The legendary meeting place of the historic 1935 Zunyi Conference, gateway to the world-famous Maotai town - home of China's most prestigious baijiu.
Zunyi, a city in northern Guizhou province, holds a revered place in modern Chinese history as the site of the Zunyi Conference of 1935. This pivotal meeting during a critical period in Chinese history established a new direction and leadership, making Zunyi a destination for those interested in China's historical heritage.
But Zunyi is equally famous for its liquid treasure—Maotai. The small town of Maotai, within Zunyi's jurisdiction, produces China's most prestigious baijiu, a sauce-aroma liquor that has been crafted for centuries. The unique microclimate and mineral-rich soil of the Chishui River valley create ideal conditions for the complex fermentation process.
Beyond history and liquor, Zunyi boasts some of Guizhou's most spectacular natural scenery. The Chishui Danxia landforms, with their dramatic red cliffs, and the imposing Hailongtun Castle on its mountain perch, offer unforgettable experiences.
Zunyi cuisine is a highlight of Guizhou gastronomy. Lamb rice noodles, tofu noodles, and the fiery local chilies showcase the province's love for sour, spicy, and aromatic flavors.
Zunyi's history is defined by two major events: the Zunyi Conference and Maotai liquor. The Zunyi Conference, held January 15-17, 1935, was a crucial meeting during a difficult period in modern Chinese history. It marked an important shift in leadership and strategy, and is considered a significant turning point.
Maotai liquor has a much longer history. First produced during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), Maotai gained international fame after winning a gold medal at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The town of Maotai has been producing baijiu for over 2,000 years.
The Hailongtun Castle, built during the Ming Dynasty (1600), tells another story—that of the Bozhou chieftain who defied imperial authority for centuries before being defeated. The castle is one of China's best-preserved fortresses from this period.
Today, Zunyi balances its historical heritage with modern development, leveraging Maotai's global brand and expanding tourism infrastructure.
Zunyi's economy is dominated by the Maotai distillery, China's most valuable liquor company with a market capitalization exceeding one trillion yuan. Maotai alone contributes a significant portion of Zunyi's GDP and tax revenue.
The city is also a major center for tea production, particularly green tea from the surrounding mountains. Tobacco farming and processing are traditional industries. The Chishui River valley is known for bamboo products.
Heritage tourism drives the visitor economy, along with Maotai distillery tours and nature tourism at Chishui Danxia and Hailongtun. The government has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure.
Discover the culinary treasures of Zunyi, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Zunyi Xinzhou Airport - 35 km from city center
1.5 hours from Guiyang by high-speed rail
No metro
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather for most destinations in China.
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