Located in the hinterland of the southwestern inland region, Guizhou is a transportation hub in the southwest area and an important part of theYangtze River Economic Belt.[9] It is the country's first national-level comprehensive pilot zone for big data,[10] a mountain tourism destination and a major mountain tourism province,[11] a national ecological civilization pilot zone,[12] and an inland open economic pilot zone.[13]
The representative historical culture is "Qian Gui culture"(黔贵文化).[14] In addition, Guizhou is also one of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese humans and ancientChinese culture, with ancient humans living on this land since about half a million years ago.[15]
Guizhou is rich in natural, cultural and environmental resources. Its natural industry includes timber and forestry, and theenergy andmining industries constitute an important part of its economy. Notwithstanding, Guizhou is considered a relatively undeveloped province, with thefourth-lowest GDP per capita in China as of 2020. However, it is also one of China's fastest-growing economies.[16] The Chinese government is looking to develop Guizhou as a data hub.[17][18]
Guizhou is a mountainous province, with its higher altitudes in the west and centre. It lies at the eastern end of theYungui Plateau. Demographically, it is one of China's most diverse provinces. Minority groups account for more than 37% of the population, including sizable populations of theMiao,Bouyei,Dong,Tujia andYi peoples, all of whom speak languages distinct from Chinese. The main language spoken in Guizhou isSouthwestern Mandarin, a variety ofMandarin.
The area was first organized as anadministrative region of aChinese empire under theTang, when it was namedJuzhou (矩州), pronouncedKjú-jyuw in theMiddle Chinese of the period.[19] During theMongol-ledYuan dynasty, the character矩 (ju, "carpenter's square") was changed to the more refined貴 (gui, "precious or expensive").[19] The region formally became a province in 1413; the capital of the province was originally called "Guizhou", but it is currently known asGuiyang.[19]
From around 1046 BC to the emergence of theState of Qin, northwest Guizhou was part of theState of Shu.[7] During theWarring States period, the Chinese state ofChu conquered the area, and control later passed to theDian Kingdom. During the ChineseHan dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), to which the Dian was tributary, Guizhou was home to theYelang collection of tribes, which largely governed themselves before the Han consolidated control in the southwest and established theLingnan province.[7] During theThree Kingdoms period, parts of Guizhou were governed by theShu Han state based inSichuan, followed byCao Wei (220–266) and theJin dynasty (266–420).[7]
During the 8th and 9th centuries in theTang dynasty, Chinese soldiers moved into Guizhou (Kweichow) and married native women. Their descendants are known asLǎohànrén (老汉人), in contrast to new Chinese who populated Guizhou at later times. They still speak an archaic dialect.[21] Many immigrants to Guizhou were descended from these soldiers in garrisons who married these pre-Chinese women.[22]
It was during the followingMing dynasty, which was once again led byHan Chinese, that Guizhou was formally made a province in 1413. The Ming established manygarrisons in Guizhou from which to pacify theYao andMiao minorities during theMiao Rebellions.[7] Chinese-style agriculture flourished with the expertise of farmers from Sichuan,Hunan and its surrounding provinces into Guizhou.Wu Sangui was responsible for the ousting the Ming in Guizhou andYunnan during theManchu conquest of China. During the governorship-general of theQing dynasty's noblemanOrtai, thetusi system of indirect governance of the southwest was abolished, prompting rebellions from disenfranchised chieftains and the further centralization of government. After theSecond Opium War, criminaltriads set up shop in Guangxi and Guizhou to sell Britishopium. For a time,Taiping Rebels took control of Guizhou, but they were ultimately suppressed by the Qing.[7] Concurrently, Han Chinese soldiers moved into theTaijiang region of Guizhou, married Miao women, and their children were brought up as Miao.[23][24]
In the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937), Guizhou established six administrative supervision areas, each in charge of several counties. In the 30th year (1941), Guiyang City was established. By the 37th year (1948), Guizhou had one direct jurisdiction area, six administrative supervision areas, and 78 counties (cities) under its administration.
On November 15, 1949, the Second Field Army of theChinese People's Liberation Army liberatedGuiyang; on December 26, the People's Government of Guizhou[28] Province was established. In the early period after liberation, the province had one directly managed city, eight special areas, and one special area city, totalling 79 counties.
In 1960, the Langdai County(朗岱县) inAnshun Special Area was abolished and Liuzhi City was established, which was later changed back toLiuzhi County.
In 1965, the city status of Duyun was restored, serving as the capital of the Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture.
In 1966, on the basis of Liuzhi County(六枝县) in the former Anshun Special Area,Shuicheng County(水城县) in theBijie Special Area, andPan County in theXingyi Special Area, Liuzhi Industrial and Mining Area, Shuicheng Industrial and Mining Area, and Pan County Industrial and Mining Area were established.
In 1970, theWanshan Special District was established, under the jurisdiction ofTongren Special Area. The Liuzhi, Pan County, and Shuicheng industrial and mining areas and their original counties were merged intoLiuzhi Special District,Pan County Special District, andShuicheng Special District.
In December 1978, theLiupanshui Special Area was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Liupanshui was established, governing three special districts, with the municipal government located in Shuicheng Special District, becoming the second prefecture-level city in Guizhou Province.
In September 1981, theXingyi Special Area was abolished and the Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture was established, with its administrative center in Xingyi.
In 1983, Kaili County in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture was abolished and the county-levelKaili City was established, serving as the capital of the autonomous prefecture.
In 1987, the Shuicheng Special District in Liupanshui City was abolished and Shuicheng County andZhongshan District were established, with the Liupanshui municipal government moving to Zhongshan District; on August 21, Tongren County was abolished andTongren City was established; on November 6, with the approval of the State Council, Xingyi County was abolished and Xingyi City was established.
In 1990, Chishui County in theZunyi Special Area was abolished and the county-levelChishui City was established. Anshun City and Anshun County were merged to serve as theadministrative center of Anshun Special Area.
In 1992, the Pan County Special District in Liupanshui City was abolished and Pan County was established. Qingzhen County in the Anshun Special Area was abolished and the county-levelQingzhen City was established, still under the jurisdiction of Anshun Special Area.
In 1994,Renhuai County in the Zunyi Special Area was abolished and the county-level Renhuai City was established. Bijie County in the Bijie Special Area was abolished and the county-level Bijie City was established, serving as the administrative center of Bijie Special Area.
In 1996, Qingzhen City,Xiuwen County,Kaiyang County, andXifeng County, originally belonging to the Anshun Special Area, were transferred to the jurisdiction of Guiyang City.
In 1997, the Zunyi Special Area was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Zunyi was established, with the original county-level Zunyi City being changed toHonghuagang District.In 2000, the Anshun Special Area was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Anshun was established, with the original county-level Anshun City being changed toXixiu District.
In 2003, parts of the Honghuagang District in Zunyi City were divided to establish theHuichuan District of Zunyi City.
In 2011, theTongren Special Area was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Tongren was established, with the original county-level Tongren City being changed toBijiang District, and the originalWanshan Special District being changed to Wanshan District. Tongren City governs 2 districts and 8 counties. In the same year, the Bijie Special Area was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Bijie was established. The original county-level Bijie City was changed toQixingguan District.
In 2013, a pilot model of provincial direct management of counties was implemented, with the county-levelRenhuai City, originally belonging to Zunyi City, andWeining County, originally belonging to Bijie City, being designated as pilot counties for provincial direct management.
On January 6, 2014, the State Council agreed to establish the Guizhou Gui'an New District.[29] In the same year, Pingba County in Anshun City was abolished andPingba District of Anshun City was established.
In 2016, Zunyi County in Zunyi City was abolished and the district-levelBozhou District was established.
In April 2017, the Ministry of Civil Affairs agreed to abolish Pan County in Liupanshui City and establish the county-levelPanzhou City, managed by Liupanshui City.
In August 2018, with the approval of the State Council, Xingren County in the Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture was abolished and the county-levelXingren City was established.
In July 2020, Shuicheng County in Liupanshui City was abolished and the district-levelShuicheng District was established.
In March 2021, with the approval of the State Council, theMinistry of Civil Affairs agreed to abolishQianxi County and establish the county-level Qianxi City.
Guizhou Province is located on theYunnan-Guizhou Plateau, between longitudes 103°36′ to 109°35′ east and latitudes 24°37′ to 29°13′ north. The average altitude is around 1100 meters. It borders Hunan to the east,Guangxi to the south,Yunnan to the west, andSichuan andChongqing to the north. It stretches approximately 595 kilometers from east to west and about 509 kilometers from north to south. The total area of Guizhou Province is 176,167 square kilometers, accounting for 1.8% of the total area of China. The easternmost point is in Di Lake Township,Tianzhu County, Qiandongnan Prefecture. The westernmost point is in Yulong Township(玉龙乡),Weining County, Bijie City. The southernmost point is in Luowan Township(洛万乡),Xingyi City, Qianxinan Prefecture. The northernmost point is in Yangxi Town(阳溪镇),Daozhen County, Zunyi City.
Guizhou is a mountainous province, although its higher altitudes are in the west and centre. It lies at the eastern end of theYungui Plateau.[30] At 2,900 m (9,514 ft) above sea level, Jiucaiping is Guizhou's highest point.[31]
Guizhou Plateau is predominantly mountainous, and its topography can be generally divided into three basic types:plateau mountains,hills, and basins(盆地), with 92.5% of the area being mountains and hills. There are numerous mountain ranges within the province, with overlapping ridges and peaks stretching across the landscape. In the north, there is theDalou Mountain, which runs diagonally from the west to the northeast, with the important passLoushan Pass at an altitude of 1444 meters; in the central and southern part, Miaoling Mountain(苗岭)[32] Range stretches across, with its main peak, Leigong Mountain(雷公山),[33] at 2178 meters; in the northeastern part, there is theWuling Mountain Range, which winds into Guizhou from Hunan, with its main peak,Fanjing Mountain, at 2572 meters; in the west, there is the towering Wumeng Mountain(乌蒙山),[34] with the highest point in Guizhou being Jiucaiping(韭菜坪) in Zhushi Township(珠市乡),Hezhang County, at an altitude of 2900.6 meters.
Guizhou has ahumid subtropical climate. There are few seasonal changes. Its annual average temperature is roughly 10–20 °C (50–68 °F), with January temperatures ranging from 1–10 °C (34–50 °F) and July temperatures ranging from 17–28 °C (63–82 °F). with annual rainfall ranging from 1,000–1,400 mm (39–55 in); the frost-free period lasts between 250 and 300 days. There is no severe cold in winter and no extreme heat in summer, with the coldest month of January averaging 4–6 °C (39–43 °F), and the hottest month of July averaging 15–23 °C (59–73 °F). The unique climatic characteristics make Guizhou an ideal place for leisure travel and summer retreats.[35]Precipitation is abundant, with a distinct rainy season, many cloudy days, and less sunshine, with the number of cloudy days generally exceeding 150 days throughout the year, and the annual relative humidity above 70%. Influenced by atmospheric circulation and terrain, Guizhou's climate is diverse. Additionally, the climate is unstable, with a variety of disastrous weather conditions such asdroughts, autumn winds,freezing, andhail, which can have a significant impact on agricultural production.
Like in China's other southwest provinces, rural areas of Guizhou suffered severe drought during spring 2010. Beginning on 3 April 2010, China's premierWen Jiabao went on a three-day inspection tour in the southwest drought-affected province of Guizhou, where he met villagers and called on agricultural scientists to develop drought-resistant technologies for the area.[36]
Because of its lesser development compared to many other provinces in China, Guizhou's environment is well-preserved.[37]: 61 As of at least 2023, its environment and favorable climate have been assets in attracting the new, increasingly digital, economy.[37]: 61
Guizhou Province's rivers are located in the upper reaches of theYangtze River andPearl River basins, with 69 counties falling within the scope of the Yangtze River protective forest conservation area,[38] making it an important ecological barrier for the upper reaches of both the Yangtze and Pearl Rivers. The water system of the province flows from the west and center towards the north, east, and south according to the terrain. Miao Ridge serves as the watershed between the Yangtze and Pearl River basins; to the north lies the Yangtze River basin, covering an area of 115,747 square kilometers, accounting for 65.7% of the province's total land area, with major rivers including:Wu River,Chishui River,Qingshuijiang, Hongzhou River (洪州河),Wuyang River,Jinjiang, Songtao River (松桃河), Songkan River (松坎河), Niulan River (牛栏江), Hengjiang (横江), etc.; to the south of Miao Ridge lies the Pearl River basin, covering an area of 60,420 square kilometers, accounting for 34.3% of the province's total land area, with major rivers including:Nanpan River,Beipan River,Hongshui River,Duliu River, Dagou River (打狗河), etc. Guizhou has a large number of rivers with continuous flow, and there are 984 rivers with a length of more than 10 kilometers.
Guizhou Province has a large number of rivers, with 984 rivers that are over 10 kilometers long. In 2002, the runoff volume of Guizhou's rivers reached 114.52 billion cubic meters.[39] The mountainous characteristics of Guizhou's rivers are evident, with most rivers having broad valleys and gentle water flow in the upper reaches, with small water volume; the middle reaches have alternating tight and open valleys with rapid water flow; the lower reaches have deep and narrow valleys, with large water volume and abundant hydropower resources. The potential of hydropower resources is 18.745 million kilowatts, ranking sixth in China,[40] of which 16.833 million kilowatts are exploitable, accounting for 4.4% of China's total, with many concentrated river sections with large water level drops, and favorable development conditions.
Guizhou Province's land resources are predominantly mountainous and hilly, with relatively few plains. The mountainous area is 108,740 square kilometers, accounting for 61.7% of the total land area of Guizhou Province. The hilly area is 54,197 square kilometers, accounting for 31.1% of the total land area of Guizhou Province. The area of mountainous flatlands is 13,230 square kilometers, only accounting for 7.5% of the total land area of Guizhou Province.[41] There is a limited amount of land resources available for agricultural development. Due to the increasing population and the growth of non-agricultural land use, the area of arable land is continuously decreasing. By the end of 2002, the actual area of arable land in Guizhou Province was 17,694 square kilometers, a reduction of 629 square kilometers compared to 2001. The per capita area of arable land is less than 0.05 hectares, which is significantly lower than the national average of China. The proportion of arable land with thick soil layers, high fertility, and good water conditions is low.[42]
The border mountains of Guizhou, Guangxi, and Hunan have been identified as one of the eight plant diversity hotspots in China. Guizhou Province is home to 9,982 species of vascular plants (including subspecies and varieties, the same below)，[43] The main ecosystem types include evergreen broad-leaved forest, coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest, and montane elfin forest. more than 700 of which are edible, and over 2,000 that are used for greening, beautification, and for pollution resistance and environmental improvement. Plant speciesendemic to this region includeAbies ziyuanensis,Cathaya argyrophylla, andKeteleeria pubescens，Davidia involucrata, GuizhouCycas.[44] The province is also rich in wildlife resources, with 1,053 species of vertebrates, including 141 mammals, 509 birds, 104 reptiles, 74 amphibians, and 225 fish species.[45] In broad terms, theYunnan–Guizhou Plateau is one of the vertebrate diversity hotspots of China. At the level of counties,Xingyi is one of nine Chinese vertebrate (excluding birds) diversity hotspots.[46] Animals only known from Guizhou includeLeishan moustache toad,Kuankuoshui salamander,Shuicheng salamander,Guizhou salamander, andZhijin warty newt.[citation needed]
Caohai Lake with its surroundings is a wetland that is an important overwintering site for many birds. It is aNational Nature Reserve and anImportant Bird Area identified byBirdLife International.[47]Guizhou is one of the four major medicinal material-producing areas in China. The province boasts 4,419 species of medicinal plants and 301 medicinal animals.[48] It is famous for its 50 "authentic medicinal materials" known both domestically and internationally. Over 350 types of Chinese medicinal resources have been developed and utilized, withGastrodia elata,Eucommia ulmoides,Coptis chinensis,Evodia rutaecarpa, andDendrobium being the five famous medicinal materials of Guizhou.
Guizhou Province is rich inmineral resources and is a major province for mineral resources. More than 110 types of minerals have been discovered, among which 76 types have identified reserves.[49] Several have proven reserves that rank at the forefront nationwide. Those ranking first includemercury,barite, fertilizersandstone,metallurgical sandstone, decorativediabase, and brick and tile sandstone, etc. Those ranking second includephosphorus,bauxite,rare earths, etc.; those ranking third includemagnesium,manganese,gallium, etc. In addition,coal,antimony, gold,pyrite, and other minerals hold significant positions in China. Coal reserves are substantial, with a complete range of coal types and excellent coal quality, with proven reserves at the end of 2002 being 49.227 billion tons; bauxite proven reserves are 424 million tons; phosphate rock reserves are 2.695 billion tons, accounting for over 40% of the national total; barite reserves account for one-third of the country's total; gold reserves rank twelfth in the nation, making it an emerging base for gold production in China.
On February 26, 2025, the former chief of the Guizhou PSD's Traffic Management Bureau was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a 1.1 million RMB fine due to corruption related charges and stealing 369 rounds of ammunition.[55]
Since its establishment in 1949, there have been 655line of duty deaths of the Guizhou PSD, of which 199 were awarded martyr status. In 2024, 5 full-time officers and 7 auxiliary police of the Guizhou PSD died in the line of duty.[56]
^New district established after 2010 census:Bozhou (Zunyi County). The new district not included in the urban area count of the pre-expanded city.
^New district established after 2020 census:Shuicheng (Shuicheng County). The new district not included in the urban area count of the pre-expanded city.
^Bijie Prefecture is currently known as Bijie PLC after 2010 census; Bijie CLC is currently known asQixingguan after 2010 census.
^New district established after 2010 census:Pingba (Pingba County). The new district not included in the urban area count of the pre-expanded city.
^Tongren Prefecture is currently known as Tongren PLC after 2010 census; Tongren CLC & Wanshan SD is currently known asBijiang &Wanshan after 2010 census.
^Panxian County is currently known as Panzhou CLC after 2010 census.
^Xingren County is currently known as Xingren CLC after 2010 census.
Xijiang, aMiao settlement in Eastern GuizhouBapa Dong, aDong village in Eastern GuizhouZhenyuan, a county in Eastern Guizhou
As of the mid-19th century, Guizhou exportedmercury, gold, iron, lead, tobacco, incense and drugs.[63]
Its natural industry includes timber and forestry.[64] Guizhou is also the third largest producer of tobacco in China, and home to the well-known brand Guizhou Tobacco.[65] Other important industries in the province include energy (electricity generation) – a large portion of which is exported to Guangdong and other provinces[65] – and mining, especially in coal,limestone,arsenic,gypsum, andoil shale.[64] Guizhou's total output of coal was 118 million tons in 2008, a 7% growth from the previous year.[66] Guizhou's export of power toGuangdong equaled 12% of Guangdong's total power consumption. Over the next 5 years Guizhou hopes to increase this by as much as 50%.[67]
Historically, Guizhou was a poorer province with lagging development.[37]: 61 It was a major recipient of China's investment in industrial capacity during theThird Front campaign.[68]: 298
The digital economy has grown significantly since 2015 and as of at least 2023 continues to develop Guizhou's growing reputation as acenter for big data in China.[37]: 61
In 2017,Sun Zhigang, the governor of Guizhou, announced plans to build 10,000 kilometres (6,210 mi) of highways, 600 kilometres (370 mi) of inland waterways, 4,000 kilometres (2,500 mi) of high-speed rail lines, and 17 airports in three years, in an effort to boost tourism in the province.[69] Guizhou has continued to develop transportation infrastructure (as well as other infrastructure such as electric, water, and broadband infrastructure) to support the growing big data-related sections of the economy.[37]: 61
In 1832, the population was estimated at five million.[63]
Guizhou is demographically one of China's most diverse provinces. Minority groups account for more than 37% of the population and they includeMiao (includingGha-Mu andA-Hmao),Yao,Yi,Qiang,Dong,Zhuang,Bouyei,Bai,Tujia,Gelao andSui. 55.5% of the province area is designated as autonomous regions for ethnic minorities. Guizhou is the province with the highestfertility rate in China, standing at 2.19 (urban: 1.31; rural: 2.42).[81]
Major autonomous areas within Guizhou, excludingHui.
The long-horn tribe, one of the small branches ofMiao living in the twelve villages nearZhijin County, Guizhou. The wooden horns remain daily attire for most women.
The reports did not give figures for other types of religion; 67.83% of the population may be either irreligious or involved inworship of nature deities, Buddhism,Confucianism, Taoism,folk religious sects, and small minorities ofMuslims. There are significant ethnic minority populations (theMiao and theBuyei) who traditionally follow their autochthonous religions.
The southeastern corner of the province is known for its unique Dong minority culture. Towns such asRongjiang,Liping, Diping and Zhaoxing are scattered amongst the hills along the border with Guangxi.[citation needed]
The World Bank's "Strategic Environmental Assessment Study: Tourism Development in the Province of Guizhou, China" (May 25, 2007)[84] points to three different forms of tourism that should be fostered and developed in Guizhou: Nature-based, heritage-based and rural. Heritage-based tourism provides ethnic minority groups with an opportunity to preserve their unique heritage while still making a living.[clarification needed]
And people not bounded to, nor practicing any, institutional or diffuse religion.
^The data was collected by the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) of 2009 and by the Chinese Spiritual Life Survey (CSLS) of 2007, reported and assembled by Xiuhua Wang (2015)[82] in order to confront the proportion of people identifying with two similar social structures: ① Christian churches, and ② the traditional Chinese religion of the lineage (i. e. people believing and worshipping ancestral deities often organised intolineage "churches" andancestral shrines). Data for other religions with a significant presence in China (Buddhism, Confucianism, deity worships, Taoism, folk religious sects, Islam, religions practiced by ethnic minorities, et al.) was not reported by Wang.
^Shennan, Stephen (1989).Archaeological approaches to cultural identity (illustrated ed.). Unwin Hyman.ISBN0-04-445016-8.
^abcdefghMaygew, Bradley; Miller, Korina; English, Alex (2002). "Facts about South-West China – History".South-West China (2 ed.). Lonely Planet. pp. 16–20, 24.
^Robert D. Jenks (1994).Insurgency and Social Disorder in Guizhou: The "Miao" Rebellion, 1854–1873. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. p. 2.ISBN0-8248-1589-0.
^abHutchings, Graham (2003). "Guizhou Province".Modern China: A Guide to a Century of Change. Harvard University Press. pp. 176–177.
^Census Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China; Population and Employment Statistics Division of the National Bureau of Statistics of the People's Republic of China (2012).中国2010人口普查分乡、镇、街道资料 (1 ed.). Beijing:China Statistics Print.ISBN978-7-5037-6660-2.
Wilkinson, Endymion (2012).Chinese History: A New Manual. Harvard-Yenching Institute Monograph Series84. Cambridge, MA: Harvard-Yenching Institute; Harvard University Asia Center.ISBN978-0-674-06715-8.
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