9 Day Guizhou and Guilin In-depth Tour with Ethnic Villages

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Guiyang

   Welcome to Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province, and also the start pointing of this 9-day Guizhou and Guilin tour. Upon your arrival, a local private driver will pick you up at the airport or train station. Then you will be escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.

   You can visit some popular attractions in Guiyang such as Jiaxiu Tower, Qianling Park, Hongfu Temple. And also, you can sample various local snacks at Hequn Road.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Guiyang

2. Day 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall Tour
   Get a Unique View from the Water Curtain Cave behind the Waterfall

   After breakfast, meet your guide and drive 2 hours to Anshun. Here you will be led to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall Scenic Spot. The scenic area is centered on the Huangguoshu Waterfall (77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide) and surrounded by 18 waterfalls of different styles. The first attraction you visit today is Doupotang Scenic Area, located 1 kilometer upstream of Huangguoshu Fall. It is a 105-meter wide and 21-meter high waterfall formed by a calcareous beach dam. The Doupotang Fall became famous for being filmed in the Journey to the West in 1985.

   

   Tianxingqiao is located 6 kilometers downstream of Huangguoshu Waterfall, which consists of Natural Basin Scenic Spot, Tianxing Cave Scenic Spot and Water Stone Forest Scenic Spot. The Silver Chain Waterfall is a highlight here.

   Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest waterfall in Asia and the third largest in the world. The waterfall pours down with a thunderous roar and misty spray. You will have the opportunity to get a unique view from the Water Curtain Cave behind the waterfall. After the visit, head to your hotel near Qingyan Ancient Town for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Near Qingyan Old Town

   

3. Day 3: Qingyan Old Town to Kaili Tour
   Try Making Your Own Dyeing Art Work

   Today's Guizhou tour starts with the Qingyan Old Town. As one of the four ancient towns in Guizhou, it is famous for its long history and strong cultural atmosphere. Due to the local geological conditions, the town is built entirely of stone. Visitors can see the spectacular walls built right on the cliffs with vast rocks, dividing the Qingyan into the Inner and Outer towns. Strolling through narrow alleys, you can taste local specialty snacks offered by street vendors.

   

   After that, we drive to Kaili. On the way, stop at Matang Gejia Village for a cultural visit. It is well known for its unique batik-making production. Wax dyeing is a traditional technique in Miao ethnic areas and also one of the national intangible cultural heritages. Walk into a local dyeing workshop and witness how white cloth turns into a blue hue, decorated with interesting patterns drawn with wax. You will make your own ancient art. After that, keep driving for 40 minutes to Kaili City.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Kaili

   

4. Day 4: Kaili to Congjiang Tour
   Learn about Miao Culture through Welcome Rice Wine & Paper Making

   Today you will be taken on a Guizhou culture tour for Miao village exploration. In the morning, head to Langde Upper Miao Village. It is well known for its traditional architecture and unique Miao culture and customs.

   You will enjoy welcome rice wine and watch a traditional Miao dance performance. Besides, wander the village and explore its stilted houses & winding alleys. You informative tour guide will introduce you to something special. If you're interested, you can experience the optional activities, such as catching fish in the fields and picking fresh vegetables.

   

   In the afternoon, transfer you to Congjiang. En route, go to visit the Shiqiao Miao Village, located between Kaili City and Danzhai County. It is a national intangible cultural heritage site for the inheritance of "ancient paper-making". Here, you have the opportunity to learn about the origin of ancient paper-making art. We have arranged a unique experience for you - you will make your own unique paper crafts under the guidance of a skilled craftsman.

   Next, continue the drive to a Viewing Platform to see the panoramic view of Gaoyao Rice Terraces. One of China's ten most beautiful terraced fields, it was created by the Miao ancestors based on the local geographical environment. The terraced fields resemble a beautiful belt adorning the majestic mountains. After that, drive to the hotel in Congjiang for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Congjiang

   

5. Day 5: Congjiang to Zhaoxing Tour
   Discover the Last Gun Tribe and the Largest Dong Village

   In the morning, begin your Guizhou tour in Congjiang at the the Biasha (Basha) Miao Village, known as the 'last gun tribe'. The residents here have been specially approved by the public security organs to carry firearms. Also, glimpse other ancient customs such as shaving hair with a sickle and worshiping ancient trees. If you are interested, you can participate in their ceremonial activities.

   

   Then, go to explore the Huanggang Dong Village. The residents of Huanggang Village are all Dong ethnic group. The Drum Tower stands tall here, and the small stream in the village flows with a gurgling sound. The houses, water mills, and barns are arranged in a staggered manner, making it the most well protected Dong ethnic village in Guizhou Province. After all visits, you will be escorted to Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest Dong ethnic village in the country, with over 6,000 residents.

   Surrounded by mountains on all sides, there is a small river formed by two small streams runs through the village. Your guide will take you to visit the local stilted houses, all built with cedar wood; and learn about the local traditional customs. Take a guided tour of Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum. Through collections of ethnic cultural relics, learn about the production, life, customs, and traditions of the Dong people.

   In the afternoon, watch the Grand Song of the Dong People. It is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, from which you will learn about the unique polyphonic singing style of Dong people.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Zhaoxing

   

6. Day 6: Zhaoxing to Longji Rice Terraces Tour
   Hike the Breathtaking Rice Terraces & Learn about Local Culture

   Today, say good bye to Zhaoxing and drive to Longji Rice Terraces. You will spend your whole day in rice terraces. After arrival at the foot of a mountain, be guided to walk about 35 minutes along the nationally renowned, 650-year-old rice terraces. Your will be treated to a spectacular view of the terraced fields, just like a cascading sea of green or yellow.

   

   Your lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Then, explore the picturesque minority villages here. Huangluo Yao Village has beautiful scenery and the Jinjiang River runs through the village. Here resides the Yao ethnic group, the women of this ethnic group's long hair, singing and dancing, and clothing are beautiful folkloric scenery. After that, take an easy-going hike to the viewing platform for more breathtaking views. Do not miss the chance to photograph the stunning rice terraces. During the time, you will also learn about the other unique ethnic minority culture of the region.

   

   Continue your hike to Ping'an Zhuang Village, another ethnic minority village surrounded by rice terraces. You will understand the Zhuang minority culture and their traditional way of life. Next, you can climb up to the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Ping’an Village

7. Day 7: Longji Rice Terrace to Guilin Tour
   Witness Amazing Sunrise over the Longji Rice Terraces

   In the early morning, capture a beautiful sunrise over the Longji Rice Terraces. The ideal location is West Hill Music (西山韶乐), the highest point in the Jinkeng Rice Terraces. A roughly 1.5-hour hike northeast from Ping'an Village will lead you to this point. After the sunrise, return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast.

   

   After breakfast, take a 5-6 hours hike from Ping'an to Zhongliu and Dazhai, one of the most popular trails in Longji. This is a little bit challenging, suitable for experienced hikers. Trek through scenic spots like Seven Stars around the Moon (七星伴月), Thousand-Layer Terraces (千层天梯), and Golden Buddha Peak (金佛顶). Along the way, you meet local ethnic minority villages inhabited by Zhuang and Yao people. And your guide will tell you their culture and customs.

   After the hike, drive you to Guilin City. Explore the city at your own pace or relax in your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Guilin

8. Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour
   Enjoy a Scenic 4-hour Li River Cruise from Guilin

   After breakfast, head to Mopanshan Pier for a Li River Cruise to Yangshuo Town. The Li River is renowned as the world's largest and most beautiful karst scenic area. The cruise offers you a great chance to appreciate its amazing landscapes of verdant hills, clear waters, ancient villages, and fishermen with their cormorants. It lasts 4 to 4.5 hours, which includes lunch.

   

   Upon disembarking in Yangshuo Town, check into your hotel. After a brief rest, experience activities (optional, extra payment needed) such as cycling, hiking, bamboo rafting... in the picturesque karst landscape.

   In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the ancient West Street, the oldest street in Yangshuo with a history of over 1,400 years. Explore cafes, bars, and cultural activities. Taste local and international cuisine, purchase souvenirs, watch street performances...

   Optional evening idea: you can enjoy the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, a grand open-air show featuring local folk songs and stunning visual effects (at an additional expense).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Yangshuo

   

9. Day 9: Yangshuo Back to Gilin, Departure
   Take Charming Pictures of Rural Scenery

   After breakfast, You can take pictures of the pastoral scenery: water buffaloes, farmers, and ancient bridges along the Yulong River.

   Then, drive to Guilin airport or train station for your flight or train to the next destination. Your 9-day China tour package of Guilin and Guizhou comes to an end. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. We are always here serving you and hope to see you again!

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A