This 6 days Guizhou Miao and Dong ethnic tour is especially designed for travelers who want to have in-depth exploration in Southeast Guizhou, the last peaceful habitat for human being to rest their soul. It starts from Congjiang County, a bordering place with Guangxi with high speed trains connecting, which can be called the southeast door of Guizhou Province. Explore from Congjiang, then you’ll get to Zhaoxing, Rongjiang, Leishan, Kaili and Zhenyuan and your tour will end in Kaili, the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Along this mysterious route, you’ll deeply touch the brilliant Miao and Dong cultures and their real lifestyle by visiting the representative ethnic villages. Besides, what makes this trip special is the fantastic extension experience to Jiabang Rice Terraces, the fairy rice terrace with clouds and mists floating above layer upon layer fields; and one-day trip to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, a historic town with more than 2,200 years, in the shape of Eight Diagrams. In 6 days, you will not only have a good exploration about Miao & Dong ethnic cultures, but also release yourselves in the beautiful countryside scenery.
Day 1 Congjiang Arrival & Transfer to Zhaoxing Dong Village
Pick up in Congjiang - Zhaoxing Dong Village - Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum
Welcome to Congjiang! Upon arrival at Congjiang Railway Station, the local guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall of the train station. Then, they will transfer you to Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest Dong village in Guizhou.
After checking in to your hotel, you’ll start to explore Zhaoxing Dong Village. It has been selected as “one of the six most beautiful countryside in China” and together with its drum towers were listed into the Guinness World Records in 2001. It is divided into 5 natural small villages, living in five different areas - which are called “Tuan” locally. Besides, there are five drum towers, five Wind and Rain Bridges and five stages setting in the village. Start your exploration from the village gate and get atop of the viewing platform to enjoy the panorama, where you can also clearly appreciate the five drum towers standing beautifully in the village. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum to have a better understanding about Dong people and its culture in all aspects. Follow the route to visit Xin Tuan (means faith) with the highest drum tower at 25.9 meters, Zhi Tuan (means wisdom), Yi Tuan (means righteousness), Li Tuan (means Rritual) with the first drum tower in Zhaoxing built in 17th century and Ren Tuan (means benevolence). If weather permits, watch the famous Grand Song of Dong People and other interesting programs.
Arrival Ideas: High speed trains are well connected Congjiang with Guiyang (1.5-2hrs), Guilin (about 1hr), Yangshuo (1-1.5hrs), Guangzhou (3.5-4 hours), Chengdu (about 5hrs), Chongqing (3.5-4hrs) and more destinations. Congjiang Railway Station is about 6.5 kilometers from Zhaoxing Dong Village which needs about 20 minutes’ drive.
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Day 2 Zhaoxing - Congjiang - Jiabang Rice Terrace (B, L)
Huanggang Dong Village - Biasha Miao Village - Jiabang Rice Terrace
After breakfast, you’ll be escorted from Zhaoxing Dong Village to Huanggang Dong Village with 44 kilometers’ drive (about 1 hour). Huanggang Dong Village is considered as one of the most beautiful and traditional Dong villages in Guizhou. Huanggang, hidden in the mountains, built in ancient Song Dynasty (960-1297), has preserved the most authentic Dong culture. The villagers have had simple and unsophisticated ethnic life for hundreds of years. You can explore their local life and enjoy the unique architecture in the village. There are five drum towers standing in different directions and you can see the elders chatting in the tower or weaving their cloth. Festivals are special here - “Goddess of Thunder Worship Festival” and “Tai Guanren Festival”. If time is right, you can witness such a unique scene. (Note: For the exact time of the festivals, you can contact our travel consultants for more info.)
Next, head to Biasha Miao Village for an exciting exploration. Biasha Miao Village is called as “the Last Gunslinger Village in China”. This is the only place in China where residents are still legally allowed to own and carry guns. The Biasha people are said to be the descendants of Chi You, a mythological warrior in ancient China, and have traditions dating back 2000 years. Men of Biasha dress as ancient warriors with black waistcoats and straight black trousers as well as swords, hunting dogs, and firelocks. Women of Biasha wear black pair shirts and pleated skirts, which are simple but embroidered with bright colors. Once getting into the village, you will witness the welcome ceremony - Biasha men line up and fire 3 shots to welcome guests! Later, enjoy the folk performance to learn more about Biasha culture, including customs of farming, hunting, ancestor-worshiping, gaming and marriage. You can even watch an amazing haircut ritual - a live shave with a sickle. If you have more time, you can take a walk around this beautiful village.
After the tour, drive to Jiabang Rice Terrace (about 88 km from Biasha with 2.5 hours’ driving). Stay overnight in Jiabang.
Jiabang Rice Terraces
Huanggang Dong Village
Haircut Ritual at Biasha Miao Village - a Live Shave with a Sickle
Day 3 Jiabang Rice Terrace - Rongjiang (B, L)
Dangniu Rice Terrace - Dali Dong Village
In this morning, you’ll catch the best time to visit Jiabang Rice Terrace. Jiabang Rice Terrace, cultivated by the Miao people, is one of the most beautiful and the most mysterious rice terrace in China. It is composed of 10,000 acres, scattered in Dangniu, Jiaye, Jiache, Congkai, Pingyin, Jiabang, Baibei and Baidang villages. Every morning, when the cloud and mist rise above the river and field, Jiabang Rice Terrace become a fairyland on earth. Start your visit from Dangniu Rice Terrace where you can see the rice terrace layer upon layer stretching from the valley to the hill, walk a little to Jiaya Rice Terrace with beautiful curves; move another 2 kilometers to Jiache Village and catch the best panorama at the viewing platform, and visit the magnificent Yangsongling Rice Terrace to view the screw terrace. (Note: Go April to early May for mirror-like irrigated terrace and rice transplanting scene; go in May for clouds with mists scene, go from May to mid-September for green terraces; go late September to early-October for golden and harvest scene.)
After the rice terrace viewing, drive to Dali Dong Village in Rongjiang County. Dali Village is a quiet village with 400 ancient phoebes and over 40 are with a history over 500 years. Once you enter into the village through Wind and Rain Bridges, you’ll step on the ancient stone-paved path built in the reign of Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). All the buildings are built from wood and the most common of which are built as quadrangle dwellings. Don’t miss Yang Family Quadrangle Courtyard with over 200 years with 93 generations living here. Come to the center of the village to see the drum tower. And if you are lucky, enjoy the performances held at the square. If time permits, you can do a little hiking to the beautiful Sandie Waterfall about 2 kilometers away.
After the tour, be escorted to Rongjiang County for accommodation.
Jiabang Rice Terraces in Autumn
Dali Dong Village
Day 4 Rongjiang - Kaili (B, L)
Langde Upper Miao Village - Wudong Miao Village - Transfer to Kaili
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll be transferred about 140 km for a visit to Langde Upper Miao Village which is reputed as “the Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art”. It is with less crowds, peaceful natural atmosphere, friendly villagers and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival at the village, you will be warmly treated with a traditional welcome ceremony by the beautiful ladies and girls dressed in traditional Miao costumes (long skirt). They will set twelve tables with “block-the-way” wine and you can taste the wine to feel their hospitality. If you are lucky, you can experience the singing and dancing performance at the Lusheng Ground after the toasts. The men will play Lusheng and the ladies will dance. If you like, you can participate in the dance to enjoy more fun.
Next, you’ll move to Wudong Miao Village which is 30 km away from Langde (0.5-1 hour’s driving). Wudong Village is at 1300 meters above sea level nestled on the hillside of the Leigong Mountain, among terraced fields, vegetables gardens and lush forests. The whole village is made out of the traditional Miao type of dwelling - Diaojiaolou which usually have 3 floors - the first is for livestock, the second is where people live, and the third floor is used for storage. You can take a look at the oldest water mill/wheel in all of Leishan County. The most interesting part is to go fishing with Miao group’s bamboo baskets in the local rice paddy fields and get to know their farming system and daily life better (go fishing needs extra payment and is usually available in summer during July ~ September). After that, the local hostess will show you how to cook Miao famous cuisine - Fish in Sour Soup. Enjoy the lunch at the local house.
After the tour, be escorted to Kaili City for accommodation.
Shiqiao Miao Village
Upper Langde Miao Village
Wuji Miao Village
Day 5 Kaili - Zhenyuan Ancient Town (B, L)
Matang Gejia Village - Zhenyuan Ancient Town
After breakfast, drive about 19 km (about 0.5 hour) to Matang Gejia Village, a primitive Miao village with over 400 Gejia people who are called the 57th ethnic group in China unofficially. According to the legend, Gejia people are the direct descendants of Hou Yi, a legendary hero who was said to shoot the nine scorching suns in order to save his people. Matang Village is famous for exotic attires, colorful festivals and countryside feelings. The women and girls here are specialized in batik that you can fully appreciate the uniqueness of the Gejia batik patterns and embroidery as well as the excellent craftsmanship of the villagers. If you are interested, you can learn how to make batik with wax from a local master and create your own batik work (optional experience with extra payment).
Later, you’ll be escorted to Zhenyuan Ancient Town (about 110 km from Matang Village, for 2 hours’ driving). With a history of more than 2,200 years, Zhenyuan Ancient Town features hundreds of ancient buildings in Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties. The mother river called Wuyang River passes through the town in the shape of “S”, making the whole town look like Eight Diagrams and Zhenyuan is also reputed as “Oriental Venice”. Later, visit Tin Hau Temple in the architectural style of Southern Fujian. This temple has witnessed the flourishing period of Wuyang River waterway. Walk to Zhenjiang Pavilion which was built in Ming Dynasty situated in the west of the town. Have a nice stroll along the old alleys to appreciate traditional folk houses and the ancient wells. You won’t miss Sifangjing Alley. In this evening, enjoy the beautiful night view with gleaming colors along Wuyang River. (Optional experience: 1). Enjoy a 3-4 hours' hiking to Shiping Mountain, the highest point of the ancient city where you can have a breathtaking panoramic view of Zhenyuan Ancient Town and Wuyang River based on your energy, interest and time. 2.) Take a scenic boat sailing leisurely on Wuyang River to enjoy the dazzling night scene with numerous stone buildings by the river.)
Have a good sleep in Zhenyuan.
Matang Gejia Village
Peaceful Zhenyuan Ancient Town at Night
Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Day 6 Zhenyuan Ancient Town & Guiyang Departure (B)
Zhenyuan Ancient Town - Black Dragon Cave - Trains/Flights off Guiyang
After breakfast, you’ll take a peaceful walk in Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Walking through Zhusheng Bridge, the seven-hole blue stone arch bridge built in Ming Dynasty, you will get to Black Dragon Cave (also called Qinglong Cave). This is not simply a cave, but a ancient architectural complex of ancient temples, pavilions, shrines and palaces standing on Zhonghe Mountain. It well presents the Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism culture with the magnificent construction and layout. It is said that Zhang Sanfeng, the founder of Tai Chi, personally selected and involved in the construction of the temples. This scenic spot is composed of the following parts including the Zhusheng Bridge, Zhongyuan Temple, Ziyang Shuyuan (Academy of Classical Learning), Jade Emperor Pavilion, Longevity Palace and Xianglu Yan. After getting to the top of the cave, catch the appealing panorama of Zhenyuan Ancient Town and Wuyang River in charm and peace. The visit will be truly a cultural highlight during your Zhenyuan trip.
After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or railway station in Guiyang with about 3.5 hours’ riding to catch a flight / train to next destination.
Black Dragon Cave
Zhangjiajie is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will travel through the countless cloud-kissing mountains, clear streams and leafy trees, you may easily blend with nature around, thus enhancing your love unconsciously.
This 3-day Zhangjiajie adventure begins at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and ends at Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. You'll discover pillar-like Mountains, sunrise, lake, waterfalls, uncovering culture, tradition, religion and local folk customs park along the way.
Guilin, the darling of tourists!
Guilin is famous for having the best landscape under Heaven which can be seen in three most popular places - Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng. Only 3 days are needed to get them all in a single trip. You will visit the essential sites in the city, enjoy a relaxing cruise along Li River, and have a pleasant time of countryside exploration in Yangshuo Town. Another highlight is the unique trip to Longji Terrace which is an ideal place for experiencing ethnic culture, hiking and photography.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2023.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Hi Wonder,
We are safely back in Guangzhou. Wonderful experience. All the planned events were highlights and the little extra side trips were a plus. Thank you for all your careful planning.
Hi Leo,
This is a very short customised arrangement during which the China border is not fully opened yet.
China Discovery charges a premium though, but it delivered without fail.
The VOA is very new to even the custom officers who were on duty when I cleared the immigration check at Shenzhen as well as the HK side. I must say that the agent did his professional service by always on the call to allow on-site changes of my arrival time because immigration clearance was so unpredictable. I can be assured that someone is just outside the arrival hall to pick me up and, I could tell the immigration officer that my local contact person is just waiting outside to pick me once I am cleared with this new procedure.
It is always safer to have a local contact to guide you and make arrangements for your local transfer when language ( Cantonese instead of Mandarin) is a problem in China .
Thx for the service . Thx to Matt too.
Rgds
Rita,
thank you for your arrangement. The tour and logistics were really good. We are very happy and look forward to the next trip in China with your company.
Dear Jack,
I have tried to leave the following review with tripadvisor several times now but somehow it is not accepted, I do not know why.
"Just back from our 9-day trip to Yunnan, long planned and waited for. It was our second time with China Discovery Tours. Once again they tailored the tour according to our ideas and interests - and succeeded in surprising us! Thanks to the local guides we learned a lot about history, traditions and customs, and, of course, food. We always felt in safe hands and the organization was just perfect with enough on spot flexibility. Big thanks to Jack who figured it all out so well and to the next time with China Discovery! Johannes (GER) & Elizabeth (GRC)"
Thanks again for an excellent trip, best regards, Johannes&Elizabeth
Hi Jack!
It's was great, we loved it! Our tour guide Frank was very kind, informative, and funny :) We loved how easy it was and how much we got to see in a day, I will definitely recommend to our friends!
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Jiabang Rice Terraces
Huanggang Dong Village
Haircut Ritual at Biasha Miao Village - a Live Shave with a Sickle
Jiabang Rice Terraces in Autumn
Dali Dong Village
Shiqiao Miao Village
Upper Langde Miao Village
Wuji Miao Village
Matang Gejia Village
Peaceful Zhenyuan Ancient Town at Night
Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Black Dragon Cave
Guiyang / Anshun / Kaili / Rongjiang / Zhaoxing / Congjiang
Guiyang / Anshun / Kaili / Fanjingshan
Guilin / Longsheng / Yangshuo / Zhaoxing / Kaili / Fanjingshan
“Very good experience”
“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”
“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”
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