While scorching summer heat sweeps across much of China, Guiyang has reserved its seats for visitors with a refreshing average temperature of 22.3 C. But what truly makes people reluctant to leave is the city's irresistible culinary delights.

A bowl of changwangmian full of distinctive ingredients. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

The city awakens to the aroma of street food each morning. Steaming pots bubble away at changwangmian (noodles with pig intestines and blood curd) stalls, where chewy alkaline noodles are served with tender blood curd, soft braised pork intestines, and golden crispy fried pork cracklings. A bowl of this is enough to deliver a soulful burst of umami.

Noodles are the centerpiece of breakfast in Guiyang. Huaxi beef rice noodles feature a clear broth and tender meat, while various mutton noodles and sour rice noodle soups offer a different taste every day for half a month without repeating any.

As the sun rises higher, the dazzling array of street snacks makes it hard for passersby to keep walking. Siwawa (silk doll roll), thin pancakes wrapped around a dozen types of fresh vegetables and drizzled with a spoonful of red sour soup dipping sauce, offers a refreshing and appetizing bite. Fried tofu balls are crispy on the outside and tender within. Mashed potato patties are golden and soft, while crispy rice cakes deliver a delightful contrast of crunch and chewiness.

Crowds fill the bustling Qingyun Market to experience the bustling nightlife of Guiyang. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

After a leisurely afternoon stroll, a bowl of hand-crushed sticky rice smoothie, topped with crushed peanuts and dried fruit, offers the perfect way to cool down.

As night falls, Guiyang's street-food scene comes alive. On Minsheng Road, eateries serving sour fish hotpot, spicy-and-sour hotpot, and sour-soup rice noodle shops line the streets, with iron pots bubbling over tomato-and-rice-water fermented sour broth drawing in passersby with their irresistible aroma.

At Qingyun Market, hundreds of illuminated stalls glow beneath neon lights, set against the industrial backdrop of former factory buildings. The vibrant atmosphere invites visitors to explore and savor the distinctive flavors of Guizhou cuisine.

With its irresistible flavors, Guiyang welcomes visitors near and far, inviting the world to experience a truly delicious summer getaway.

A vendor makes tasty seasoned potato crisps at a local street food shop in Guiyang. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]