6-Day Guizhou Ethnic Tour Adventure: Explore Vibrant Villages and Stunning Terraces in Southwest China

Summary

Day1 Guiyang Arrival: Qingyan Ancient Town, Jiaxiu Tower
Day2 Guiyang-Kaili by Car: Matang Gejia Village, Upper Langde Miao Village
Day3 Kaili-Zenlei by Car: Shui Ethnic Minority
Day4 Zenlei-Jiabang by Car: Jiabang Rice Terraces
Day5 Jiabang-Congjiang-Zhaoxing by Car: Zhaoxing Dong Villages
Day6 Zhaoxing Departure

Day1 Guiyang Arrival

Upon your arrival in Guiyang, your professional English-speaking guide will warmly greet you at the airport, train station, or your hotel lobby, holding a "Your Way Holiday" welcome sign. The guide will assist you with your luggage and provide a clear overview of the day's schedule. From the moment you meet, your guide will accompany you throughout the day, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience as you explore Guiyang’s cultural highlights.

Your first visit takes you to Qingyan Ancient Town, a historic stone town founded during the Ming Dynasty. As you wander through centuries-old alleyways, temples, and courtyards, your guide will bring the past to life by explaining the town’s strategic military origins, traditional architecture, and cultural significance. From ancient stone gates to delicate carvings on wooden doors, every corner holds a story that your guide will be happy to share. Photo stops and short breaks will be arranged at your pace for an immersive and relaxed visit.

Following the visit, your guide will take you to a carefully selected local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Guizhou-style lunch. With regional specialties rich in flavor and spice, your guide will recommend dishes suited to your taste and dietary needs, and help communicate with the restaurant staff to ensure a comfortable dining experience. You'll also get a brief introduction to Guizhou's culinary culture and common ingredients.

In the afternoon, continue to Jiaxiu Tower, Guiyang’s most recognizable landmark. Originally built in 1598 for scholars, this elegant wooden structure sits gracefully above the Nanming River. Your guide will explain the symbolic meaning behind the tower’s name—"First Scholar"—and introduce the historical figures and poetic traditions associated with it. You’ll also have time to admire the surrounding classical gardens and take in views of the old and modern city blending across the riverbanks.

At the end of the day, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. Your guide will review the next day’s itinerary, answer any questions you may have, and offer suggestions for evening activities or dining options in Guiyang. Throughout the day, your guide remains at your service to provide cultural insights, help with photos, and ensure your comfort every step of the way.

Day2 Guiyang-Kaili by Car

After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart Guiyang with your private guide and driver for a scenic drive to Kaili, the cultural heart of Guizhou’s ethnic minority regions. Along the way, your English-speaking guide will share background stories of the diverse communities you are about to encounter, and ensure a comfortable journey with short breaks if needed. The drive offers a glimpse into Guizhou’s lush landscapes and rural charm, making the road trip itself part of the experience.

Your first stop is the Matang Gejia Village, home to the Gejia people—an ethnic group recognized by their distinctive costumes and rich traditions, though officially classified under the Miao nationality. As you walk through the village’s stone-paved paths, your guide will explain the Gejia's unique identity, including their batik-dyeing techniques, totemic myths, and the symbolic meanings behind their elaborate embroidery. You may have the chance to see local women demonstrating traditional crafts or even try your hand at batik under your guide’s interpretation. This intimate cultural exchange is enhanced by your guide’s translation and contextual insights.

A local lunch will be arranged at a clean and authentic restaurant en route or in Kaili, featuring minority-style home-cooked dishes. Your guide will assist with ordering, introduce you to regional ingredients, and make recommendations based on your preferences. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of Guizhou cuisine in a relaxed setting.

In the afternoon, visit the Upper Langde Miao Village, one of the most photogenic and traditional Miao communities in the region. Surrounded by green hills and terraced fields, the village features wooden stilt houses and a well-preserved ancestral hall. Your guide will lead you through the village, sharing stories about Miao festivals, marriage customs, and spiritual beliefs. If time permits and local conditions allow, you might even witness a cultural performance or interact with village elders. Your guide will facilitate conversations and help you better understand the Miao way of life from a respectful and immersive perspective.

After the tour, continue to Kaili city where your guide will assist with hotel check-in. Before leaving for the evening, your guide will provide you with helpful information for the next day, and offer suggestions for local restaurants or an evening stroll if you wish to explore on your own.

Day3 Kaili-Zenlei by Car

Depart Kaili and travel by private vehicle to Zenlei, a lesser-known yet culturally significant destination where the Shui ethnic minority has preserved its rich heritage for generations. Your English-speaking guide will provide fascinating commentary along the drive, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural landscape and answering any questions you may have during the journey.

Upon arrival in Zenlei, your guide will lead you through a traditional Shui ethnic minority village, offering you a rare opportunity to explore the customs and daily life of one of China's smallest and most distinct ethnic groups. The Shui people are renowned for their unique pictographic writing system, vibrant festivals, and intricate silver jewelry. As you walk through the village’s wooden stilt houses and peaceful courtyards, your guide will explain their traditions, religious beliefs, and family structures. This is a unique chance to witness the Shui’s cultural richness and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. If time permits, you may even observe local artisans at work or engage in meaningful conversations with villagers, with your guide facilitating these exchanges.

Following your visit to the Shui village, enjoy a traditional Shui-style lunch in a local eatery. Your guide will help you order a selection of local specialties, allowing you to taste the authentic flavors of the Shui people’s cuisine. It’s a great time to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village while sampling dishes unique to this community.

After lunch, your guide will accompany you to your hotel in Zenlei, assist with check-in, and ensure you are comfortably settled in. They will review the itinerary for the following day, confirming timing and any special arrangements. Should you have any preferences or questions, your guide will be available to assist before concluding the day's service.

Day4 Zenlei-Jiabang by Car

After breakfast, your private vehicle and guide will take you on a scenic drive from Zenlei to Jiabang, home to one of the most impressive rice terraces in Guizhou. The journey offers breathtaking views of lush mountains and rolling hills, giving you the chance to admire the beauty of the countryside. Throughout the drive, your guide will share insights into the agricultural practices of the region and the unique significance of rice farming to the local ethnic groups, especially the Dong people.

Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to the Jiabang Rice Terraces, a spectacular example of traditional terrace farming. These terraces, carved into the mountainside, have been maintained by local villagers for centuries. Your guide will explain the history and cultural importance of the terraces, as well as the farming techniques that have been passed down through generations. Depending on the season, you may witness local farmers at work or enjoy the sight of the terraces reflecting the sky during the wet season or covered in golden hues during harvest time.

Your guide will help you capture the best views and provide deeper context to the landscape's agricultural and cultural significance. The Jiabang Rice Terraces are not only an awe-inspiring sight but also a testament to the resilience and harmony of the local communities with nature. Your guide will ensure that you gain a full understanding of the cultural heritage that makes these terraces a UNESCO-worthy attraction.

After exploring the rice terraces, enjoy a traditional local lunch at a nearby restaurant. The meal will feature dishes unique to the region, such as bamboo rice, smoked meats, and local vegetables. Your guide will assist in choosing the best dishes, offering an authentic taste of the area’s culinary traditions.

After lunch, your guide will accompany you to your accommodation in Jiabang and assist with the check-in process. Once you’re settled, your guide will confirm the schedule for the following day and ensure all arrangements are in place for a smooth continuation of your journey.

Day5 Jiabang-Congjiang-Zhaoxing by Car

After breakfast, you will leave Jiabang behind and travel by private vehicle toward Zhaoxing, with your guide accompanying you throughout the scenic drive. The journey winds through rolling hills and picturesque valleys, offering views of Guizhou’s rural charm and ethnic diversity. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the Dong people, their customs, and the cultural significance of the places you’re passing through, setting the stage for a meaningful visit ahead.

Upon arriving in Zhaoxing Dong Villages, one of the most iconic Dong villages in China, your guide will lead you through the village’s five neighborhoods, each marked by its own magnificent drum tower. These wooden structures, built without a single nail, serve as the spiritual and social heart of the village, where locals gather for ceremonies, meetings, and the iconic polyphonic singing (Grand Song). The village is known for its unique wind-and-rain bridges and tiered stilt houses, which harmonize beautifully with the surrounding landscape. As you explore, your guide will explain the symbolism behind these architectural wonders, which reflect the Dong people's values of unity, respect for nature, and craftsmanship.

Beyond the architecture, Zhaoxing offers an opportunity to dive into the cultural traditions of the Dong people. Your guide will introduce you to local practices like Dong embroidery and the creation of traditional indigo-dyed garments. The village is also famous for its vibrant polyphonic singing, and depending on the day’s schedule, you may have the chance to witness or even join a performance. Your guide will interpret and help you engage with the local people, offering a deeper understanding of their oral storytelling traditions, agricultural lifestyle, and the importance of community bonds. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the Dong culture firsthand, making it a truly memorable part of your journey.

After a day of exploration, you’ll enjoy a traditional Dong-style lunch at a local restaurant. The meal features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including specialties such as rice with cured meats, bamboo shoots, and stir-fried vegetables. Your guide will assist in selecting dishes that best represent the Dong culture, ensuring an authentic and satisfying dining experience.

Later in the day, your guide will accompany you to your hotel in Zhaoxing and assist with check-in. They will ensure you are comfortably settled and take a moment to review the plan for the following day. Your guide will also be available to offer dinner suggestions and address any personal preferences or needs you may have, helping you enjoy a peaceful and well-prepared evening in this culturally rich village.

Day6 Zhaoxing Departure

On your final day, your guide will meet you at your hotel at the designated time and assist with check-out procedures. You will then be transferred to the airport or train station, depending on your onward travel plans. Throughout the journey, your guide will ensure a smooth and comfortable departure, offering any final assistance you may need and bidding you a warm farewell as your Guizhou adventure concludes.

Price Per Person in US Dollars