Hidden Minorities in Southeastern Guizhou

Arrive in Kaili to start your discovery of China's richest concentration of Miao and Dong ethnic cultures.

On arrival, meet your guide and proceed to Qingman village for an authentic lunch, greeted with a simple but hospitable welcome ceremony.

Spend the afternoon visiting Shiqiao, a Miao village that has inherited the essence of ancient handmade paper in Southeastern Guizhou. Walk through its tranquil streets, stopping at a simple workshop to learn how local artists transform tree bark into soft paper using the most ancient methods. Join in the process of scooping pulp, pressing, and drying your sheet. Stroll to the outskirts of the village, where a pellucid stream gurgles beneath a quaint stone bridge and, sometimes, local women wash clothes by the water.

This morning, we will drive about 40 minutes to the lower part of Langde Miao Village, where another 40-minute hike alongside a sweeping stream and vibrant rice paddies will take you to its upper part. There, women in festival attire will invite you to challenge twelve ceremonial cups of rice wine - Lán Mén Jiǔ (or gate-blocking wines) - the special welcome ceremony of the Miao people. Then, in the village square, enjoy a spirited folk performance that showcases the Miao people's distinctive music, dance, and hospitality.

After lunch at a family-run restaurant, explore historical homes, cultural museums, and narrow lanes in this mountainous hamlet and search for some unique souvenirs if you wish.

Today, we will move south further (about two hours) to Rongjiang County, one of the core areas that has the most pristine and best-preserved Dong ethnic culture.

On the way, visit Datang Village, featuring dozens of floating granaries - tiny wooden houses on stilts - standing quietly in shallow, mossy ponds, seeming still in time. For hundreds of years, farmers in this area have used this method to store grain, preventing rats, fire, and moisture.

Today's journey takes you to Dali Dong Village, a tranquil village nestled deep in unspoiled nature. With over 600 years of history, the wind-and-rain bridges, a wooden courtyard house, and traditional weaving are still alive. Climb up a drum tower for a panoramic view. If you happen to be there on a festival day, take the chance to enjoy a choral performance or participate in a long-table banquet for lunch. Unwind in this mountain village and embrace a peaceful life away from the outside world. Then take a 2-hour ride to Zhaoxing.

Today, start with a classic countryside hike from Zhaoxing to Tangan Village. You'll finish this relaxing hike in about two hours with breathtaking views of primitive houses and terraced fields.

Have a leisure afternoon to explore Zhaoxing Dong Village with your guide or independently. If you wish, visit the Dong Culture Museum, try batik dyeing, or dress in your favorite ethnic costumes and take a set of beautiful pictures. Just share your idea with your travel consultant or your guide.

In the evening, enjoy an original Dong Grand Song performance - a chorus echoing the Dong people's history and culture.

Take a ride to Congjiang County in the morning, and explore three remarkable villages here. Begin with Basha Miao Village, where locals still use fire guns and are known for their fierce spirit. Continue to Zhanli Dongzhai, which is famous for a legend that drinking water from "male-well" or "female-well", used with a herb called "huanhuacao", can help families choose to have sons or daughters. Learn how this remote village keeps almost zero population growth. End the trip at Huanggang Dong Village, which remains a layout from the Song Dynasty, admire the five drum towers with boards engraved with 24 solar terms, and overlook the village from the viewing platform.

As your exploration of southeastern Guizhou comes to an end, pack your vivid memories of colorful minority groups and head to Congjiang railway station to embark on your next journey.