If summer in Guiyang is all about cool mountain breezes, autumn is a different story. As the air turns crisp, the city warms up with sizzling street food, steaming bowls, and the unmistakable aromas of local favorites.

Roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes: Street-side autumn favorites

Sugar-roasted chestnuts: Glossy shells crack open over hot sand, revealing sweet, fluffy kernels – a little taste of autumn in every bite.

Roasted sweet potatoes: Fresh from old-fashioned ovens, these sweet potatoes have soft, honey-rich flesh that warms chilly hands and hungry stomachs alike.

Potato cakes (Yangyuba): Golden and crisp outside, soft inside, these local favorites come with a fiery chili dip and zhe'ergen – a pungent indigenous herb.

Warming bowls: Guiyang's cold-weather comfort food

Lamb rice noodles: Tender lamb, rich broth, fresh mint, and chili oil make this steaming bowl a local staple when it gets cold.

Clay-pot rice noodles: Bubbling broth, savory toppings, and springy rice noodles make for a hearty meal on a chilly day.

Sour-soup fish hot pot: Tangy tomato broth and fragrant litsea cubeba give this Guizhou specialty its distinctive kick, while fresh fish adds to the feast.

Laoguo (a stir-fried mix of vegetables, tofu, and meat in a flat pan): Pork belly, tofu, and potatoes sizzle on a communal griddle, turning dinner into a lively gathering.

Street food favorites: Hot off the grill

Lianai fried tofu: Smoky tofu filled with chili, herbs, and pickled radish delivers a punch of classic Guiyang flavor.

Grilled mini tofu puffs: These bite-sized tofu cubes puff up over the grill, with lightly crisp skins and soft, custardy centers. Coated in chili powder, they deliver a fiery burst of flavor in every bite.

Grilled skewers and roast chicken: Charcoal-grilled meats bring smoky aromas and crispy, juicy bites to the city's cooler evenings.

Grilled rice cakes and sweet rice wine soup: Golden and chewy, these glutinous rice cakes are often dusted with soybean powder or sugar. Soft glutinous rice balls simmered in gently sweet, fermented rice wine, often with ribbons of egg, make this warm dessert a comforting favorite on chilly autumn days.

Stove-boiled tea: Slower side of autumn

Stove-boiled tea: Tea houses offer a slower pace, with warm tea and seasonal treats shared around charcoal braziers.

Seasonal coffee: Osmanthus and roasted chestnut lattes bring autumn flavors to the city's coffee shops.

Night markets: Qingyun Market and Taiping Road buzz with food stalls, grilled snacks, and warm drinks long after sunset.

This is Guiyang in late autumn: a city of more than cool breezes, where steaming bowls, sizzling street food, and the warmth of everyday life make the season truly special.