6 Days Guizhou Ethnic Minority Tour
Tour Overview
Guizhou is a province with a diverse population, home to numerous ethnic groups such as Miao, Dong, Bouyei, and more. Each ethnic group has its unique traditional culture and customs. This Guizhou Ethnic Minority Tour is a 6-day exploration of cultural diversity in Guiyang and Kaili. You will immerse yourself in the captivating Kaili Ethnic Minorities Museum and legendary villages, unveiling wax dyeing traditions.
We will take you up close with the Miao communities, crafting silver jewelry and discovering centuries-old methods of food storage. Experience the ancient art of paper making and the unique lifestyle of the last gunman tribe of Basha. Finally, you will take a scenic terraced hike and appreciate the charm of Zhaoxing Village’s Drum Tower architecture.
Highlights of this tour:
1. Craft unique silver jewelry under the guidance of a skilled Miao artisan.2. Immerse in the Kaili Ethnic Minority Museum and the villages associated with the legend and experience traditional batik.
3. Explore the ancient technique of paper making.
4. Visit China’s last gunman tribe and learn about their unique cultural heritage.
5. Hike through the breathtaking terraced landscape and discover hidden villages.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Guiyang
Upon arrival in Guiyang, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport. A comfortable transfer will take you to your hotel. After check-in, freshen up and relax.
You can explore Guiyang's vibrant atmosphere at your leisure. Wander through local markets, try authentic cuisine, or take a stroll along the picturesque streets. If you arrive before noon, consider a customized half-day tour to delve into Guiyang's cultural highlights.
Meal: N/A
- Day 2: Kaili Ethnic Minorities ExperienceKaili Ethnic Minorities Museum, A Unique Minority Village
This morning, you will take a guided tour of the Kaili Ethnic Minorities Museum. The construction style of the entire museum incorporates the distinctive features of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups, serving as a central hub for the collection, preservation, research, and exhibition of ethnic cultures in the region. According to records, the museum houses over 12,000 precious artifacts spanning three different periods: the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These items include valuable traditional costumes, ancestral worship tools, and everyday utensils of the Miao and Dong ethnic groups.
Exhibits at Kaili Ethnic Minorities Museum After lunch, you will be transferred to a unique minority village associated with the legendary figure Hou Yi (a great archer, who saved humanity by shooting down nine of the ten suns). The villagers here claim to be descendants of Hou Yi. In this village, you will be guided to witness the fascinating wax dyeing process, renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. You'll have the opportunity to engage with locals in a workshop, learn about their heritage and craftsmanship, and even try your hand at making a piece of batik.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Wax dyeing process - Day 3: Miao Culture ExperienceSilver Making, Short-skirts Village
After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will take you to explore a Miao village known for its silverware production. The art of crafting silver jewelry has been passed down through generations in this community. The skilled silversmiths here make ordinary pieces of silver into beautiful works using the tools. Today, you'll experience a hands-on workshop, crafting your silver jewelry under the guidance of a skilled silversmith.
Silverware production In the afternoon, we will a primitive Miao village celebrated for its distinctive short skirts and innovative food storage methods. The women here wear short skirts and maintain this unique traditional attire whether working or resting. Stepping into this village, you will notice that the architecture still adheres to the original wooden structure style. Follow your guide to learn about the community's centuries-old customs and savor the unique cultural flavor.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
- Day 4: Traditional Crafts & Basha VillagePaper Making, Basha Gunman Tribe
In the ethnic minority areas of Guizhou, you will discover a unique traditional craft - paper making. This technique originated in China's Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD), but has been inherited and developed by ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Bouyei in Guizhou.
Today, your guide will take you on a journey to explore the traditional art of paper making. Local plant fibers are made into paper by traditional craftsmanship. The resulting paper is flexible, natural in color, and highly cherished by the local people. You will have the opportunity to personally experience the paper-making process, gaining insights into the intricacies of this ancient craft while appreciating the unique charm of ethnic minority cultures.
Learn the ancient art of paper-making Lunch will be arranged at a farmer's home, providing an authentic taste of local home-cooked dishes.
In the afternoon, head to Basha Miao Village, the last gunman tribe in China. Gain insights into their distinctive way of life, where men are permitted to carry guns and powder bags. When visitors enter the village from a distance, the locals welcome them enthusiastically by firing guns. You will follow your guide to explore the village and interact with the locals to understand their unique cultural heritage.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Basha Miao Village - Day 5: Terraced HikeTerraced Landscapes, Zhaoxing Dong Village
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a 4-hour scenic hike through the terraced fields. The terraced rice paddies in Guizhou are built along the mountains and cascade down to form a breathtaking sight. During the trek, you'll also encounter hidden pristine villages and witness local agricultural practices, immersing yourself in the rich history and diverse ethnic cultures of the land. It will be the perfect combination of nature and humanity experience.
Hike the Rice Terraces In the afternoon, transfer you to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of the largest Dong ethnic villages in the country. It is renowned as the "No.1 Dong Village" and is particularly famous for its drum towers. After arrival, you will admire the architectural beauty of Drum Towers (the symbol of the Dong Villages and look like pagodas) and explore the village's cultural heritage.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Drum Towers in Zhaoxing Village - Day 6: Departure
Enjoy your last morning in Guiyang at your own pace. Perhaps explore a local market or revisit a favorite spot. Then, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Meal: Breakfast