Guiyang White House
Guiyang White House, an opulent colonial-era mansion nestled in the heart of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, is a striking blend of Western and Chinese architectural styles. Built in 1925 by a local warlord, the mansion spans 5,000 square meters and is renowned for its neoclassical façade, intricate wood carvings, and lush gardens. Once a symbol of power and privilege, it now serves as a cultural museum, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s early 20th-century history and the region’s unique blend of cultures.
Historical Overview
1925: Commissioned by Wang Bofan, a prominent military commander, as his private residence.
1949: Repurposed as a government office after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
1980s: Declared a provincial cultural relic protection unit, initiating restoration efforts.
2005: Opened to the public as the Guiyang White House Museum, showcasing local history and art.
2018: Underwent a major renovation, adding interactive exhibits and modern amenities.
Structural Layout
The mansion’s three-story design combines European neoclassical elements with traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Main Building: Features Corinthian columns, arched windows, and a grand central staircase.
East Wing: Houses the Warlord’s Office, displaying vintage weapons, uniforms, and historical documents.
West Wing: Contains the Family Residence, with period furniture, calligraphy, and porcelain from the Republican era.
Gardens: Spanning 2,000 square meters, the grounds include a lotus pond, pavilion, and bonsai collection.MajorAttractions
Grand Hall: Adorned with crystal chandeliers, oak paneling, and a 10-meter-high ceiling, hosting temporary art exhibitions.
Warlord’s Study: A recreation of Wang Bofan’s office, complete with a mahogany desk, telegraph machine, and maps of the region.
Chinese-Style Courtyard: A tranquil space with a moon gate, zigzag bridge, and rockery, embodying feng shui principles.
Rooftop Terrace: Offers panoramic views of Guiyang’s cityscape and the surrounding mountains.
Suggested Itineraries
ClassicRoute(1–2Hours)
Begin at the Grand Hall to admire the architecture and current exhibition.
Tour the Warlord’s Office and Family Residence to learn about the mansion’s history.
Stroll through the gardens and relax at the pavilion.
Cultural DepthRoute(2–3Hours)
Start with the Grand Hall and Warlord’s Study, focusing on historical artifacts.
Explore the Chinese-Style Courtyard and Rooftop Terrace for cultural insights.
Attend a 30-minute guided tour (available hourly) for in-depth stories.
All-Day Exploration(FullDay)
Morning: Grand Hall → Warlord’s Office → Family Residence → lunch at the on-site café.
Afternoon: Gardens → Rooftop Terrace → participate in a traditional tea ceremony (if scheduled).
Evening: Enjoy a folk music performance (weekends only) or browse the gift shop for local crafts.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the Guiyang Cultural Tourism website or WeChat mini-program (up to 3 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets sold at the entrance (¥40 for adults; ¥20 for students/seniors).
Guided Tours: ¥80 for English-speaking guides (1.5-hour tours).
Free Admission: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
By Subway: Line 1 to Zhongshan West Road Station (Exit D), 10-minute walk.
By Bus: Routes 2, 10, 12, or 28 to the “White House” stop.
By Taxi: Direct to “Guìyáng Báifáng” ; fare ¥15–20 from downtown.
Parking: Available on-site (¥5/hour); limited spaces; public parking nearby.
Best Time&Tips
Avoid Crowds: Early mornings (9–10 AM) or late afternoons (4–5 PM) are ideal.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures for outdoor exploration.
Essentials:
Dress Comfortably: The mansion involves stairs and uneven paths.
Respect History: Maintain silence in exhibition areas.
Bring Water: Fountains are available, but snacks are limited on-site.
Photography: Allowed (no flash in the Grand Hall); commercial shoots require permission.
Prohibited Items: Pets, drones, and large luggage.Guiyang White House stands as a testament to China’s complex history, where colonial influences meet indigenous traditions. Whether marveling at its architectural grandeur, delving into its past, or simply savoring the serenity of its gardens, visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for Guizhou’s cultural tapestry.
FAQ
Is the interior of the Guiyang White House open to the public? What are the highlights inside?
Currently, parts of it may be open for some special exhibitions or events. Inside, you can see luxurious decorations, elegant chandeliers, and exquisite artworks on the walls, which showcase a high level of artistic taste and luxurious style.
What are the good positions for taking pictures when visiting the Guiyang White House?
The lakeside is a great place, where you can take pictures with the reflection of the building in the water. The front square also offers a good view to capture the whole grandeur of the building. And on the small bridges in the garden area, you can get some unique angles for photos.
Has the Guiyang White House ever held culture-related activities?
Yes, it has held art exhibitions, music concerts, and some cultural exchange activities. These activities not only enrich the cultural life of local people but also attract many tourists to participate and feel the cultural atmosphere here.
What are the recommended delicacies near the Guiyang White House?
There are many local snacks like Guizhou-style rice noodles, which are rich in flavor with special seasonings. There are also some restaurants offering traditional Guizhou cuisine, such as sour fish and spicy chicken, which are worth trying.
Is an entrance ticket required to visit the Guiyang White House?
Generally, it doesn't require an entrance ticket to visit the outside areas. But if there are special exhibitions or events inside that need to be accessed, there may be separate ticket charges according to the specific situation.
