Travel in the footsteps of Guizhou ethnic groups

Beginning of the Ethnic Group Tour

The local guide will carry a sign with your names on it to meet you at the Guiyang airport around noon and then directly drive you about 30 kilometers south of Guiyang. You then step in the territory of the minorities in southern China. To take full advantage of this wonderful land and have the chance to meet local people in a less touristy setting, you can take a bicycle and ride 5-10 km to visit the Qingyan ancient town. You will soon notice these places untouched by time with its huge wall and watchtowers. Inside, the streets full of history will reveal their mysteries.
Then head to Kaili by car. After almost 3 hours' drive, you will arrive at the center of the ethnic villages of the region. You will then taste the local speciality, Sour Soup Fish. You spend the night there.

Architectural masterpieces

Today, head to the town of Zhenyuan, 3 hours' drive from Kaili. Upon arrival, discover one of the ancient architecture groups of the region, the Qinglong Cave or Black Dragon Cave. Crossing the majestic Wuyang River through bridge, you can already admire this complex of Buddhist temples and Taoist mountain. Once inside, you will then understand why it is called the Qinglong caves. The sanctuaries are here half-built, half-carved into the cliff. If you want you can take a cruise on the Wuyang River in the evening. You will have one of the most beautiful views on the illuminated buildings.

You will spend night in a samll hotel in Zhenyuan and if you wish, you could take a cruise on the Wuyang River at sunset.

Gejia Minority

Today leave Zhenyuan and return to Kaili. On the way, make a stop in the park of the Wuyang River. Here you take a peaceful cruise to see the most beautiful park of the site: the little three gorges of Wuyang River. The crystal water from the waterfalls and karst peaks make you relax for a moment. 
Upon arrival, visit the Matang Village, the Gejia minority near Kaili. These people that stand out in many ways to the Miao will open the doors of their village. In a quite rural style, the Gejia Village, also called the sun tribe, live a simple life. You will discover their batik, embroidery which they are very proud.
Before sunset, you will arrive at the Langde Miao Village and you will spend the night there with local people. The accommodation is simply and basically but will be an interesting experience for you. 

Xijiang Miao Village

Wake up in this quiet village in the morning, walk around in the Langde Miao Village. This small Miao village nestled in a quiet green valley which is bordered by the Bala River. It is as you stroll through the surrounding hills you will find the essence of the Miao people.
This afternoon, head to the Xijiang Miao Village, 80 kilometers away from Kaili. This set of villages is home to the largest minority community of Miao in the region. There are 1,000 families in this area and most of those who live there represent the charm of Xijiang. Here, wooden house with tile roofs, traditional costumes and ethnic songs are at the rendezvous.
 

rice terraces

Today, you will head to the town of Rongjiang, 3 hours' drive from Kaili. Along the way, you can enjoy the pristine Chinese countryside. Farmers and their carts will give you an idea of life style of the local population.
Make a stop at the Boji Miao village, nicknamed shovel-shaped village. There, you will greet the local population. Moving away a little from the village you will understand the name of Shovel-shaped village. But the most interesting is the wooden houses in the villages.
Also stop in the village of Shiqiao to discover the homemade paper. It is in this Miao village that you can admire the traditional process to make homemade paper.
Last, you will admire the Gaoyao rice terraces. From here, you will have a stunning view over the cultivated fields on the slopes of the hills. The village of Gaoyao, surrounded by colorful rice fields throughout the year adds extra charm to the landscape. 

Program for today, you will head to Congjiang and Liping. 126 km away from Rongjang, discover the untouched Basha Miao village in Congjiang. From your initial contact with the Miao people living in this village, you will fall under the charm. Here, everything is done in accordance with ancestral traditions. Wooden houses, traditional handcrafts, land crops with Buffalo, simple food and ancestral customs... You will have the impression to be back several centuries in the wilds of China.
Then head to Zhaoxing, in the district of Liping and make a stop to visit the Huanggang Dong village, lost in the hills of Guizhou. At the end of a winding road, you will arrive in one of the remotest villages of Guizhou and thus best preserved. Here, you will soon notice that the dong culture is the strongest, the traditions are preserved.
By late afternoon, you will arrive at the village of Zhaoxing, the largest Dong village of Qiandongnan, where you will spend the night.

Parade in the Dong villages

Today go on hiking to the Tangan Dong Village, less than 5 kilometers from Zhaoxing. On the stone path, you will come across many farmers cultivating their land before reaching the rice terraces on the hillside. Approaching Tangan, you will dominate the valley and rice fields. Then offer you a landscape worthy of a postcard.
Return to Zhaoxing, enjoy the rest of day exploring the Zhaoxing Dong Village, lost in a valley of the border of Guizhou. Arriving here, you will be amazed by the simplicity of the life of the Dong village. Using the natural products to feed, dress and dwelling, the Dong people is exceptional. Five drum towers and their wind and rain bridge adds extra charm to where you will experience.

Spend you last night of the journey in Zhaoxing.
 

Return to Guiyang

Today, you cross the Qiandongnan region to return to Guiyang, capital of Guizhou. After 3.5 hours' drive, you will arrive at the Guiyang airport. There, you say goodbye to your guide and then you fly to your next destination.