Guizhou Discovery: Natural Wonders and Minority Villages

Itinerary

• Day 1: Guiyang Arrival

  Welcome to Guizhou, a southwestern province of China known for its ethnic diversity and stunning landscapes.

  Upon arrival, your guide will escort you on a private transfer to your hotel. You may relax at the hotel or take a leisurely walk around the Jiaxiu Pavilion area for a pleasant first taste of the city.

  • Guiyang

• Day 2: Guiyang - Anshun, Day Excursion to Huangguoshu Waterfall

  Depart from Guiyang for a scenic two-hour drive to the Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Area. As the largest waterfall in Asia - 101 meters wide and 78 meters high - Huangguoshu offers dramatic views from multiple platforms. Walk along well-paved trails to experience the waterfall from different perspectives, including mist-filled viewpoints where you can feel the power of the cascading water. Fans of Journey to the West, one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, may recognize locations used in the classic TV adaptation filmed here.

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  • Anshun

• Day 3: Anshun - Guiyang, Huajiang Canyon Bridge & Tianlong Tunbao

  This morning, enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive, with a stop at Huajiang Canyon Bridge. Stretching across a dramatic gorge, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding karst landscape - a perfect spot for memorable photos.

  On the return journey to Guiyang, visit Tianlong Tunbao, an ancient military garrison village dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Here, descendants still preserve Ming-era traditions, from their distinctive traditional attire to the vibrant Dixi Opera performed with intricately carved wooden masks, offering a vivid glimpse into local history and culture.

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  • Guiyang

• Day 4: Guiyang - Kaili, Ethnic Cultural Immersion

  Leaving Guiyang behind, set out on a two-hour drive toward Kaili, the gateway to the colorful minority groups of Southeast Guizhou. Your first stop is Shiqiao Miao Village, renowned for its ancient papermaking tradition. Watch artisans transform tree bark into fine, hand-crafted paper through a series of time-honored steps.

  Continue onward to Qingman Miao Village, celebrated as the "Hometown of Miao Embroidery." Built along the hillside, the village is lined with layered wooden stilt houses, tiled roofs, and interlocking eaves that form a distinctive terraced profile. Wander through its narrow lanes to explore traditional dwellings and observe everyday life in this well-preserved Miao settlement.

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  • Kaili

• Day 5: Kaili, Langde Miao & Matang Gejia Villages

  After breakfast, arrive at Langde Miao Village and be greeted with the traditional Lanmen (literally "blocking-the-gate") wine ritual. Villagers welcome you with cups of their home-brewed wine, inviting you to join in their lively toast - a warm and unforgettable gesture of local hospitality. Enjoy a spirited folk song-and-dance performance, then wander through the village's winding lanes and wooden stilt houses, capturing vibrant moments and glimpses of daily life in this charming Miao community.

  Afterward, drive 40 minutes to Matang Gejia Village, home to a small, unrecognized ethnic group with a rich culture and tradition of batik craftsmanship. Distinctive attire - red tassel hats for maidens and armor-style, elaborate smocks for married women - resembles ancient war garments.

  Later, browse the displays of fossils, instruments, and traditional clothing in the Kaili Minority Museum to get a deeper insight into the ethnic cultures and customs in China's southwestern region.

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  • Kaili

• Day 6: Kaili - Zhenyuan Ancient Town & Qinglong Cave

  A 2-hour morning drive will take you to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, dating back over 2,000 years. As you cruise along the serene Wuyang River, take in the old charm of the Han-style settlement, distinct from other multi-ethnic towns in Guizhou. Your guide will lead you to explore historical residences, ancient bridges, opera stages, and the UNESCO-listed Qinglongdong temple complex.

  Continue to Qinglong Cave, where dramatic cliffs, sheer rock faces, massive boulders, and hidden caverns create a striking natural landscape, blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountains.

  In the evening, you may like to wander along the winding alleys to relax into the local rhythm or climb Shiping Hill for panoramic views of the town with lighting.

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  • Zhenyuan

• Day 7: Zhenyuan - Tongren, Mount Fanjing

  An exciting day unfolds as you drive about 2 hours into Tongren for the UNESCO-inscribed Mount Fanjing, renowned for its odd shape and as a sacred Buddhist site. Rising 2,572 meters, the mountain offers a thrilling cable car ride into the mist-shrouded landscape, with ancient temples perched atop dramatic rock formations. Following this, hiking its winding tracks may reveal sightings of rare animals.

  After the tour, settle into a local hotel for a well-earned rest.

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  • Tongren

• Day 8: Tongren Grand Canyon & Drive Back to Guiyang

  Today, travel about 28 km from Tongren City to the awe-inspiring Tongren Grand Canyon. Wander along the narrow, winding wooden boardwalks of the "Skyline Gap," where sunlight streams between towering cliffs. As the canyon walls gradually draw closer - narrowing to just 4 meters at the tightest point - every step feels like a mini adventure. Along the way, discover hidden waterfalls and soak in the dramatic natural scenery.

  After the visit, return to Guiyang by car in about 4 hours, or hop on the high-speed train for a faster journey of 1.5-2 hours.

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  • Guiyang

• Day 9: Guiyang, Departure

  After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your onward flight or train to the next destination.

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