麦当劳MàidāngláoMài: general term for wheat, barley, oats, etc.
Dāng: to serve as, or to be used as
Láo: to work

Kraft Subway Walmart

3. Combination of literal and phonetic translation

Most companies opt for a combination of both. Having a phonetic translation so your brand name sounds (more or less) the same in Chinese with preferably well-chosen Chinese characters that have a positive meaning and can also describe the company or product.

Examples are numerous:

Chinese NamePronounciationMeaning
Nestlé雀巢咖啡Quècháo kāfēi
Què: sparrow
Cháo: nest
Kāfēi: coffee
Meaning: Sparrow’s Nest Coffee

Marlboro万宝路WànbǎolùWàn: 10 000
Bǎo: treasure
Lù: street, path
Meaning: 10 000 Treasure Road
BMW宝马BǎomǎBǎo: treasure
Mǎ: horse
Meaning: Treasured Horse
Mercedez Benz 奔驰BēnchíBēn: run fast
Chí: go quickly
Meaning: Dashing Speed
Jaguar捷豹JiébàoJié: win, victory
Bào: leopard, panther
Meaning: Swifting Panther
Coca-Cola可口可乐KěkǒukělèKěkǒu: delicous
Kělè: happiness
Meaning: Delicious & Happiness
Subway赛百味Sài bǎiwèiSài: To surpass, to excel
Bǎi: 100
Wèi: flavour
Meaning: Filled with One Hundred Flavours
Carrefour家乐福JiālèfúJiā: family
Lè: happy
Fú: prosperous
Meaning: Family Blessing
Lexus雷克萨斯LéikèsàsīLéi: thunder
Kè: to overcome with victory
Sà: filler sound that appears in many words like 萨萨 (sàsà ), the sound the leaves make when it’s windy.
Sī: phonetic element
Meaning: All the above results in a wild sounding ride, doesn’t it?
Pepsi百事可乐BǎishìkělèBǎi: 100
Shì: matter, thing
Kělè: happiness
Meaning: A Hundred Happy Things
Lay’s 乐事LèshìLè: happiness
Shì: matter, thing
Meaning: Happy Event

Coca Cola Lays Pepsi
Pay attention to:

– When going for a phonetic translation, companies need to make sure the Chinese name sounds the same as their original brand name
– Chinese brand names must be easy to remember
– Meaning should describe the product or brand in a positive way

Renaming your brand, piece of cake?

As mentioned above, your Chinese brand name should not be taken very lightly. However, foreign companies most likely lack knowledge of Chinese language or mostly don’t have an in-house Chinese language expert.

This results in the growing popularity of consulting companies specialized in renaming foreign brands.

When companies don’t partake in the name changing game

Some companies decided to not have a Chinese brand name when entering the market. By doing this, they want to stress their exclusivity. However, these brands have picked up nicknames along the way given by the general public.

Examples:

Chinese NamePronounciationMeaning
Quaker Oatmeal* 老人牌Lǎorén pái“Old Man Brand”, name based on logo
Ralph Lauren三脚马Sānjiǎo mǎ“Three Legged Horse”, name based on logo
*Quaker Oatmeal has in the meantime adopted a Chinese brand name: 桂格Guì Gé, which literally means “Cinamon Standard”.

Does your brand name really influence success?

Hard to define.
However, here are a few examples that might indicate a relation between a brand’s name and its success in a certain market.

– Mercedes Benz and BMW are both big car companies in China. Benz’s Chinese name holds the meaning of ‘dashing speed’, while BMW means ‘treasure horse’. ‘Dashing speed’ holds a more masculine connotation, while ‘treasure’ is a feminine trait. BMW is among the leading sellers to wealthy Chinese women.” (Li & Shoostari, 2003)

Did-you-know: There is also a local variant for BMW: 别摸我 (Bié Mō Wǒ), which literally means ‘Don’t Touch Me’.

– Search engine Bing has found it difficult to break through the Chinese market. Bing sounds similar to the Chinese word for ‘illness’ 病 (bìng). Although it’s official Chinese name is 必应 (bì yìng), which means ‘very certain to respond’, the resemblance of its original brand name with illness is hard to compete against.

– Best Buy, 百思买(bǎisīmǎi) In Chinese this means ‘Think 100 times before you buy’ , not the best name for a retail store, isn’t it? The company has been closed down.

Of course, these are not all scientific facts, but it nevertheless gives us some food for thought. Moreover, it’s hard to believe that Chinese people wouldn’t pay attention to the characters any company chooses to use in its brand name.

Same story for Chinese brands

It works the other way around as well. Nowadays, local Chinese firms must also engage in a name changing game as they want to gain more international awareness.

Top 100 Brands of ChinaFor instance, Jiànlìbǎo, a Chinese domestic soft drink brand, had difficulties breaking through on the international market as foreign consumers had a hard time pronouncing its name.

Also, a recent study by HD Trade Services shows that a vast majority (94%!) of Americans can’t name even one Chinese brand. This indicates once more that adjusting your brand name to the market is beneficial, if not necessary. (Image © Ads of China)

A small recap

Chinese brand name is not only a game important for foreign companies. When those companies decide to penetrate the Chinese market, they can rely on the expertise of brand naming companies. Only a minority has a single phonetic meaning, whereas most companies opt for meaning in their brand name, mostly stressing the product’s benefits.

Next time someone is talking to you about riding his “swift panther”, don’t frown your eyebrows in huge wonder, they’re most likely talking about their new Jaguar.

HSK – in Guiyang, Fall 2013: Dec 1 at Guizhou University

HSK – in Guiyang, Fall 2013:  Dec 1 at Guizhou University,
贵州大学国际教育学院 (Guizhou University Institute of International Education )
Location: 贵州省贵阳市花溪区贵州大学国际交流与合作处 (Guiyang, Huaxi district)
Tel: 0851-8292912 / 15885549950
E-mail: shiny0088@163.com/ cti_14400@chinesetesting.cn
Only one test will be held in the Fall: Dec 1, 2013 (Sunday)
info: kaoshi@chinesetesting.cn
Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK)
The new HSK test was launched by Hanban in an effort to better serve Chinese language learners. The test is the result of coordinated efforts by the experts from different disciplines including Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement. The new exam combines the advantages of the original HSK while taking into consideration the recent trends in Chinese language training by conducting surveys and making use of the latest findings in international language testing.
HSK Speaking Test(HSKK)
汉语水平口语考试HSKK主要考查考生的汉语口头表达能力,包括HSKK(初级)、HSKK(中级)和HSKK(高级),考试采用录音形式。
Youth Chinese Test
The new YCT test was launched by Hanban in an effort to encourage foreign young students to learn Chinese and improve their Chinese language proficiency. As part of this effort, since 2004 Hanban has organized experts from different disciplines such as Chinese language teaching, linguistics, psychology and educational measurement to work on the program, conducting surveys in order to understand the latest trends in overseas Chinese language teaching and learning.
Business Chinese Test
Business Chinese Test is a state-level standardized test designed to assess the Chinese proficiency of non-native speakers engaged in business activities. BCT is developed by Peking University under the entrustment of Office of Chinese Language Council International (“Hanban” for short). Its English name is Business Chinese Test (“BCT” for short).
认证海外汉语考试
认证海外考试机构推出的汉语考试是国家汉办为海外汉语考试服务的一项积极措施,旨在加强国际合作,共同推进汉语考试发展。
不同汉语考试的设计理念各有侧重,汉语考试的使用群体也呈多样化,为了促进对外汉语教与学的全面发展,我们愿与海外汉语考试的开发团队共同探讨汉语评估,通过彼此的交流和认可,促进国际汉语事业的发展。
(from www.chinesetest.cn/gosign.do?lid=0 )
See more information about Guiyang helpful for students from abroad studying Chinese here, including Guiyang / Guizhou’s culture, history, sightseeing, life as an expat, schools, visas, maps, etc., at:
Flickr “GoGuiyang,” photostream at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/ , and its organized photo sets at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/sets/ .
 
Tour Guizhou (started by current Guizhou Normal U. teacher Jack Porter), http://www.tourguizhou.net/ .
 
Weebly “GoGuiyang” (put together by former Peace Corps teacher Erik Myxter):  http://goguiyang.weebly.com/
Weebly “GooGuizhou” (spelled “goo…”): http://googuizhou.weebly.com/

The Long Wander Travel Blog – Teach English ? —getting recruited in Guiyang

The Long Wander Travel Blog – Teach English ?
 by Sahand Sedghi
Teach English?
Guiyang, China

Mr. Zhong & Sahand

My appointment was set for three days later, between 11:45~13:30. We were to meet in front of Mao’s statue. I had to be there, but I planned to never show up.
As I wandered through People’s Freedom square, trying to find the best angle from which to take a photo which would include both the Wal-Mart sign and Mao’s imposing statue, it seemed that everyone’s attention was torn between either me or the rally taking place in the square. Young men and women in military uniform were shouting and carrying banners, none of which I was able to read. As often happens in China, a man approached me and said, “Hello. Where are you from?”
I answered his greeting and told him I was from the country that brought him the store that has ‘Everyday low prices.’ His tanned, balding head reached only to my shoulder. His plaid button-up shirt was left undone from the navel up. With sandals as overworked as my own, he inched a little closer and nodded in agreement at nothing in particular. The few phrases he understood in English were soon worked through, as he asked me questions and shared my answers with random Chinese people who stopped to observe. Next, almost as if only to keep my company he demanded that I let him buy me lunch.
“No, no, no,” I said.
“I have money!” He exclaimed.
I told him that’s not what I meant, but that I would pay. So he dragged me down to Wal-Mart and ordered two plates of inedible Chinese food. He paid. (I never thought Wal-Mart served deep-fried chicken beak and feet. Or at least it resembled chicken parts.)
He devoured his meal, I picked through mine, during which a fight broke out in the Wal-Mart seating area, a thunder shower rolled through, and he told me about Mao’s party punishing him for not cooperating with the revolution.
He asked if I liked China.
“YES! It’s great!” I lied.
“You will stay and teach English,” he declared.
“Ohhh, I’d like to, but I have to go to Beijing today.”
“No, problem we go together to English school.”
“My train leaves in one hour.” It would actually leave in six.
“Okay, follow me to school, very close.”
“I should be heading to the train station now.”
“Just around corner. You can have job.”
“I will go to Beijing today and when I come back I will call you, then we can go to the school.”
“Have no phone, we go now, no problem.”
I was beginning to feel sick from going in circles, and there seemed to be no way around this, so I made an appointment to meet in front of Mao’s statue around noon in three days after I returned from Beijing. He agreed.
I boarded my train later that day and never looked back. Sorry Mr. Zhong.

Kosher Chinese – Living Teaching and Eating with China’s Other Billion, by Michael Levy — former Guizhou University Teacher

 Kosher Chinese – Living Teaching and Eating with China’s Other Billion, by Michael Levy — former Guizhou University Teacher,  see enlarged image at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9605434330/sizes/l/in/photostream/

As a Peace Corps volunteer, I was stationed in Guiyang, the capital city of China’s poorest province. Before leaving, I spoke not a word of Chinese, but after two years and lots of help from the amazing Peace Corps teachers, I was close to fluent. I taught ESL and American Literature at Guizhou University, and helped organize a learning center for children in a nearby village. I also ended up on the university basketball team and—at six feet tall and 165 pounds—earned the campus-wide nickname “Shaq.” Since returning home, I’ve been teaching a bit of Chinese, and I’ve led tours for American high school students interested in traveling around China. I’m sure this is but the beginning of a life-long connection to China in general, and Guiyang in particular. I have a memoir about the experience, Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching, and Eating with China’s Other Billion (Henry Holt 2011).

(from peacecorps.cornell.edu/exp.cfm?id=8 )
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Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching, and Eating with China’s Other Billion
by Michael Levy
An irreverent tale of an American Jew serving in the Peace Corps in rural China, which reveals the absurdities, joys, and pathos of a traditional society in flux

In September of 2005, the Peace Corps sent Michael Levy to teach English in the heart of China’s heartland. His hosts in the city of Guiyang found additional uses for him: resident expert on Judaism, romantic adviser, and provincial basketball star, to name a few. His account of overcoming vast cultural differences to befriend his students and fellow teachers is by turns poignant and laugh-out-loud funny.

While reveling in the peculiarities of life in China’s interior, the author also discovered that the “other billion” (people living far from the coastal cities covered by the American media) have a complex relationship with both their own traditions and the rapid changes of modernization. Lagging behind in China’s economic boom, they experience the darker side of “capitalism with Chinese characteristics,” daily facing the schizophrenia of conflicting ideologies.

Kosher Chinese is an illuminating account of the lives of the residents of Guiyang, particularly the young people who will soon control the fate of the world.

Paperback, 256 pages
Published July 5th 2011 by Holt Paperbacks
ISBN 0805091963 (ISBN13: 9780805091960)
(from www.goodreads.com/book/show/10283324-kosher-chinese )

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Central China is a strange place. Unlike the globalized, westernized cities on the coast, the land-locked, impoverished provinces of the interior rarely get foreign visitors. These provinces are home to the laobaixing, or “old hundred names,” a euphemism for the billion-or-so Zhou Six Packs I got to know while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer.

(from www.alljewishlinks.com/just-like-comrade-karl-marx/ )

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The Quest For Kosher Among China’s Other Billion
by NPR STAFF
July 27, 2011 3:16 PM

The nation will soon observe the tenth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, events that prompted many Americans to explore faith or military service. Educator Michael Levy felt a call to serve in a different way — through the Peace Corps. In 2005, he was sent to Guiyang, a remote village in central China.

He chronicles that journey in his new memoir Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching and Eating with China’s Other Billion.

In an interview with Tell Me More host Michel Martin, Levy says he was initially surprised that China — a country regarded as a rising global superpower — even accepted Peace Corps volunteers. “One of the things that makes the Peace Corp unique is that it only goes where it’s invited,” says Levy. “When China offered the invitation, I think Washington, D.C., was excited to build a bond any way possible.”

Beyond China’s booming cities lives a massive impoverished community. “There are a billion people in China’s interior who are still living on a few dollars a day. That’s Guizhou province, the poorest province in China,” he says.

Levy reveals that the average income in the community where he volunteered was 100 U.S. dollars per month. That’s the stipend he lived off of as well. Most of Levy’s Guizhou University students were first-generation college students from farming families who had dreams of leaving the province for the economically booming coast. But he explains that the dream is tough to turn into reality, “Shanghai, Beijing — it’s out of reach for the average person in China.”

Keeping Kosher?

For Levy, the main challenge was negotiating when to yield to local customs and become a truly immersed community member … and when to assert his American ideals.

He says it’s the same dilemma many people experience when they’re invited to share a meal at someone else’s house.

“Maybe you’re a vegetarian and it’s meat; maybe you’re Muslim and it’s pork; or Hindu and it’s beef. Whatever it is, there’s always a moment in people’s lives when they have to decide, ‘am I going to be the best guest possible and honor this person’s effort and just eat it? Or am I going to bring my identity into this and push the plate away?'” explains Levy.

He says he decided to just accept what people prepared for him gracefully and even enthusiastically. He admits, “I was in a land of pork popsicles. And I gotta tell you this — it was delicious!”

A Spiritual Void

However, many of the Chinese people whom Levy encountered seemed to be left unsatisfied when it comes to spirituality. Levy recounts that in the 1960s, communist leader Chairman Mao did everything he could to tear down the “spiritual nervous system.” Mao had Buddhist monks physically beaten, temples demolished and sutras burned.

Levy says his students had never been encouraged to think about or discuss God, spirituality or religion.

One of his students, Jennifer, even told him, “You are lucky, because as an American Jew, you have something to believe in. But what can Chinese believe in? We do not have the God. We are losing all of our Chinese days, like Mid-Autumn Festival and Grave Sweeping Day.”

Levy says the Chinese government’s big challenge now is to rebuild some sort of spiritual tradition. So far, its chosen method is to construct Confucianism centers nationwide.

Rethinking Politics, Governance And Economics

Levy also came to understand that the Chinese have fervent patriotism despite the lack of democracy. And he says they consider the 1989 massacre of protesters in Tiananmen Square as ancient history.

Now, in his teaching career in the U.S., Levy has unique advice for his American students who want to understand China. “Imagine that there’s a country exactly like the United States. Exactly the same size. It’s got the same cities. It’s got the same number of rich people and poor people. It’s just like us. And now add 1 billion peasants. That’s China,” he says. “If we added a billion peasants to our country, how much would that change our politics? How much would that change our understanding of economics?”

Levy says keeping that perspective helps him understand why the average Chinese person puts such a high value on stability. “They need a government that keeps things under control so they can keep growing … so this billion people can have something to hope for,” he adds. Otherwise, it’s chaos, says Levy.

Learning From One Another

Levy says that after his journey with the Guizhou community, he reads newspapers differently and takes a more global perspective on international issues.

When asked what he hopes he taught the Chinese, Levy responds, “I hope that they learn that Americans are not all fat, not all out to get them, and that there’s a big distinction between what our government does and what an average American wants or believes.”

transcript:

MICHEL MARTIN, host: Of course in this country we’ve had our own experience with terrorism. And, in fact, we will soon be observing the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. And like many people, we plan to reflect on all the ways that 9/11 changed the country and ourselves.
We already know that many people felt a call to faith, others a call to service, perhaps in the military. Our next guest felt that call to service in a different way. He decided to join the Peace Corps. And to his surprise, was sent to a rural village smack in the middle of China, where among his many challenges was trying to figure out how to keep kosher.
Michael Levy writes about this dilemma in his hilarious new memoir “Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching, and Eating with China’s Other Billion.” It chronicles his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer starting in 2005. And he’s with us now from our studios in New York. Welcome. Thank you so much for joining us.
MICHAEL LEVY: Thanks, Michel.
MARTIN: So, why did you decide to join the Peace Corps after 9/11?
LEVY: On September 1st, 2001, I moved to the Upper West Side, and I moved from Jerusalem, where I had been studying in a yeshiva. So I moved out of one frying pan and sort of into another frying pan. And like a lot of people in New York at the time, I felt helpless. I was angry and I wanted to do something. And I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t going to join the Marine Corps. I get woozy if I stub my toe. So I’m not tough enough for that.
(SOUNDBITE OF LAUGHTER)
MARTIN: So it wasn’t a good choice for you.
LEVY: That would not have been a good choice. But I had heard of this thing called the Peace Corps. And the more that I read, the more I felt that it was a way for someone with my temperament and my set of values to do service to my country.
MARTIN: I think it’s a surprise to many people that Peace Corps volunteers are serving in China. I think we’re used to thinking of China now, as kind of a rising economic power, flexing its muscles on the international stage in matters of diplomacy, for example. So I think it is surprising to many people that China accepts Peace Corps volunteers. Was it a surprise to you?
LEVY: It was. And, actually, the word accept is a perfect one to use, Michel. Because one of the things that makes Peace Corps unique is that it only goes where it’s invited. So, when China offered the invitation, I think that Washington, D.C. was excited to build a bond in any way possible. Now, of course, we see in the media that it’s a rising country – that’s a really important story. But there’s a billion people in the interior of China who are still living on a couple of dollars a day.
MARTIN: And that’s where you went.
LEVY: That’s where I went. Yeah. If you dropped your finger right in the middle of a map of China, you’re going to hit Guizhou province.
MARTIN: So tell us about Guizhou province. You said it is the poorest province in China.
LEVY: Yes. It’s the poorest province in China. As per Peace Corps policy, I was given a stipend that put me right at the average level of my community, which was about $100 a month. Most of my students at Guizhou University came from farming families. Just about all of them were first generation college students. And for most of them, the hope – well, it was more of a dream, really, was to leave the province and to get to the coast where this boom is taking place.
But now it’s a few years later, many of them have graduated and it’s out of reach. Shanghai, Beijing – it’s really out of reach for the average person in China.
MARTIN: And what are the immediate challenges for you? You know what? I’m not going to get into too much detail about the immediate challenge for you when you got there because a lot of it has to do with toileting, so I’ll just leave it at that.
(SOUNDBITE OF LAUGHTER)
MARTIN: But food was a challenge because you’d been living in Jerusalem, you had been attending yeshiva, it’s reasonable to assume you kept kosher.
LEVY: Well, ah. Yes. Yes. Here is the central theme. And this is something that you don’t have to go all the way to China to have this problem. If you, Michel, go to dinner, maybe you’re vegetarian and it’s meat. Maybe you are Muslim and it’s pork or Hindu and it’s beef, whatever it is, there’s always a moment in people’s lives when they have to decide, am I going to be the best guest possible and honor this person’s efforts and just eat it or am I going to bring my own identity into this and push the plate away?
As a Peace Corps volunteer, I really, really struggled with this every day. But what I decided to do was be a good guest. And my definition of being a good guest is to accept what is prepared with grace.
MARTIN: Which was immediately tested.
(SOUNDBITE OF LAUGHTER)
LEVY: It was tested every day. I was in a land of, like, pork popsicles. And I got to tell you this – it was delicious.
(SOUNDBITE OF LAUGHTER)
MARTIN: OK. I’m really not – the pork isn’t what was getting me. It was the millipedes.
LEVY: Yeah. The millipedes.
MARTIN: The millipedes.
LEVY: Well, every day I was having a little bit of an identity crisis. But I really did from the very beginning try to make a commitment to not being the ugly American. And to listening and to learning and to trying to become as much a part of the community as possible. And that’s really what Peace Corps asks its volunteers to do. And I don’t know when we’re supposed to impose our own ideas. I mean, politics included, you know, if we’re talking about democracy in China or when I’m just supposed to say thank you, I’ll try this. It’s not usually what I eat, but I’m going to give it a go.
MARTIN: If you’re just joining us, this is TELL ME MORE from NPR News.
I’m speaking with Michael Levy, the author of “Kosher Chinese.” It’s his memoir about being a Peace Corps volunteer in China.
You learned a lot of interesting things about China in a way that when you came back you realized that many people’s perceptions of China as this kind of aggressive, you know, elbows out, my way or the highway is not universal. In fact, that a lot of that is on the edges. In fact, you make this point that one of the officials at the school you were teaching said, if I were to only go to New York and San Francisco, would I really understand the United States?
LEVY: Yeah.
MARTIN: Which is a powerful insight. So tell us a little bit more about what the difference is between the perception many Americans have of China and the other billion, as you put it.
LEVY: Right. So that was the president of Guizhou University who asked me to call him President Bill because Bill Clinton was his hero, which is a little bit bizarre. But his point was if we only read The New York Times, we’re going to understand Shanghai and Beijing. We might understand Tibet and the Dalai Lama. But that leaves out a billion people in the middle and those were the very people that I was getting to know every day.
The other billion are defined by a lot of things. But the part that came up the most for me was a real spiritual emptiness. In the ’60s, Chairman Mao did all he could to sort of tear out the spiritual ecosystem or the nervous system. So Buddhist monks were beaten, temples were torn down, sutras were burned. And my students, they’ve grown up in a China where it’s not that oppressive, but they’ve never been encouraged to think about God or spirituality or religion. They’ve never had the chance to talk about it.
MARTIN: You write about this. You say one of your students, Jennifer, said, you are lucky, because as an American Jew, you have something to believe in. But what can Chinese believe in? We do not have the god. We are losing all of our Chinese days, like Mid-Autumn Festival and Grave Sweeping Day. Do you think that’s a widespread view?
LEVY: I think that it’s very widespread. I think that the big challenge for the Chinese government – and I think that they know this – is actually to rebuild some sort of tradition. And what’s interesting is the Chinese government has been promoting Confucianism as a return to Chinese values. So there’s Confucian centers being built all over the country.
I don’t know what will give Jennifer meaning in her life. But it’s depressing to me to see how many of my friends and students in China are really drifting.
MARTIN: You also, though, came to understand a real patriotism that I think many Americans are puzzled by. For example, I think many Americans have this notion that democracy is so great. You know, our way of life is so great. Why doesn’t everybody want what we have? What you came to understand is there’s a really kind of nuanced view of democracy. It is not what we would think. Could you talk a little bit more about that?
LEVY: When I talk to my students here in the United States and I want them to understand China, I say, imagine that there’s a country exactly like the United States. Exactly the same size. It’s got the same cities. It’s got the same number of rich people and poor people. It’s just like us. And now add one billion peasants. That’s China. If we added a billion peasants to our country, how much would that change our politics? How much would that change our understanding of economics?
I think that thinking of it that way helps me understand why the average Chinese person so values stability and says, what we need is a government that keeps things under control so we can keep growing slowly, maybe even quickly at this point, but so that we can keep growing so that this billion people have something to hope for, because without that hope, chaos is perhaps the result.
MARTIN: So, how does that make you see Tiananmen Square differently?
LEVY: I see it the same way I see the Kent State massacre, which most Americans my age don’t even know about. It’s ancient history to most Chinese. A couple people, you know, got out of control. The government did what it needed to do to keep things stable and now we’ve moved on.
MARTIN: Well, what do you think you learned from your Peace Corps experience? And what do you think your students learned from you?
LEVY: I just have a much more global view of the problems that we get so caught up in in a smaller way, and I think that that’s a mistake.
MARTIN: And what do you think your students learned from you?
LEVY: I hope that they learned that Americans are not all fat. That Americans arenot all out to get them. And that there’s a big distinction between what our government does and what an average American wants or believes.
MARTIN: Michael Levy is the author of the new memoir, “Kosher Chinese: Living, Teaching, and Eating with China’s Other Billion.” He was kind enough to join us from our bureau in New York. Michael Levy, thanks so much for joining us.
LEVY: Thanks, Michel, I’m a big fan.
MARTIN: And what are you having for lunch?
(SOUNDBITE OF LAUGHTER)
LEVY: I’m going to have a bagel.
Copyright © 2011 NPR.

(from http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=138757360 )

Guiyang Bus Stops 贵阳的车站

 Guiyang Bus Stops 贵阳的车站  , from googuizhou.weebly.com/transit-bus.html (spelled “goo…”), uploaded at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9580605942/ , see enlarged image at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9580605942/sizes/l/in/photostream/ ,   supplied by/contact: Erik, emyxter@gmail.com

Public buses in Guiyang are cheap and extensive allow you to get to any part of the city all day long. But with larges amounts of people using them and Guiyang’s infamous traffic, they can sometimes be a pain to use, especially if you cannot get a seat. The most promient routes are the 1 and 2. They use double decker buses and run from the Train station to city center. The 1 via ZunYi RD (Faster) and the 2 via HeBin Park (longer but goes to other major locations)

Below is a list of some of the bus stops.

  喷水池 – PenShuiChi – Is the city center has: Pizza Hut, Createa,Grandma’s Kitchen, Parkson, Flower Plaza, Japanese Ramen, Sunning,KFC, Dicos and more.

 1. 次南门 – CiNan Men – Provincial Science and Technology Museum

 2. 大十字 – DaShiZi – Spaceship intersection, KFC, Parkson, Top-Spinning Park, Wholesale Snack and Liquor Market

 3. 大西门 – DaXiMen – Computer City, ShiXiLu Market, KFC

 4. 大营坡 – DaYingPo –

 5. 东门 – DongMen

 6. 贵大 – GuiDa – Guizhou University, Huaxi

 7. 贵医 – GuiYi – Medical College Hospital, Ramada Plaza, Visa Office, Health Certificate Office

 8. 贵州日报社 – Guizhou RiBaoShe – Visa Office, Health Certificate, Ramada Plaza

 9. 河滨公园 – Hebin GongYuan – Hebin Park, Hebin Park Bus Station, Dicos

 10. 和平路 – HePing Lu – North Catholic Church

 11. 花果园 – HuaGuo Yuan – Work Permit Office

 12. 火车站 – HuoCheZhan – Train Station, Gym, Spa, Forest City Inn, Train Station Muslim, Wall Mart

 13. 花溪 – HuaXi – Huaxi Park, Guizhou University,

 15. 甲秀楼 – JiaXiaLou – Jiaxiu Lou Tower, Xingli Department Store / Supermarket, Toys R’ Us, KFC, Japanese Ramin,

 16. 机场路口 – JiChang LuKou – Airport, KFC

 17. 纪念塔 – JiNian Ta – Guiyang Grand Theatre

 18. 黔灵公园 – QianLing GongYuan – QianLing Park, Howard Johnson Hotel and Buffet

 19. 黔灵西路口 – QianLing Xi LuKou – Beijing JiaoZi, Protestant Church,

 20. 沙冲路口 – ShaChong LuKou – Train Station WalMart

 21. 陕西路 – XiaXiLu -六广门 – LiuGuangMen – Leather and Pottery Story, Gym,

 22. 省府路口 – ShengFu LuKou – Alcohol Market, Beijing Hualian, XiaoShi Zi Movie Theatre

 23. 省医 – ShengYi – Provincial Hosp

 24. 神奇路 – ShenQi Lu

 25. 师大 – ShiDa; Guizhou Normal University

 26. 天河潭 – TianHe Tan

 27. 金阳客车站 – JinYang KeCheZhan

 28. 体育馆 – TiYu Guan

 29. 下合群路 – XiaheQun Lu

 30. 小十字 – Xiao ShiZi

 31. 油炸街 – YouZhaJie

 32. 新路口 – Xinlu Kou

 33. 阳明祠 – YangMing Ci

 34. 优点大楼 – YouDian Da Lou

 35. 云岩广场 – YunYan GuangChang

 36. 紫林庵 – Zi Lin’An

  (from http://googuizhou.weebly.com/transit-bus.html)

Go Guizhou. – googuizhou.weebly.com (spelling is “goo…”)

 

GoGuizhou.com – googuizhou.weebly

uploaded at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9574379677/

to see enlarged image see: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9574379677/sizes/l/in/photostream/

GoGuizhou.com is inspired by the amazing people we have met and places we have been since coming here and we wish to pass on that gift so you can get the most out of your visit in Guizhou.

Questions? Comments? Want to help make the site? EMAIL US! : emyxter@gmail.com
(from googuizhou.weebly.com/index.html )

Guiyang History

The region making up modern day Guiyang has an ancient history spanning thousands of years. During the Epoch of the Warring states the region was the middle zone between the Chu Qian, and it was subordinate to the mysterious Yelang Kingdom, a society which was established by local ethnic groups and was believed to be a wealthy and prosperous kingdom ecomomically and culturally until it suddenly disappeared in 26 BC. After the disappearence of the Yelang Kingdom, the area became subordinate to the Zangke Prefucture during the Han Dynasties, and in the periods of the Tang Dynasties the area was under the control of the Ju Autonomus Prefuncture. During the Song Dynasty the area including and encomapassing modern day Guiyang was named Guizhou.

The old city of Guiyang was constructed during the Yuan Dynasty (which was founded by Kublai Khan and the Mongols) in 1283 AD, and was originally named Shunyuan, meaning “obeying the Yuan.” The Mongols made Guiyang the seat of an army and a “pacification zone”. Around this period local Chinese began to settle the area.

During the Qing and Ming dynasties the city was established as an administrative center and renamed Guiyang. It became the capital of Guizhou province in 1913. Locally Guiyang beacme an important economic center, with two merhant communitied inhabiting the city. These were the Sichuanese people who primarily lived in the northern section of the city, and the peoples of Guangdong, Hunan, and Guangxi, who dominated the southern part of Guiyang. Despite Guiyang’s economic importance to Guizhou province, the predominate perception of the city was that it was merely the capital city of one of China’s poorest and least developed provinces.

During the Chinese war between the Communist forces and the Kuo Ming Tang, the leader of the Kuo MangTing forces, Chinag Kai Shek, flew to Guiyang and made it his base of operations agaist Mao Zedong, in an effort to prevent comunist forces from capturing the city. Mao and his Red forces fled East and the city was left undistrubed until 1939 when it was bombed by Japanese forces. As a result of these attacks approximately a third of “old” Guiyang was destroyed.

During World War II Guiyang became the center of Nationalist Activities against invading Japanese forces and many refugees from the eastern part of China sought refuge. As a result, bustling economic and social activity emerged and Guiyang’s rapid development was underway. During the war roads and other vital infrastructure was built which linked Guiyang to Yunan and Chongqing. Furthermore, construction began on a railway between Guiyang and Liuzhou, Guangxi, and this construction was accelerated in 1949. This railway was completed in 1959, and subsequently connected Guiyang to Chongqing in the north, Kunming in the west, and Changsha in the east. In the decades following the completein of this ambitious project Guiyang has continued to develop at a rapid pace, and today the city is an economic hub of Guizhou province.
(from googuizhou.weebly.com/history1.html )

Guiyang Government Services
Guiyang has more experience than anywhere else in Guizhou dealing with foreigners, but like all places in the world, it can sometimes be a headache to work with these bureaucratic institutions. But when you must, here is the information you need.
Visa Office
Guiyang Gong’anJu ChuRu JingJieDail Da Ting
贵阳公安局出入境接大厅
Address: DaYing Lu 5 hao 大营路 5 号 Phone: 679-7907
Bus Stop: Guiyang RiBaoShe 贵阳日报社

Come prepared with photos, passport, and the necessary school or business papers for your particular visa. You may also need to bring the original lodging registration form from the police station. Allow five days for them to process your visa. Most of the time the officers can speak English, but it is also most helpful to go with a business or educational associate. Fesco Foreign Enterprise Service
GuiyangShi WaiGuo QiYe FuWu Zong GongSi
贵阳市外国企业服务总公司
Address: ShenQi Lu 8 Hao JingXie Da sha 20 Lou 2006 Shi
神奇路8号经协大厦 20 楼 2006 室
Phone: 580-6749 Web: www.gyfesco.com
Bus Stop: ShenQiLu 神奇路

This office can help you get the paperwork done to validate a foreign business. The price isn’t cheap but they deal with most of the paperwork and run around so you don’t have to. A new business is over 8,000 yuan and 3,000 for a representative office.
Health Certificate Office
GuiZhouSheng ChuRu Jing JianYanJian YiJu
贵州省出入境检验检疫局
Address: Beijing Lu 2 Hao 北京路 2 号 Phone: 678-1936
Bus Stop: GuiYangRiBaoShe or GuiYi 贵阳日报社 or 贵医

In order to get a visa anywhere in china one must pass the arcane health examination. The test will cost over 300 yuan. The tests are said not to be terrible, but are only offered in the mornings (they prefer that you not eat breakfast before you come). Plan for about four days before you will get all the paperwork back. Bring your passport and two large size visa photos. Labor Department
ZhongHua RenMin ZongHeGuo LaoDong HeSheHui
中华人民共和国劳动和社会

Address: BaoZheng Zhang Bu, HuaGuoYuan GuiZhuDaSha 15 Lou 1506 Shi, 保证障部花果园贵祝大厦 15楼 1506室 Phone: 536-5641
Bus Stop: HuaGuoYuan 花果园

Once the government has approved your business, the labor department will validate your business, give you a work ID and issue the papers you need for your work visa.
(from googuizhou.weebly.com/visa–govt-services.html )

Shopping
If there is one thing you can do well in Guiyang it is shop. Every street, alleyway, sidewalk and crossing-way has something to buy. From high-end fashion to knock-off Cell Phones this is your one stop guide for shopping in Guiyang.
Supermarkets

Guiyang has a wide array of supermarkets from international chains to local Chinese markets.

Best Supermarkets in Guiyang
1. Carefore
2. Beijing Hualian
3. Xingli Department Stores supermarket
4. WalMart

Best Mall/Department Stores

1. Floral Plaza
2. Hunter Plaza
3. Hongsomething chang
4. xingli
5.

Best Street Markets in Guiyang
1. Bird and Flower Market
2. Flower Market
(from googuizhou.weebly.com/shopping.html )

Guiyang Markets
Guiyang has an incredible amount of Markets in which you can find almost anything you want. Here is your guide to find the best ones.
Bird and Flower Market 花鸟市场

The Bird and Flower market is the best market in town if you want some Chinese crafts, tea, arts, antiques as well as if you want to find a cute new pet for your home here. Although every large city in China has a Bird and Flower Market, Guiyang’s is much different as the low volume of foreign tourists who come every year means the market has retained the local feel that it should have. Aside from the shops the Bird and Flower Market also has some of the best local food in town. Any visit to Guiyang would not be complete without a visit to he Bird and Flower Market. For more information click “Bird and Flower Market”

Cheese Street

Located in-between ZhuCheng Square and the train station, in a seemingly hidden street “Cheese Street” is a gold mine for local foreigners. The area is a Chinese wholesale market for the city, but past all the Chinese goods is a large area of foreign spices, ingredients and cheeses that are difficult to find in the rest of the city.

Shi Xi Lu 市西路

Shi Xi Lu is Guiyang’s largest and busiest wholesale market. The market goes from Daxi Men all the way to the old bus station. The place is almost always full, making it an exciting trip for a first timer but could be a little bit of a headache going through all the traffic all the time. Inside you will find everything from fake clothing, household items, rugs, shoes, art, junk, strange things, and just about anything else under the sun. The place is very crowded so watch out for your belongings, but if you want an truly Chinese shopping experience (Remember when bargaining start low! they are going to start really high), or if you need to find something that’s hard to get, go to ShiXiLu.
(from googuizhou.weebly.com/chinese-markets.html)

Getting Money in Guiyang

ATM’s are incredibly widespread in China. Almost every bank has an ATM with English language screen and accepts international debit cards. The Chinese bank will deduct a small service fee from it and your bank at home will also charge an international exchange rate fee, depending on the bank this fee is between 2-4%.

China Construction bank has a partnership with Bank of America. If your debit card is through bank of America, you can use this bank without a fee.

Creating a Chinese Bank Account

If you come to Guizhou for work or long term studying it is possible for you to open a Chinese bank account. Most often the institution who hires you can help you do the paper work. Guiyang has no English speaking bank tellers, so bring a Chinese friend and your passport with a long-term visa and you can create an account in one day. If you have a Chinese debit card, using another bank’s ATM has only a 2 yuan sir charge.
(from googuizhou.weebly.com/services.html )

Longdongbao airport (贵阳龙洞堡国际机场)

Guiyang’s airport (KWE) was refurbished a few years ago and is one of the most convenient airports in China. Because of its small size lines are usually short, security is fast and the restaurants and food stands are inexpensive. Everyday there are over 100 domestic arrivals and departures to main cities in China such as Chengdu, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. (full departure/arrival list) (Full list of airlines) There are a few once a week trips to popular international locations such as Hong Kong, Macao and Bangkok but they are not cheap.

International flights – If you wish to go to SE Asia your best bet from Guizhou is to use Air Asia out of Chengdu or China Southern out of Kunming. If you want to go international to the West or the Philippines you are best to fly from Guiyang to Guangzhou, Shanghai or Beijing. One can usually get a one way ticket to Guangzhou for under 500 yuan ($80) on China Southern and once in Guangzhou, the Guangzhou airport typically has cheaper flights to America than Beijing or Shanghai.

Getting to City Center – To enter the city from the airport one can either take a taxi or the airport shuttle bus. Taxis can be found outside of the front door in the taxi line, during the day you can usually get a metered taxi but at night one must negoitate. You should not have to pay more than 30-50 yuan to get into the city center. The shuttle bus (10 yuan) runs from the morning to the night and leaves whenever it is full (every 15-30 minutes). The last stop for the shuttle bus is the train station near the city center.

Getting to the Airport – To get to the airport one can find the shuttle bus outside the train station that leaves about every 15 minutes or take a taxi (tell the driver ji chang 飞机场).
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/plane.html )

Guiyang Train Station (贵阳火车站)

Guiyang’s train station is located near the heart of the city. As the station is SW China’s main hub, everyday there are about 100 trains that go to hundreds of cities in the area and all around China. (full list of Guiyang departures) Guiyang is a major stop that connects the east to Kunming (12 hours, about 130 yuan hard sleeper), the west to Guangzhou (30 hours, about 350 yuan hard sleeper) and the North to Chengdu (16 hours 170 yuan hard sleeper) and Chongqing (8 hours 100 yuan hard sleeper). There are no direct trains from Guiyang to Guilin but you can get to Hunan through Kaili. There is even a direct train from Guiyang to the island Hainan that transports you by boat (sleeper 300 yuan).

Buying a Ticket

To buy a ticket one must be able to speak basic Chinese, come pre-prepaired with your written itinerary or use one of the ticket machines at the train station. You can buy a ticket at the train station starting 10 days prior to your departure.

Throughout the city there are also small ticket booths where you can buy tickets for an extra 5 yuan. The most prominent one is located inside the Postal Savings bank across the street from Pizza Hut in Peng Shui Che.
Getting into Town
Bus – Upon entering the city you can either take a public bus or a taxi. Across the street from the train station you will see many buses lined up. Bus 1 and 2 will take you to the center of the city.

Taxi – After the buses near the train station hotel there is a line for metered taxis. This line will work for you during the day but at night taxis can be more difficult.

That being said taxis can be difficult to get, especially if you want a meter at night. Beware if you are foreign taxi drivers will try to overcharge you. A metered taxi in Guiyang starts at 8 yuan and goes up after you reach 2 km. If you can get a taxi to go to where you need to go for 10-15 yuan take it. ( from googuizhou.weebly.com/train.html )

Guiyang Buses

Public Buses in Guiyang are cheap and extensive allow you to get to any part of the city all day long. But with larges amounts of people using them and Guiyang’s infamous traffic, they can sometimes be a pain to use, especially if you cannot get a seat. The most promient routes are the 1 and 2. They use double decker buses and run from the Train station to city center. The 1 via ZunYi RD (Faster) and the 2 via HeBin Park (longer but goes to other major locations)

Below is a list of all the bus routes and bus stops. You may click on the number to see where the bus goes, for how long and what to do/see at each stop. NOTE: AS WITH GUIZHOU, BUS ROUTES CHANGE RAPIDLY!!! THIS IS A GOOD GUIDE, BUT FOR PRACTICAL REASONS WILL NOT ALWAYS BE CORRECT

Bus Routes
1 Double-Decker – 2 Double-Decker – 3 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 11 – 17 – 19 – 20 – 24 – 26 – 28 – 29 – 30 – 31 – 36 – 39 – 43 – 45 – 48 – 54 – 55 – 56 – 58 – 60 – 61 – 63 – 65 – 67 – 68 – 73 -74 – 203 – 241 – 242 – 253 – k29

Bus Stops
喷水池 – PenShuiChi – Is the city center has: Pizza Hut, Createa,Grandma’s Kitchen, Parkson, Flower Plaza, Japanese Ramen, Sunning,KFC, Dicos and more.
1. 次南门 – CiNan Men – Provincial Science an Technology Museum
2. 大十字 – DaShiZi – Spaceship intersection, KFC, Parkson, Top-Spinning Park, Wholesale Snack and Liquor Market
3. 大西门 – DaXiMen – Computer City, ShiXiLu Market, KFC
4. 大营坡 – DaYingPo –
5. 东门 – DongMen
6. 贵大 – GuiDa – Guizhou University, Huaxi
7. 贵医 – GuiYi – Medical College Hospital, Ramada Plaza, Visa Office, Health Certificate Office
8. 贵州日报社 – Guizhou RiBaoShe – Visa Office, Health Certificate, Ramada Plaza
9. 河滨公园 – Hebin GongYuan – Hebin Park, Hebin Park Bus Station, Dicos
10. 和平路 – HePing Lu – North Catholic Church
11. 花果园 – HuaGuo Yuan – Work Permit Office
12. 火车站 – HuoCheZhan – Train Station, Gym, Spa, Forest City Inn, Train Station Muslim, Wall Mart
13. 花溪 – HuaXi – Huaxi Park, Guizhou University,
15. 甲秀楼 – JiaXiaLou – Jiaxiu Lou Tower, Xingli Department Store / Supermarket, Toys R’ Us, KFC, Japanese Ramin,
16. 机场路口 – JiChang LuKou – Airport, KFC
17. 纪念塔 – JiNian Ta – Guiyang Grand Theatre
18. 黔灵公园 – QianLing GongYuan – QianLing Park, Howard Johnson Hotel and Buffet
19. 黔灵西路口 – QianLing Xi LuKou – Beijing JiaoZi, Protestant Church,
20. 沙冲路口 – ShaChong LuKou – Train Station WalMart
21. 陕西路 – XiaXiLu –
六广门 – LiuGuangMen – Leather and Pottery Story, Gym,
22. 省府路口 – ShengFu LuKou – Alcohol Market, Beijing Hualian, XiaoShi Zi Movie Theatre
23. 省医 – ShengYi – Provincial Hosp
24. 神奇路 – ShenQi Lu
25. 师大 – ShiDa
26. 天河潭 – TianHe Tan
27. 金阳客车站 – JinYang KeCheZhan
28. 体育馆 – TiYu Guan
29. 下合群路 – XiaheQun Lu
30. 小十字 – Xiao ShiZi
31. 油炸街 – YouZhaJie
32. 新路口 – Xinlu Kou
33. 阳明祠 – YangMing Ci
34. 优点大楼 – YouDian Da Lou
35. 云岩广场 – YunYan GuangChang
36. 紫林庵 – Zi Lin’An
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/transit-bus.html)

Taxi

Taxi- Taxis in Guiyang during the day start at 8 yuan and at night start at 10 yuan for the first 2 km and increase by 2 yuan for every 1km after that. Taxis can be hard to find during rush hour especially on main roads, if you are having problems finding a taxi, try a smaller road. If you have any problem with a taxi in Guiyang please contact the following:
•Guiyang Taxi Complaining No.: 0851-5285496

Taxi at the Train Station –
Across the street from the train station, past the prominent public bus area there is a taxi line, where metered taxis can be picked up anytime of the day. Sometimes the line can be a little long, or taxis very few, but one should not have to wait more than 5-10 minutes to get a taxi. A taxi to city center should be about 10-12 yuan.

Taxi at the Airport –
Right outside the exit of the airport there is a taxi line, these taxis are metered during the day, but late night sometimes one must barter. Taxis into city center should be about 40-60 yuan.
Black Taxis – Guiyang has many black taxis. Most of the time these taxis work perfectly, but there have been a few cases of black taxi drivers either trying to rip-off foreigners or trying to commit even worse crimes, use them at your own risk. Prices in black taxis must be negotiated and the driver usually starts high, very rarely will you ever get a black taxi for less than what a metered taxi would cost, their existence stems from the difficultly to get a taxi a certain hours of the day in Guiyang.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/taxi.html )

Five-Star Hotels
Although Guiyang is a poor city, in the poorest province in China, it still boasts an incredibly wealthy class of individuals, businessmen and travelers who stay at Five-Star hotels. These hotels are cheaper than Five-Star hotels in other countries or even in other cities in China. They are also the best places to get western food if you have the money.
Kempinski

Sheraton

Pullman

This French 5-star hotel is foreign operated with a Chinese staff. Done to true 5-star quality the Pullman is a great choice for one who wants luxury on their vacation. The Pullman also has the best western buffet in town but is a little steep at 200 yuan / person.

Empark Grand Hotel
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/5-star.html )

Four-Star Hotels

Four-Star hotels are the best bet for Guiyang travelers who want a western standard to their rooms but do not want to pay the price

Ramada

The Ramada Grand Hotel is located 7kms to the railway station and 12kms to the airport. It is near Qianling Park and features a western buffet, swimming pool, gym, 100mbs/internet and more. Click on “Ramada” for more details

Howard Johnson

One of the first international hotels in Guiyang, the Howard Johnson still keeps up with the new hotels in town. It offers a cheaper, but still great western buffet that includes sushi. It along with the Ramada is also the only hotels with an indoor swimming pool. Being near Qianling Park, the Howard Johnson is probably your best bet for all around value.

Novotel Downtown

The Novotel Downtown just opened last year and is a quality 4-star hotel. The best part about it is its location. Right off of ZhongHua Road very near PenShuiChi, the Novotel allows for the easiest access to everything in the city.

Trade Point
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/4-star.html )

Budget Hotels
Guiyang is full of cheap hotels. They are all Chinese owned and range widely in quality, price and appearance. Sadly Guiyang does not have an international youth hostel, but one can get a nicer and cheaper room at one of these places. Warning: these hotels will not have any English speaking staff and some of them will not allow you to stay if you are a foreigner. Also many of these hotels you cannot book on an English website, so one must book it in person or on a Chinese website like qunar.com
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/budget.html )

Local Food

SiWaWa – 丝娃娃 Local fresh vegetables inside a wrapped rice tortilla

A local favorite right out of Guiyang, Siwawa is not only delicious, it is also vegetarian, and unlike a lot of other Chinese food contains very little oil. There are two types of Siwawa, one that is eaten at street stands and one that is eaten at a nicer restaurant. Eating Siwawa is simple, you choose the vegetables you and your eating partners wish to eat, you pick up a rice tortilla, then using Chopsticks take the vegetables you want, put it in, wrap it up and enjoy.

Top 5 Siwawa Restaurants in Guiyang
1. Mr. Miaos siwawa- best in town balhbalhbalh address: link:

Bean Hot Pot – DouMi HuoGuo – 豆米火锅

Tourists and locals alike can fulfill their gustatory pleasures by indulging in another Guiyang favorite, bean hot pot, in which a smorgasbord of meats and vegetables are cooked in a boiling bean soup. Unlike famous hot pots in Chongqing and Sichuan, bean hot pot pot is devoid of the peppers and spices that typically set unsuspecting foreigners’ mouths ablaze. However, bean hot pot provides the opportunity to season various combinations of meats and vegetables in its delicious and hearty bean broth. At their table patrons are provided with a large pot containing a bean soup which is placed over a hot plate (or fire, depending on the restaurant you choose to patronize). Customers are then given the option to select numerous types of meats and vegetables to place in the piping hot soup.

Best Bean Hot Pot Restaurants
1. Tu Feng Bean Hot Pot 土风豆米火锅

Miao Sour Soup Fish Hot Pot – Miao SuanTang Yu HuoGuo – 苗酸汤鱼火锅

A specialty coming out of Southeast Guizhou, Sour Fish Hot Pot is often regarded as a food foreigners will miss most once they leave Guizhou. The thick, sour broth is made from tomatoes and it permeates into whatever you put in the pot. Typically inside is a large river fish that soaks up the flavor and your selection of other ingredients, typically potatoes, tofu and cabbage. The hot pot can be eaten alone or with side dishes. Most locals will dip the food that comes out of the hotpot into a small bowl of liquid hot peppers.

Best Sour Fish Soup Hot Pot
1. Old Kaili Sour Fish Soup – Top ranked by locals with a nice atmosphere, this restaurant gives you exactly what you need.
2. Miao Village Restaurant – Great flavored Sour Hot Pot in a little bit more modest of a setting than Old Kaili

Local Snacks

1. Smelly Tofu – Chou DouFu – 臭豆腐
– Sounds gross, but add some spicy pepper and it is a great snack

Best Local Lunch

1. Local Guiyang Intestine Noodle Soup 贵阳肠旺面 changwang mian
– This restaurant only runs during lunch hours and is ALWAYS packed. Loved by locals, and light on the wallet, this local special is a must have.Best Local Dinner
1. Sour Soup Hotpot by the Stick restaurant
– Well off the beaten path, this secret local hideout is not only ridiculously delicious but is also incredibly cheap and different.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/local-food.html )

Foreign Food

Guiyang has few foreigners but over the past five years this has started to change. New western restaurants and more imported goods are coming everyday
Fast Food
1. KFC – Although lacking amazing western menu items such as the double down, KFC is a good break from Chinese food at decent prices. Breakfast sandwiches are highly recommended
2. Dicos – A Chinese knockoff of KFC that some say tastes better than KFC and is usually a few yuan cheaper. They also deliver.
3. CSC – A Chinese fast food restaurant with mostly rice dishes, a little more expensive than the local food, but cheaper than Dicos / KFC.
4. Master Kongs – Almost what one would expect a Chinese fast food restaurant to be in America.

Pizza

1. Pizza Fun – A Chinese owned pizza buffet that takes one out of Guiyang and into America. Currently open in two locations
2. Pizza Hut – The only international pizza chain in Guizhou. Although a little expensive it is your best bet for pizza in town.
3. Jazzy Pizza –
4. Beibado

Western Restaurants

1. Grandmas – Highly noted as the best western restaurant in town. Grandmas is the home of Guiyang’s only real beef hamburger.
2. LA Grill – Formerly owned by an American, now locally owned, LA Grill offers great tasting tex-mex but at a steep price and small portions
3. Highlands – Although mostly a coffee shop, highlands is owned and operated by foreigners and has a few western food items. Panini is highly recommended
4. Brazilian BBQ
Western Buffets
– Kempinski – not open yet, but will feature a German brew-house and the best food in town. Currently has three shefs hired.
– Sheraton – A great assortment of cheeses and other western cuisines
– Pullman – Rated the best buffet in town, the Pullman has everything you could want at a steep price (200 yuan/person)
– Howard Johnson – Not the best western buffet in town, but it tastes good, has great western selection and is comparatively cheap! (90 yuan / person)
– Ramada – Like the Howard Johnson the Ramada is good, western and cheaper than the 5-stars in town.
Korean / Thai / Japanese

Thai
– Bangkok Lotus
– Banana Leaf – Amazing Thai food, with a foreign chef and musical entertainment, but very expensive! Expect to pay at least 70 yuan a dish

Japanese

Korean

Imported Food Supermarkets

1. Carefore – The best imported food / alcohol section in town
2. Cheese Street – A Chinese market which sells bulk cheese and other imported goods. Hard to find, but is a real Guiyang Treasure.
2. Wal-Mart – American company, decent imported food section with three locations.
3. Xingli Department store Supermarkets – Nice Chinese supermarket in the bottom of the Xingli malls. Imported food is mostly Japanese and Korean but it has the largest imported wine and beer selections in town.
4. Imported Alcohol Store – A Chinese owned store with all the foreign liquor one would want, at standard imported prices.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/foreign-food.html )

Chinese Food
Chinese food is as diverse as the people and its land. There are eight famous types of Chinese food and thousands of local specialities in this vast country. If you are looking for local food, click here. This page shows where to find the best of the rest in Chinese cuisine, in Guiyang.
Sichuan / Chongqing Food

The most famous style of food in China, Sichuan / Chongqing food is known for itsmala (spicy and numbing) flavor. Sichuan food is what is found in most small family restaurants. (Click here for a full menu of Sichuan food) But Sichuan and Chongqing are most well known for its hotpots. The hotpots are often incredibly spicy, oily and delicious.

Best Sichuan / Chongqing Dishes restaurants

Best Sichuan / Chongqing Hotpot restaurants

Muslim Food

A favorite of foreigners in China, Muslim food comes from the Hui and UyghurMuslim populations located in North and Northwest China. The Hui and Uyghurpeople have different cuisines but they taste similar. The Hui people’s most famous food is LanZhou La Mian (Lanzhou Pulled noodles) where the Uyghurs most famous food is Xinjiang DaPan Ji (Xinjiang big plate of Chicken).
The pulled noodles are made by hand, topped with your choice of meat, potato and vegetables with a slightly spicy sauce covering all of it. The noodles are best ordered fried, but can also come in a soup.
Da Pan Ji is a massive plate of chicken, potatoes, vegetables and sometimes tofu that is smothered in a delicious spicy sauce. One must eat this with the Xinjiang nan bread for the full flavor effect. The cuisine is much more vast than this so pick anything on the menu and you are bound to have a delightful meal!

Best Muslim Restaurants in Guiyang

1. Train Station Xinjiang Uyghur Restaurant
2. Muslim Street Xinjiang Uyghur Restaurant
3. Guizhou Normal College LaMian muslim

Beijing Food

1. Beijing Jiaozi – delicious Chinese dumplings with a friendly staff and good prices

Other

Best Vegetarian Food

1. Buddhist Temple Vegetarian Restaurant – An amazing experience in the middle of downtown, the Buddhist Temple Restaurant serves hundreds of dishes of Chinese cuisine but only use meat substitutes. These substitutes often taste better than the real thing. The end result is a meal that is delicious and healthy. Also inside is a small Buddhist temple.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/chinese-food.html )

Menu

In Guizhou and all over China there are too many restaurants to even count. Most of these are called 家常菜 (family style) restaurants. These often have the same types of dishes. Here is a list of some of the most famous items on these menus.

Appetizers 开胃品

1. 炸花生 – Zha HuaSheng
– Deep-Fried Peanuts
2. 凉拌黄瓜 – LiangBan HuangGua
– Cold cumcumber with spice
3. 豆米 – Dou Mi
– Glutinous rice with spicePork 猪肉
1. 糖醋里脊 – TangCu LiJi
– Sweet and Sour Pork
2. 鱼香肉丝 – YuXiang RouSi
– Sour and Spicy Pork Strip
3. 京酱肉丝 – JingJiang RouSi
– Saucy meat with plum sauce and mini tortillas
4. 排骨 – Pai Gu
– Ribs
5. 水煮肉片 – ShuiZhu RouPian
– Pork Slices with a spicy soup base
6. 蒜苗炒肉 – SuanMiao ChaoRou
– Garlic Shoots with Pork

Chicken – 鸡肉

1. 工包鸡丁 – GongBao JiDing
– Chicken with Peanuts
2. 铁板鸡片 – TieBan Ji Pian
– Sizzling Chicken with Onions
3. 腰果鸡丁 – YaoGuo Ji Ding
– Chicken and Cashews

Beef – 牛肉

1. 铁板牛肉 – TieBan Niu Rou
– Sizzling beef and onions
2. 孜然牛肉 – ZiRan Niu Rou
– Deep fried beef and cumin
3. 红烧牛肉 – HongShao Niu Rou
– Beef in brown sauce
4. 牛肉炒大葱 – NiuRou Chao Da Cong
– Beef and onions

Vegetables – 蔬菜

1. 干煸土豆丝 – GanBian TuDouSi
– Deep Friend Shredding Potatoes
2. 炸薯条 – Zha ShuTiao
– Chinese French Fries
3. 土豆泥 – TuDou Ni
– Mashed Potatoes
4. 西红柿炒鸡蛋 – XiHongSe ChaoJiDan
– Fried Egg and Tomato
5. 干煸棒豆 – GanBian BangDou
– Crispy fried green beans
6. 干煸四季豆 – GanBian SiJiDou
– Crisy fried beans
7. 西兰花 – XiLanHua
– Broccoli

Vegetables – 蔬菜

1. 花菜 – Hua Cai
– Cauliflower
2. 菠菜 – Bo Cai
– Spinach
3. 空心菜 – Kong Xin Cai
– Chinese Water Spinach
4. 白菜 – BaiCai
– Chinese Cabbage
5. 玉米 – YuMi
– Corn
6. 茄炸 – QieZha
– Breaded Eggplant with meat filling
7. 生菜 – Sheng Cai
– Lettuce

Tofu – 豆腐

1. 麻婆豆腐 – MaPo DouFu
– Tofu chunks in spicy sauce
2. 家常豆腐
– Homestyle tofu
3. 青椒豆腐干
– Smoke tofu strips and green peppers
4. 日本豆腐
– Japanese tou fu

Staples

1. 米饭 – Mi fan
– rice
2.蛋炒饭 – Dan ChaoFan
– Egg fried rice
3. 饺子 – jiaozi
– Chinese dumplings
4. 面条 – mian tiao
– Noodles
5. 包子 – BaoZi
– Steamed Bun with various fillings
6. 馒头 – ManTou
– Chinese steamed bread
7. 馄饨 – HunTun
– Wonton

Soup – 汤

1. 酸辣汤 – SuanLa Tang
– Hot and Sour Soup
2. 西红柿鸡蛋汤 – HongXiShi JiDanTang
– Tomato and Egg soup
3. 白菜豆腐汤
– Tofu and Cabbage soup
4. 三鲜汤 – SanXianTang
– Meatball, Veggie soup

Hot Pot – 火锅

1. 清汤 – QingTang
– Clear (light, no/little spice) hotpot
2. 酸汤
– Sour Hot Pot
3. 麻辣汤
– Hot and Spicy Hot Pot
4. 豆米火锅
– Brown Bean Hot Pot
5. 豆花火锅
– Special Tofu Hot pot
6. 干锅鸡
– Dry Chicken Hotpot

Drinks – 饮料

1. 可口可乐 – kekou kele – Coke
2. 百事可乐 – baishi kele – Pepsi
3. 雪碧 – XueBi – Sprite
4. 茶水 – ChaShui – Tea
5. 矿泉水 – KuangQuan Shui Spring Water
6. 开水 – kai shui – hot water
7. 啤酒 – Pi Jiu – Beer
8. 葡萄酒 – PuTao Jiu – Red Wine
9. 咖啡 – KaFei – Coffee

Desserts – 甜点

1. 拔丝苹果 – BaSi Ping Guo
– Caramelized apple chunks
2. 菠萝飞饼 – BoLuo FeiBing
– Pineapple Pastry
3. 南瓜饼 – NanGuo Bing
– Chinese pumpkin bread

Recipes

Although Guizhou does not have many foreign restaurants, it does not mean you cannot get foreign food out of your Kitchen. This section will help you make delicious western food out of items you can find from most Chinese Supermarkets

– Basic Pasta Noodles – Wal-Mart and Carefore both have Italian pasta but it can be expensive, make it yourself for 2 yuan!
– Basic White Sauce – The closest thing you can get to Alfredo
– Beer Bread – A good western style bread.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/menu–recipes.html)

Guiyang Bars / Clubs

China is known for its heavy drinking culture. And in China, Guizhou is famous for its heavier drinking culture. It makes sense as Guizhou is the home of the “National Liquor” Moutai. This gives Guiyang a slew of bars and KTV’s but because of its small, young/middle class and foreign population there are very few international type places and no western style bars.

Bars

The Guiyang Bar scene is much different than other cities in China. Most bars consist of dimly lit areas with giant puffy couches to sit on and drink cheap beer. These are great for being with your friends but it can make it difficult to find new friends. Also there are no western style bars in town.

Top Bars in Guiyang
1.
2.

Clubs

Guiyang has a few clubs in town. They are all Chinese owned and operated, but from time to time will have a foreign DJ playing. A good time for those who love them and a strange cultural experience for those who have not been to one yet. Going to a club in China is a must at least once, but terrible if you go too often.

Top Clubs in Guiyang
1.
2.

KTV

KTV is something everyone must do at least once in China. Round up your friends, rent a room, get some beers and have the time of your life.

Top KTV in Guiyang
1.
2..

Other

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/bars-clubs-and-ktv.html )

Coffee and Tea

Guiyang is a city full of Coffee and Tea shops. It seems that along every street coffee and tea shops are every other shop. The best part is that in Guiyang all coffee houses are locally owned, not one Starbucks can be found! The following are a few of the best local coffee shops in town.
Createa (宜北町 – Yi Bei Ding)

The Starbucks of Guiyang, Createa is a local Chain with over 8 locations that gives you fast service, cheap prices and a busy atmosphere with generic jazz music playing in the background. The drinks are good, but the teas are better than the coffees. Createa also offers desserts such as cheesecake for the lowest prices in town. The menu is in English but the staff does not speak English but one can easily point at the menu to place your order. Free wi-fi is available, but you must ask the counter for the password. Here is a map of all the Createas in Guiyang.
Soil Cafe (土壤咖啡)

The high end coffee shop of Guiyang, Soil cafe has emerged out of nowhere a year ago to now having over five locations. The atmosphere is really nice, albeit a little confusing. The drinks are expensive and the service can be a bit slow, especially at the main store near Guizhou Normal University. The place is not meant to be a Starbucks but more of a place to meet with friends and spend an entire afternoon chatting or doing work. It really works well with Guiyang’s relaxed pace of life, but if you are want a quick cup of coffee head to Createa instead. Free Wi-Fi available, just ask a server for the password. Here is a map of all the Soil Cafe’s in town.

Highlands

Highlands was started by an American five years ago but this year the ownership was handed over to a Singaporean and a Korean. Highlands offers an English speaking staff, a comfortable atmosphere and a great foreign food menu including paninis. The prices are in-between Createa and Soil Cafe and the drinks and food are great. The only problem with Highlands is the overly strict rule enforcement that levees a sitting tax if you do not order, even if a friend did, a no outside drinks of food policy (unlike every other coffee shop in Guizhou, not even a bottle of water is not allowed from the outside even if you ordered a coffee) and an even stranger no pictures policy. That being said, the new management will hopefully change this practice. Free wifi is available.

Wings of Tea

Other Local Coffee / Tea Shops

Guiyang has so many coffee/tea shops that it is impossible to list them all. But here is a list of GoGuizhou.com’s other favorites.

1. Zero Cafe
2.
3.

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/coffee–tea.html )

Hot Springs and Spas
Guiyang is known for its laid back atmosphere and who would not want to relax here when there is an abundance of hot springs, natural and man-made in such a small area. Here is some of the best around.

Poly Hot Springs

Tianyi Forest Hot Springs

Xifeng Hot Springs

Wudang Hot Springs

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/hot-springs-and-spas.html)

TongRen Living

Living as a Laowai
There are not many foreigners in Tongren. In fact, according to the police bureau, there are exactly 7 laowai in Tongren right now, all of whom are teachers. Life in Tongren is pretty relaxed. The tough part about living in a small rural community is that very few people have ever met, let alone seen, a laowai before. Therefore when you are walking down the street, riding the bus, or having dinner in any given restaurant, you can expect consistent stares and an occasional “hullo” from a brave passer by. There is one known blog about life in Tongren. Tongren blog

How to Arrive / Leave

Tongren does have an airport, but you can only arrive from Guiyang and Shanghai. The train station in town was built in 2006 and is very small, however, there are daily trains to Shanghai to the east and Chengdu to the west. To go south by train, you have to travel by bus to the town of Yuping or take the train one stop east and transfer in Huaihua.

Where to work: Really the only jobs for foreigners in Tongren are teaching jobs. There are two universities in the town, but the salary at both is small, especially when compared to schools in more affluent provinces or autonomous regions. There are several private English training schools who offer competitive salaries that include housing, water, and electricity.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/living1.html)

Wumeng Mountain

The Wumeng Mountain national geopark is on the eastern slope of the qinhai tibet plateu and in the transition region from the yunnan-guzhou plateau to the hills in guangxi. Wumeng mountain si mainly composed of the karst geological remains and landscapes, plains in the mountaihns, valleys, paleeontological fossils and anthropoligical sites. The national geopark consists of two gardens and five scenic zones.

Beipan River Grand Canyon

YuShe National Forest Park

The Wumeng Mountain national geopark is on the eastern slope of the Qinghai Tibetan plateu and in the transition region from the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau to the hills in Guangxi. Wumeng mountain si mainly composed of the karst geological remains and landscapes, plains in the mountaihns, valleys, paleeontological fossils and anthropoligical sites. The national geopark consists of two gardens and five scenic zones.

Liuzhi Suoga

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/traveling.html )

Liupanshui 六盘水 – The Cool Capital

Liupanshui is both a name for a city and prefecture in western Guizhou. Liupanshui is also the second largest and most developed city in Guizhou. The city itself has about 300,000 residents while the prefecture has close to 3,000,000. Liupanshui gets its name from the three main cities that combined to create the prefecture Liuzhi, Panxian and Shui Cheng. The city is known as the “cool city” or the “cool capital” because of its cool summer temperatures.

The city is divided into three main areas huang tu po, The New Development Are (开发区kai fa qu) and the dragon mountain area. Huang tu po is the oldest part of the city and because of this it is the most pedestrian friendly area. There are many great shops, restaurants and supermarkets in this area. it is also home to the LPS city government.

The new development zone has all been built in the last 10 years. It is the most developed area of the city which holds the people’s square, two large parks, coffee shops, nice Chinese hotels, some department stores, the PSB office and a Wal Mart.

The Dragon Mountain area is the newest addition to LPS city. It is up on a hill that makes a pretty picturesque scenery during a sunny day. Most of the buildings in this area have been built in the last few years and much of the area is still under construction. This area is home to the LPS provincial government offices, the number three (best) middle school and is also the future home of the LPS foreign language center.

Living as a Foreigner

Although the city is the second largest in Guizhou and is also one of the main hubs of the provinces’ economic development, the expat population constantly fluctuates between 5-10. Most of them work as teachers but there are a few who are studying Chinese. The city is much more of a traditional Chinese place with little exposure to foreigners. Most of the time you will be greeted on the streets with stares (of curiosity not contempt), the oft-stated “hello!”or “OOO laowai!” and great smiles from the local people. That being said the city itself boasts a small Chinese middle/upper class who have had previous experience with foreigners and some nice Chinese accommodations to take you out of the sometimes harsh conditions.

The level of English speaking in the community is very low. Liupanshui is a great place to live but if a laowai is not accustom to Chinese culture or know some basic Chinese (or is not willing to learn these things) it can be very difficult to live in this city. That being said if you do have a basic understanding of Chinese and its culture the city can be a really fulfilling place to experience.

Laowais who have lived in LIupanshui typically say the food, people and the surrounding scenery are the best aspects of the city. While the worst part of living in Liupanshui is the constant cold and wet weather during the winter, think Seattle with the lack of central heat.

Getting in / Out
Train
Liupanshui’s train station is one of the main train hubs in Guizhou. Liupanshui has trains that go all the way to Kunming in the west, Guiyang to the east, and Chengdu to the north. To buy train tickets you must buy them in person at the train station or in one of the small ticket booths located around the city within 10 days prior to your departure.

Liupanshui to Guiyang / Guiyang to Liupanshui
Guiyang is the closest large city with a size-able foreign population and some international goods. At all times there is the ability to catch a train to Guiyang or Liupanshui as there are 30 trains that travel to Guiyang and about the same that come back to Liupanshui daily. There are three different types of trains that travel between the cities. All of the trains have AC. Two types of the trains take 3 hours and 45 minutes (any train with a K) and then there are three trains that take 2 hours and 45 minutes (any train with a T)

The two types of K trains are priced at 23 yuan ($4) and 43 yuan ($8) oneway. If on a budget I recommend the 23 yuan train because the 43 yuan trains don’t arrive any faster nor do they provide any extra comfort. Both of these trains have hard seats (benches) that face each other. If you happen to go on a weekend or holiday these will be very full with a strong likelihood that you will be crammed or standing the entire train ride. If this happens try to find the dining room car which usually resides in the middle of the train between the sleeper section and the hard seats. While there order one dish and enjoy the comfort while you eat your meal over 4 hours. Also if you have the cash sleepers are available on these trains.

The T trains were just added in October of 2010. They are second hand fast trains taken from the east of China and are quite nice. Most seats are bucket type, have ample leg room and face forward like a standard western train. These trains also usually are less full, quieter and they are smoke free. The tickets cost 64 yuan ($11) for a regular seat and 77 yuan ($13) for a “VIP” seat. The VIP seats aren’t worth the extra money.

Full Schedule of trains from LPS to Guiyang
Full Schedule of trains from Guiyang to LPS

Liupanshui to Kunming / Kunming to Liupanshui
Kunming is the closest city with a McDonalds. It is also a foreign backpacker mecca, a hub for many national natural wonders and just a wonderful city all the way around. It takes between 6 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours to arrive in Kunming. If you wish to get to Kunming I recommend the T60 overnight train with a top sleeper bed.

Liupanshui to Kunming Schedule
Kunming to Liupanshui Schedule
Liupanshui to Chengdu / Chengdu to Liupanshui
Chengdu is metropolitan city of 10,000,000 people 12-15 hours north of Liupanshui. It is home of the American consulate for Southwest China. There are 7 trains daily to Chengdu.
Liupanshui to Chengdu Schedule
Chengdu to Liupanshui Schedule

Liupanshui is also the best place to stay overnight on your way to CaoHai lake in WeiNing. There are a few trains a day that go to Weining, with a ticket only costing 10 yuan and a total travel time of 1 and a half hours.

Bus station 客车站
The Liupanshui bus station is a 10 minute walk from the train station has buses running all day to many different cities in Guizhou and beyond. Most often the buses will be more expensive than the train but the station is also less crowded, and easier to get a ticket. Because of Guizhou’s rough terrian bus rides are quite the adventure and they also take close to as long or longer than taking a train. That being said buses serve many smaller communities that train stations don’t go to such as Bijie and Xingyi.

Getting Around

The city of Liupanshui lies in a valley which makes it very narrow, this makes getting lost in Liupanshui very difficult. The main road that goes throughout the city and were most of the important businesses, residential areas and places to see reside is Zhong Shan Da Dao (钟山大道). Zhong Shan da dao is a long, wide two way road,

Public Transportation

The only method of public transportation is bus. There are about 10 bus lines that go throughout the city. Buses start running at 7am and close at 9pm (although some of the smaller lines open later and close earlier). Every bus is 1 yuan/person.

The 1 line is the most important bus route as it goes the entire length of Zhong Shan in both directions. The city is currently revamping their bus fleet and stops, more detailed information about buses will come soon.

Taxis

Taxis are ubquitious throughout the city. Most of the time they are very easy to hail and very cheap to use. The meter starts at 5 yuan (about $.75) for the first two km. Make sure to tell the taxi driver that you want a metered taxi (da biao!) and you should rarely ever have a ride that is more than 15 yuan ($2.50).

Taxis can be difficult to get during rush hour and at the train station. Especially at midnight at the trainstation it is almost impossible to get a taxi by yourself and metered. If this is the case you should never pay over 15 yuan to get to your destination and 10 yuan is a good price. Also, especially late at night it is common for taxi drivers to pick up other passengers, this is ok, you will not be charged more for this.

Although rare, if you get in a situation where the taxi driver wants to overcharge you, ask him for a receipt (Da piao), if he won’t give it to you tell him you will call the police as it is in their licence agreement that they must be able to give you a recepit for the taxi ride.

There are also three wheel taxis that can slowly take you anywhere. Only take these if you are having trouble finding a regular taxi. These vehicals have no meter but you should never pay over 10 yuan for a ride. They are also very small and dangerious so take them at your peril

“Black Taxis”
are unmarked and illegal taxis. Sometimes they can work out fine sometimes not. Take them at your own risk.
Shopping

Liupanshui has many supermarkets as well as outdoor markets. The big two supermarket chains in Liupanshui are WalMart (1 location) and Jiahui (3 locations). Both of these supermarkets have about the same amount of goods at close to the same prices (although I have found things to be a little cheaper at Jiahui). Other small supermarkets also exist.

WalMart is located in Kai Fa Qu right across the street from Ren Min Guang Chang on the third floor of the Sun Center building. WalMart has the largest selection of International goods in Liupanshui but that is not saying much. Currently it has two small shelves full of mostly Japanese and Korean snacks. But some western food is also available such as pasta, pasta sauce, some cereals and other random western sauces. The international goods that come in are not always in stock and what WalMart carries fluctuates in random ways.

WalMart is also your best bet to find foreign alcohols. They have a decent selection of International Vodka, whiskey and red wine. Other locations have it but they are most likely counterfeit.

If you want good bread go to the yi xing long da chao shi (一兴隆大超市) in Hong tu po. The supermarket is across the street from Dicos and has a large blue sign at its entrance. At the bottom floor the bread section has the normal strange looking sweet breads but on the top shelf they have buns. Yi xing supermarket produced these buns for the Dicos across the street and they taste just like a bun one would find in America.
Clothes
Like most Chinese cities along the streets of LPS is one clothing store after another. On Zhong Shan road in the new development zone there are a few Nike, Addidas stores as well as some higher end clothing shops. The Huang tu po area has two main locations where you can buy very cheap knock off goods. One is located on the corner across the street from the KFC, the other is situated under the sports stadium.
MedicalLiupanshui city is the major medical care center for the region. The best hospital is Liupanshui People’s Hospital (六盘水人民医院). The hospital is old and does not meet the standards set by the American consulate to have any work done other than the most basic services. There are no English speaking doctors. That being said in June 2011 the new hospital will open with much better facilities.

The closest English speaking doctors are in Guiyang at the Guiyang Medical School hospital. The closest hospital recommended by the American consulate is in Kunming.

Information for English Speaking Doctors in Guiyang
Where to Work
Liupanshui currently has three schools with foreign teachers.

The current job openings include:
www.esljobs.com/china/esl-teachers-needed-in-liupanshui-c…
Teach young learners or adults in LPS
Where to Study – There is an intensive Chinese language program at Liupanshui Normal University. The program offers one on one instruction with great mandarin speakers in a classroom setting. Currently there are two students enrolled.

Coffee/Tea

Over the past two years Liupanshui has had a renaissance of coffee and tea shops. Growing seemingly as fast as its middle class every new area has many coffee and tea houses. Once nice thing about Liupanshui coffee bars is that there are no chain coffee places, all of the shops are locally owned, which brings friendly service and a relaxing atmosphere. The only down side to that is especially for coffee some shops have very inexperienced with the drink making process itself. The following are the four best coffee/tea shops in town.

Wayne (Wizard of Oz) and Tims (TT) – Although not the official names, the local laowai know the first two coffee shops by the first name of the owners. Wayne and Tim are cousins, they are incredibly friendly and both speak English well. The coffee shops are located right next to each other, on the small street next to the Dico’s fast food restaurant near the People’s Square. They both offer a relaxing homey atmosphere and have wonderful drinks. The main difference between the two shops are although they both serve alcohol, Wayne’s only serves cocktails and wine as Tims offers a selection of beers to go along with your coffee.

Cool Choose – Despite the funny name, Cool Choose is the closest thing Liupanshui has to a Starbucks / American coffee house feel. Cool Choose is north of the people’s square, across the street from the Vito Hotel / China Telecom building. Not only does Cool Choose have great coffee and tea but it is also home to the only Cheese Cake in town.

Detail Coffee – Located on the second floor of the cool city palace, Detail coffee has a very friendly staff, an elegant, urban atmosphere and a great view of the people’s square.

Bars

Clubs – Liupanshui is home to two night clubs jiahui and guohui. They are both located near the People’s Square. Both offer dancing to blaringly loud, techo remixes of old American pop/hip-hop songs. The nightlife also ends early. Most nights the club will be cleared by midnight – one o’clock. That does not mean they are not fun but one must arrive early.
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/liupanshui.html )

Huangguoshu Waterfall 黄果树瀑布
( from googuizhou.weebly.com/huangguoshu-waterfall.html)

Historical Sites
From the ancient to modern history, temples to the political meeting sites, Guizhou has many great, off-the-path historical areas to see!
Zunyi Meeting Site

Qingyan Ancient Town

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/historical-sites.html)

English Tour Guides

English tours in Guizhou are few and far between, but that makes them much more exciting. Lost is the massive buses going to tourist attractions with expensive ticket prices and long waits and found is very personal tours, from excellent, knowledgeable and local guides. Here are a few companies with listed tours and also a list of companies that do individual tours.

Top Guizhou Tours

1. ToGuizhou , www.toguizhou.com/, – A wonderful local who started his own tour company. He does the best tours of minority festivals in Guizhou.
2. Absolute China Tours , www.absolutechinatours.com/Guiyang-tours/
3. China Tour Guides , www.chinatourguide.com/guizhou/- Wonderful Minority tours for an affordable price

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/english-tours.html)

Guizhou Normal University

Guizhou Normal University is located in Guiyang, China, which is the capital of China’s Guizhou province. The university’s main campus is located close to the center of the city, and its campus is encompassed by the often bustling and lively atmosphere of downtown Guiyang. GNU is in close proximity to Pen Shui chi, which is a center for food, shopping and night life in Guiyang. GNU currently comprises two campuses, Baoshan (main campus) and Baiyun, and the construction of a third campus is currently underway in Huaxi district.

Originally named National Guiyang Teachers College, the University was founded in 1941, and renamed Guiyang Teachers College after the creation of the People’s Republic of China in 1950. In 1985 it was officially named Guizhou Normal University (GNU). In 1996 GNU was officially designated as one of the “Key Universities” of Guizhou Province. GNU was honored as an “Outstanding University” in the Undergraduate Teaching Assessment conducted by the Ministry of education in 2008, and in February of 2010 GNU was authorized to grant PhD’s by the State Council Academic Degrees Committee.

Teaching English
Teaching English – Guizhou Normal University is always looking for foreign teachers. Teacher usually have 16 hours of classes a week and an English Corner. Pay is around 6000 yuan / month and a free apartment. Apartments are old but nice. Click here and go to Contact US to apply

International Scope
GNU is a participant in the Ministry of Education’s “Program of Partner Assistance with Western Universities,” and currently engages in an exchange program with Ohio State University. GNU has also established exchange programs with schools in Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Since 2006 GNU has also cooperated with Xiamen University, a nationally prestigious university within China, to forge a “partner assistance” relationship.
GNU currently has a student body numbering more than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students, most of whom hail from Guizhou Province. The university has approximately 1,400 full time teachers, some of whom’s work has been honored by the Guizhou Provincial Government as well as the government of China. According to GNU’s website “In the past five years, the university has undertaken 79 national research projects and 430 provincial and ministerial research projects. The university has received 67 provincial awards for its achievements.”

GNU consists of 22 schools, including an independent college named Qiushi college. Other schools include the School of Chinese Language and Literature, the School of Law, The School of Foreign Languages, and the School of Fine Arts. There are a variety of academic programs available for students to pursue, including 52 degree programs for undergraduate students, and 42 programs available to post graduate students.

Library

The libraries on GNU’s campuses collectively hold more than 2 million printed books, 540,000 e-books, 100,000 e-books in foreign languages, and 2,544 foreign and domestic newspapers. The library on GNU’s Baoshan campus is also the location of a Provincial Information Center, the National Protection Unit of Ancient Books, and the center of “Document Sharing Technology of Guizhou Province.” Other key facilities include the University hospital and a newly constructed health center at Baoshan campus.

External Links
Official website : www.gznu.edu.cn/
Official website (English) : 210.40.64.7/english/index.htm Studying Chinese
Studying Chinese Chinese Language Program
Guizhou NormalUniversity recruits students from various countries to study Chinese language and culture courses. The students may study 15 language courses and about 15 Chinese culture courses for at least half a year. If students achieve a qualified score, they can get a Chinese Language Culture Study certificate.Instruction will be given in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, newspaper reading, writing and ancient Chinese. Special courses can be arranged to meet the students’needs. The teaching-hour will be at least 20 hours.
Long-term Programs Required CoursesLong term programs are available
Short-term Programs Guizhou NormalUniversity recruits students and teachers from various countries to study Chinese language and culture. The available short-term Chinese language and culture programs are offered as following all year round. 1. Chinese Language Learning Program (Half a year or one year)
2. Guizhou Minority Culture Study Program during winter holiday
3. Guizhou Minority Culture Study Program during summer holiday
4. Cultural Field Trip to Sister Festival of Miao people and Drum-tower Festival of Dong People
5. Seeking Cooperative Research Fellows

Application ProcedureThe period of study ranges from one and half year to one year. The spring semester begins on March 1, and the autumn semester begins on September 1. Applicants need to apply 2 months ahead of time. They need to present their resume, application form, health certification, 6 photos, letter of recommendation, an education certificate, and a photocopy of their passport at one time to the Department of International Relations of GNU. Students are expected to arrive at least a week before the new semester begins. Tuition cannot be refunded when a student discontinues studying for any reason.Application form:http://www.gznu.edu.cn/survey/org/wsb/extra_bits/app/student_appl ication.pdf Tuition:6000 yuan / term for a general visiting student; 8000-11000 yuan / term for a visiting scholarRegistration Fee: 500 yuan Contacts:The Department of International Relations, Guizhou Normal UniversityNo. 116 BaoshanBeiLu
Guiyang, Guizhou, 550001
P. R. ChinaTel: +86-851- 6701140 / 6742053Fax: +86-851-6766891E-mail: wsc@gznu.edu.cn

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/guizhou-normal-university.html )

Who we are

Ni hao! Welcome to GoGuizhou.com, we are two American volunteer teachers who love living in Guizhou. Our lives have been significantly changed and touched since moving here and we both consider Guizhou “home”. Our travels throughout Guizhou have taken us from small minority villages in the northeast to stunning hikes in the mountains of the southwest and everything in between. Our purpose is not to make money, but to have others share in the joy we have been given from this land. Take a look at the site, hopefully gain some new perspectives on Guizhou and contact us if you want to add your own touch to the site!

Questions? Comments? Want to help make the site? EMAIL US! : emyxter@gmail.com

( from googuizhou.weebly.com/contact-us.html)

NatureWize 自然之道- a nature conservation and education organization in Guizhou

NatureWize 自然之道– a nature conservation and education organization in China’s southwest province Guizhou

Welcome to NatureWize! Come join us as we experience the joy, the health, the wisdom of nature and work to ensure nature becomes part of our everyday lives. We want to grow the future leaders who understand the value of nature and will preserve the blessings of nature for our children’s children, and the children for generations to come.

website: www.en.naturewize.org
contacts: Katie Scott, 159 8515 4322, katiescott@naturewize.org ;
中文:Sunny, sunny@naturewize.org, 189 8410 0841; or join our active QQ group: 144 644 034

Our Programs
NatureWize’s mission is to help connect youth and families to nature by providing activities that encourage more frequent and intimate nature encounters, as well as activities that inspire and promote its conservation. Our current programs include the following activities:

Family Nature Workshops: A group of families gather in a pre-selected park to participate in a series of activities designed to help them gradually grow more intimate with the nature surroundings. Activities include games, crafts, walks and picnics.

Eco-Camps: These are overnight excursions in a variety of locations in Guizhou, arranged in partnership with other local organizations. Participants have the chance to completely engage with a natural environment and its community. They’ll have the ability to come away with a deeper connection with that community and its ecosystem, by both strengthening their understanding through educational activities as well as being able to invest in it through their own efforts.

Summer Camp: Youth from 6 to 12 can spend several consecutive days in a natural environment, enabling them to more deeply connect to the natural landscape and its ecosystem. Activities are both educational and fun. In fact, kids usually are having fun without realizing how much they are learning!
– – –
Earth Day Trash Pick-Up at Hongfeng Lake!
Way to go families! We sure had a very full event for Earth Day, one that was educational, meaningful, and fun. Upon arriving at Xiang Zhai Village to see the wetland water filtration demonstration project created by Guizhou Province Guiyang Ecological Civilization Foundation. From the village we proceeded to walk down to the edge of the lake to pick up trash. We soon found ourselves on the dried up bed of the lake (its dry season) where there was plenty of trash to fill our bags with. After our walk and a short rest children divided into 4 groups to participate in water testing of 4 parameters: water and air temperatuire, turbidity, PH, and dissolved oxygen. We then settled down for a little picnic near the steps of the Yi Hotel. It was a bit cold, so soon afer we jumped on the bus to return home, a bit tired but with satisfaction that we understood our water source better and did something to protect it.
Easter Amongst Blossoms 2013
Our Easter Event began after an evening of spring thunderstorms. The park was cool and moist, and speckled with pink blossoms on the grass and in the trees overhead. As families arrived we whisked them away to our traditional activities of dyeing and decorating Easter eggs and baskets, which was followed by a stroll into the forest to touch and smell the delights of nature. Our festivities continued with an egg relay and picnicking, closing up with the finale egg hunt and treasure basket hunt.
– – –

NatureWize Assistant Internships (Paid and Unpaid)
March-June 2013, Guiyang, Guizhou
Position Overview:
NatureWize, a nature conservation and education organization in China’s southwest province Guizhou is looking for positive and energetic interns interested in understanding the work of and contributing to the success of a blossoming nature education and conservation organization. We would like the intern to assist in 1) a variety of administrative tasks, and/or 2) nature education classes and events, including NatureWize’s first Water Festival. The intern’s specific tasks will depend on the intern’s experience and interest.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position is outgoing and enthusiastic about working with people, has excellent communication (English and Chinese preferred but not a pre-requisite) and problem solving skills, and most importantly, a passion for protecting natural resources and high quality of life for future generations. Specific background requirements requested include:
Enrolled in undergraduate school training or already graduated
Ability to prioritize and follow through effectively
Ability to multi-task and manage short- and long-term deadlines

Capable of using computers and databases (Microsoft Word and Excel)
Good communication skills (Chinese or English, or bilingual a plus), both on the phone, e-communications and in person
Desire to work in a team-oriented atmosphere
Special Job Requirements and Physical Demands:
Chinese Language; Flexible work hours; some evening and weekend hours may occur.
Compensation:
Possibilities for compensation dependent on availability and time commitment.
To Apply:
Email the following (with the subject line “Urban Farmer Project Manager”)
to katiescott@naturewize.org , Katie Scott, Director and sunny@naturewize.org, 张沥亢.
Resume
Two references
Cover letter, which should include the following:
Your personal understanding of the importance of the project;
How your background prepares you to successfully achieve all goals of the project.

Deadline for submission: Open until filled, needed immediately
(from www.en.naturewize.org/volunteerintern.html )
– – –

欢迎来到“自然之道”。
我们崇尚源于自然的乐趣、健康和智慧。
我们致力于将自然融入到每天的生活中。
我们希望让更多的孩子了解自然环境的重要价值,培养他们成为环保领域的领导者,这样便能够将自然的恩赐好好保留,让子孙受益并且代代相传。

项 目
“自然之道”的任务是为儿童和家庭提供更多亲近自然的机会。通过组织有趣的活动,鼓励参与者更多地了解自然,唤醒大家保护自然的意识。目前,我们的项目包括以下活动:
家庭自然工作坊:组织几个家庭到公园,让家庭成员参与一系列活动,由此帮助大家逐步亲近周围的自然环境。活动内容包括:游戏、手工制作、漫步和野餐。
生态营:和地方机构合作,在贵州不同的地点开展持续约一周的探索和活动。参与者将有机会全身心地投入自然的怀抱,体会与自然共存的乐趣。大家可以将教育活动中学习到的知识运用到亲身参加的劳作中,通过自己的努力进一步地了解活动社区的情况和当地的生态系统。
夏令营:6-13岁的少年儿童能够在连续的几天时间里,充分地享受美好的自然环境,进一步了解身边的生态系统。夏令营的活动内容包括教育类和娱乐类。事实上,孩子们往往能够在娱乐中不知不觉地学习很多知识。
(from www.cn.naturewize.org/ )

GoGuiyang – The official guide to Guiyang (goguiyang.weebly.com)

 

GoGuiyang – The official guide to Guiyang (goguiyang.weebly.com)

for enlarged view of this map see:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/98531730@N02/9567466269/sizes/l/in/photostream/

GoGuiyang is the only guide to Guiyang made by foreigners for foreigners. It is inspired by the amazing people we have met and places we have been since coming here and we wish to pass on that gift so you can get the most out of your time in Guiyang. If you would like to help contribute to the site please contact us: emyxter@gmail.com .

website: goguiyang.weebly.com/
Note: Listings change. Check website for latest updates.

Western Restaurants

Best Western Restaurants in Guiyang
1. Grandma’s Kitchen
2. Kempinski Buffet
3. Sheraton Hotel
4. Ramada’s Aroma Cafe
5. Highlands Coffee

(from goguiyang.weebly.com/western-food.html )

Bars / Nightlife

Bars

1. Pu Bar
Owned by a Guizhou coal boss, Pu Bar is one of the hippest and most international places in Guiyang. It is also the only bar that is known to bring in national and international rock / jazz acts to play shows. With a wide assortment of foreign beers and liquors, Pu Bar is definately a place to check out if you have the money.
Good = Live music, international atmosphere, imported beer / alcohol
Bad = Expensive, must buy beer in groups of at least six.

2. Small Circle of Friends
Owned by a collective of Guiyang’s most wealthy hipsters, Small Circle of Friends has two locations. Both double as a coffee shop during a day and a party spot at night. The Da Xi Men (大西门)location is also the home of Guiyang’s hip-hop scene, with some nights ending in intense Chinese rap battles.
Good = Local hip-hop culture, local sports car club, happening place to be in Guiyang
Bad = Expensive

3. Bar Street
Known by all the locals Bar Street has exactly what you would expect, a lot of cheap, Chinese style bars with street food right outside. Most of the bars offer the same type of coosy red sofa interiors where you and your friend buy a case of snow beer and some sunflower seeds for around 100 yuan while you play drinking games.

4. Tibetan Bar

5. Rooftop Bar
Located on the third floor of a swanky new Chinese hotel across the street of Guizhou Normal University’s back gate, this rooftop bar offers Guiyang’s only place where one can relax in a really modern setting without the pressure of having to drink a lot. The menu offers semi-expensive Chinese beer and Chinese/Imported red wine. If it is a nice day / night and you want to enjoy a conversation with friends over a glass of alochol, you have found the right spot.

6. Xiaohe BoBo Music Bar

Clubs

1. TT club
2. Soho
3. Muse
4. Pink

(from goguiyang.weebly.com/bars–nightlife.html )

Study Chinese

Guiyang has two Universities in which accept foreigners to learn Chinese.

1. Guizhou University – Known as the best University in Guizhou, Guizhou University accepts has the largest and most developed Chinese studying program in Guiyang. With over 200 foreign students (mostly from SE Asia) Chinese studies at Guizhou University are seperated into four different classes: Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate and Advanced. The teacher quality ranges from amazing to ok and the tution is some of the cheapest in the country. The standard student has 14-16 hours of classes a week all at Guizhou University’s Huaxi campus. The average class size is 10-20 for the beginner classrooms and 5-10 for the intermediate and advanced classes. One-on-one tutoring is also available.

2. Guizhou Normal University – Right in the heart of the city Guizhou Normal University is the only other University with a foreign language learning program. The tuition is really cheap, but most students at the school say the program is not structured nor are many of the students serious about studying.

(from goguiyang.weebly.com/work–study.html )

Jiaxiu Tower and Cuiwei Garden (甲秀楼)

Our take: The Jiaxiu tower is a symbol of Guiyang and it is neat to go to at least once in your trip or stay here. At night when the lights are on it can be a beautiful sight to behold. If you are not interested in the history behind the tower, there is a nice traditional Chinese tea house located at the tower. At the tea house we recommend going through a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The tower is free for those who want to take a look, tea ceremony price ranges anywhere between 100-1000+ yuan depending on the tea you want.

China’s tourism bureru’s take: The Jiaxiu Tower is a symbol and a key historical monument under state protection. Standing on the huge Turtle Rock in the Nanming River, the Jiaxiu Tower is close to the Avalokitesvara Temple and Cuiwei Pavilion. IN 1598, the 26th year of the Wanli reign of the MIng Dynasty, Governor Jiang Dongzhi of Guizhou Province had an embankemnt and a tower built, which was named Jiaxiu Tower to encourage local scholars to win success in the imperial examinations.
The Jiaxiu tower is a three-story pavilion with three eaves, four corners and a pointed top. The fuyu Bride is like a jdae belt floating on water. Crossing the fuyu bridge, tourists will come to the Cuiwei garden which integrates a temple and a countyard and is decorated with sojme tourist attractions, such as Gongnan Pavilion and Longmen Academy.

Getting there: No. 15, 46, 52 and 62 buses
Qianling Park (黔灵公园)

Our Take: Qianling Mountain Park is Guiyang’s pride and joy. The park features extensive hiking trails, a large lake, a zoo, an amusement park as well as a large pack of wild monkeys who are famous for attacking walkers for their soda pop and snacks. Ticket price is 5 yuan. Downsides: Park is often very crowded. Upsides: climbing to the top of the mountain on the clear day gives you the best possible view of Guiyang city.

China’s tourism bureau’s take: Situated on the norwestern corner of Guiyang City, the Qianling Park is a national AAAA scenic zone. The park is named after Qianling Mountain, which is known as”No. 1 Mountain in SOuth Guizhou..” The scenic zone has towering mountains and green trees, and the forest cover an area of over four million sq m. It is a rarely seen forest park in the city. The Qianling Park is home to a wide variety of birds, and many macaques, which love to play with tourists, showing harmonious atmosphere between man and nature.

Getting there: No.1 or No.2 bus to Qianling Park (黔灵公园qianling gongyuan) stop
official website
Red Maple Lake (红枫湖)

Our Take: Red Maple Lake is really beautiful and rare place in China. The wonderful mountains that surround and exist in the lake, along with the large amounts of birds that fly through the area really makes it a sight to see in Guiyang. That being said the lake is slightly ruined by the tourism development. If you choose to go through the gate to see the lake the ticket price is cheap but the attraction is to go island hopping to see fake minority villages is not. Speed boats are 250 yuan a group and slower boats are around 100yuan. While interesting in its own right, I would highly recommend sneaking around the gate to find one of the many shorelines of the lake that are not develop for tourism. Here you will find hiking trails, local’s fishing and good places to have a picnic or fun in the sun.

China’s tourism bureau’s take: Situated in Qingzhen City in the west of Guiyang, it is a national scenic and historic interest zone, and a national AAAA scenic zone. With a water area of 57.2 km sq, Red Maple lLake is the largest man-made lake in Guizhou. The scenic zone is known for the karst landform and beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains. The islands in North Lake, the bay in Rear Lake, the caves in South Lake and the hills in Mid Lake are called the “four wonders” of Red Maple Lake. The surrounding ares are inhabited by Miao, Buyi, Yi and other ethnic minorities; hence the customs and lifestyle of ethnic minoities are an important component part of the tour of Red Maple Lake

Getting There: Go to Jinyang bus station. From there take a bus to QingZhen (10 yuan) This bus leaves every 10 minutes from morning until night. Once in QingZhen (about 20-30 minutes) take the No. 3 bus to its last stop Red Maple Lake (to get around the gate, go up the road, take a right into a village, walk about 15 minutes and arrive at the lakeshore)

Qingyan Ancient Town

Our take: Every city in China seems to have an acient town, but Qingyan really is something special. Unlike other acient towns much of the architecure is original or has not been done up to much. What’s more right outside of the town are actual villages where people spend their lives. The landscapes are beautiful, the buildings are actually old and the food is great. We highly recommend having the Qingyan pig’s feet and their local tofu.

China’s tourism bureau’s take: Qingyan town in Huaxi district is a famous historic and cultural town in China. The layout of the old town retains the architectural styles of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. NOw the old town preserves one city gate, four streets and 26 streets and lanes paved with flagstones, three stone memorial archways, and ancient wood-structure houses along the streets, showing the characteristics of the civilian residences in south China. In addition to the Buddhist and Taoist temples, the town also boasts a Catholic and Christian churches.

Getting there: At the gate of Hebin park there is a road. There you will find a line for the 210 bus. This bus takes you directly to Qingyan Ancient Town. You can also go to Huaxi using many different buses and from huaxi town find the special Qingyang Ancient Town bus that drops you off at the site.

(from goguiyang.weebly.com/local-attractions.html )