A Mountainous Gem of Ethnic Diversity and Eco-Culture
Guizhou Province (贵州省) is a mountainous province located in southwestern China. Known for its unique karst landscapes, vibrant ethnic minority cultures, and ecological richness, Guizhou is a rising star in China’s sustainable development and tourism. Though historically one of the less developed regions, recent years have seen significant progress in infrastructure, technology, and education.
Formation and Historical Background
- The name “Guizhou” is derived from “Gui” (贵) meaning precious and “Zhou” (州) meaning region.
- Historically inhabited by indigenous tribes, the region was formally incorporated into imperial China during the Yuan Dynasty.
- A hub of ethnic Miao, Dong, Buyi, and Yi cultures.
- Important during the Long March of the Red Army; Zunyi was the site of a critical turning point in CCP history.
- Declared a province officially in 1413 during the Ming Dynasty.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Guizhou Province (贵州省) |
| Provincial Capital | Guiyang (贵阳市) |
| Location | Southwestern China |
| Total Area | Approx. 176,000 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 39 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 黔 / 贵 (Qián / Guì) |
| ISO Code | CN-GZ |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Xu Lin (徐麟) |
| Governor | Li Bingjun (李炳军) |
| Provincial Legislature | Guizhou Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Guizhou Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Guizhou Province
Guizhou consists of 9 prefecture-level divisions, including cities and autonomous prefectures. These are further subdivided into districts, counties, and county-level cities.
- Guiyang (贵阳市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Nanming (南明区), Yunyan (云岩区), Huaxi (花溪区), Wudang (乌当区), Baiyun (白云区), Guanshanhu (观山湖区)
- Counties: Xiuwen (修文县), Xifeng (息烽县), Qingzhen (清镇市 – County-level city)
- Liupanshui (六盘水市)
- Districts: Zhongshan (钟山区)
- Counties: Liuzhi (六枝特区 – special district), Shuicheng (水城县), Panzhou (盘州市 – county-level city)
- Zunyi (遵义市)
- Districts: Honghuagang (红花岗区), Huichuan (汇川区), Bozhou (播州区)
- Counties: Tongzi (桐梓县), Suiyang (绥阳县), Zheng’an (正安县), Daozhen (道真仡佬族苗族自治县), Wuchuan (务川仡佬族苗族自治县), Meitan (湄潭县), Fenggang (凤冈县), Yuqing (余庆县), Xishui (习水县), Chishui (赤水市 – county-level city), Renhuai (仁怀市 – county-level city)
- Anshun (安顺市)
- Districts: Xixiu (西秀区)
- Counties: Pingba (平坝区), Puding (普定县), Zhenning (镇宁布依族苗族自治县), Guanling (关岭布依族苗族自治县), Ziyun (紫云苗族布依族自治县)
- Bijie (毕节市)
- Districts: Qixingguan (七星关区)
- Counties: Dafang (大方县), Qianxi (黔西市 – county-level city), Jinsha (金沙县), Zhijin (织金县), Nayong (纳雍县), Hezhang (赫章县), Weining (威宁彝族回族苗族自治县)
- Tongren (铜仁市)
- Districts: Bijiang (碧江区), Wanshan (万山区)
- Counties: Jiangkou (江口县), Shiqian (石阡县), Sinan (思南县), Yinjiang (印江土家族苗族自治县), Dejiang (德江县), Yanhe (沿河土家族自治县), Songtao (松桃苗族自治县)
- Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (黔东南苗族侗族自治州)
- County-level City: Kaili (凯里市)
- Counties: Danzhai (丹寨县), Leishan (雷山县), Taijiang (台江县), Jianhe (剑河县), Huangping (黄平县), Majiang (麻江县), Zhenyuan (镇远县), Shibing (施秉县), Tianzhu (天柱县), Liping (黎平县), Congjiang (从江县), Rongjiang (榕江县), Sansui (三穗县)
- Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (黔南布依族苗族自治州)
- County-level Cities: Duyun (都匀市), Fuquan (福泉市)
- Counties: Guiding (贵定县), Huishui (惠水县), Longli (龙里县), Luodian (罗甸县), Pingtang (平塘县), Changshun (长顺县), Dushan (独山县), Sandu (三都水族自治县)
- Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (黔西南布依族苗族自治州)
- County-level City: Xingyi (兴义市)
- Counties: Xingren (兴仁市), Anlong (安龙县), Ceheng (册亨县), Zhenfeng (贞丰县), Qianxi (黔西县), Pu’an (普安县), Wangmo (望谟县)
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Divisions | 9 |
| County-level Divisions | 88+ |
| Township-level Divisions | 1,500+ |
Local Government Structure
- Each prefecture and autonomous prefecture is governed by a People’s Government and Party Committee.
- Ethnic regions have cultural and administrative autonomy.
- County and township governments handle local development, infrastructure, education, and social welfare.
Leadership & Governance
- The Governor and Party Secretary lead overall governance.
- Ethnic affairs are overseen by special committees.
- Village-level governance supports minority self-management and social cohesion.
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Guizhou Provincial Public Security Department ensures public safety.
- Emergency Services:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
- Legal matters are managed by the People’s Procuratorate of Guizhou Province.
Economy & Industry
- Major Industries:
- Big Data & Cloud Computing (Guiyang is a national data hub)
- Eco-Tourism and Karst Geography
- Pharmaceuticals, Tobacco, Tea, and Liquor (notably Maotai)
- Hydropower and Energy
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 5.4%, driven by digital economy and green development
Education & Institutions
- Major Universities:
- Guizhou University (National Key University)
- Guizhou Normal University
- Guizhou Minzu University
- Education reforms focus on rural and ethnic minority access
Healthcare
- Leading Hospitals:
- Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital
- Guiyang Medical University Hospital
- Special programs for remote villages and ethnic health services
- Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Transport & Connectivity
- High-speed Rail: Guiyang–Guangzhou, Guiyang–Chongqing
- Airports:
- Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
- Zunyi Xinzhou Airport, Tongren Airport
- Extensive mountain expressway network
- Integrated into China’s Belt and Road inland corridors
Tourism & Attractions
- Huangguoshu Waterfall – Asia’s largest waterfall
- Fanjing Mountain – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Xijiang Miao Village, Zhenyuan Ancient Town
- Libo Karst Forest, Maotai Town
- Traditional festivals: Miao New Year, Lusheng Festival
Culture & Lifestyle
- Over 37% ethnic minority population, including Miao, Dong, Yi, Buyi, Shui
- Rich in folk music, embroidery, silver jewelry
- Cuisine: Sour soup fish, Guizhou noodles, chili-heavy flavors
- Known for Maotai liquor, one of China’s most prestigious spirits
Summary
Guizhou Province represents a unique intersection of mountains, minorities, and modernization. With its stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and digital transformation, Guizhou is stepping onto the national stage while preserving its deep-rooted identity.