Maotai Town
Maotai Town has long been a famous town in northern Guizhou, described in the saying 'Sichuan salt flows into Guizhou, and Shaanxi merchants gather at Maotai.' In 1915,…
Maotai Town, Northern Guizhou · Wahsaw · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Getting there
- Near the Maotai Town People's Government (bus stop)
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 518. Open in Google Maps
About Maotai Town
Maotai Town has long been a famous town in northern Guizhou, described in the saying 'Sichuan salt flows into Guizhou, and Shaanxi merchants gather at Maotai.' In 1915, Maotai liquor won a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and the town became known around the world from then on. In 1935, the Red Army's Long March crossed the Chishui River four times, writing a glorious chapter in the history of the Chinese revolution. With its rich ancient salt culture and its mysterious liquor culture, Maotai Town is hailed as 'China's No. 1 Liquor Town.'
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Maotai Town?
Near the Maotai Town People's Government (bus stop)
How long should I spend at Maotai Town?
Plan on 2–4 hours for Maotai Town.
Where is Maotai Town?
Maotai Town is in Northern Guizhou, Guizhou Province, in the Southwest of China.
More places in Northern Guizhou
Zhuhai National Forest Park
The park has 170,000 mu of nan bamboo blanketing its mountains. Climb the Guanhai Tower (Sea-Viewing Tower), lean on the railing and gaze out over an endless expanse of green. The park also features unusual natural wonders such as the 'Heavenly Gong', the 'Earth Waterfall', the 'Eight Immortals Tree' and the 'Couple Tree'.
¥45 · 3–4 hours
Wujiangzhai International Tourist Resort
Reportedly designed by the same team behind Wuzhen, the resort is surrounded by mountains, and visitors will be impressed by how perfectly the ancient village and modern architecture blend together. The scenic area is generally quiet and spacious, with little commercialization, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. Evenings here are especially lively, with musical fountains, light shows, ethnic dance performances and drone shows that leave a strong impression.
¥80 · 1–2 days
Sidonggou Waterfalls
Dainty and graceful, the Sidonggou Waterfalls are scattered through the mountain gorges and bamboo seas of Sidonggou. Each fall has its own charm, and they often appear unexpectedly before your eyes.
¥75 · 2–3 hours
Chishui Great Waterfall Scenic Area
Shizhangdong Waterfall stands 76 meters tall and 80 meters wide, making it the second-largest waterfall in China after Huangguoshu Waterfall. Unlike Huangguoshu, however, it comes with the wonders of Danxia landforms. Waterfall and Danxia terrain go hand in hand, making this site truly one of a kind. The 'Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Umbrella', 10 meters high and 7 meters in diameter and exposed on all four sides, seems made especially to shelter visitors from the flying spray. Climb the 'Heaven-Supporting Stone Pillar' not far from the stone umbrella, and a sea of primeval forest stretching for miles unfolds before your eyes.
¥80; sightseeing shuttle bus round trip ¥20 · 2–3 hours
Suoluo National Nature Reserve
This is China's first national-level Suoluo (tree fern) nature reserve. Covering 133 square kilometers with a total of 40,000 trees, its dense growth makes it hard to believe that these beautiful fern-like plants, which resemble giant umbrellas, lived alongside the dinosaurs. They are living fossils, nearly extinct on Earth. The Suoluo trees are ancient, and the water here looks deep and mysterious. The tranquil setting has a feel of primeval forest and is well worth a visit.
¥35 · 2–3 hours
Xifeng Hot Springs
Located 41 km north of Xifeng County seat, more than 110 km from Guiyang and over 70 km from Zunyi, the area enjoys a pleasant climate. Its hot springs never run dry, with water temperatures of around 55°C, making them ideal for bathing. The surrounding natural scenery is beautiful, and it is a popular destination for holidays and recuperation.
¥130 · 3–5 hours