8 Days Gorgeous Guizhou Tour with Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise

Welcome to Guiyang, the beautiful “City of Forest” and provincial capital of Guizhou! Upon your arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall in the airport / train station and escort you to your hotel in Guiyang downtown. The rest of today is on your own to explore the cool Guiyang city!

You can go to visit Jiaxiu Pavilion, the symbol of Guiyang city with a history of more than 400 years. Standing on a rock on Nanming River, with two stone bridges linking, the wooden tower of 3 storey and 22.9 meters high is a must-see for visiting Guiyang. It is particularly appealing at sunset and night when the entire quaint tower is outlined clearly and ignited into orange and golden, against the dazzling night view of the surrounding modern skyscrapers of Guiyang city center! Take a nice walk along the river to enjoy the river wind and cityscape of Guiyang!

Also, you can walk to Cuiwei Garden at the south of the bridge to immerse into the rich elegant charm of the over 500 years old traditional classic garden with Jiangnan flavored courtyard and solemn temples. Roam in the garden to meet the quiet halls, pavilions, corridors, gardens, walls, rockeries, ponds, blossoms, bamboo forests, etc. linked harmoniously and interestingly for a traditional Chinese architectural and cultural savory!

After today’s visiting, be escorted back to your hotel and stay overnight in Guiyang!

Arrival Ideas: Visitors can get to Guiyang by flights from about 14 international destinations including Bangkok, Phuket Island, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, etc. and about 70 domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Changsha, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, etc. Besides, Guiyang has high speed trains from Chongqing (2hrs), Chengdu (3.5hrs), Guilin (2hrs), Guangzhou (4.5hrs), Changsha (3hrs), Wuhan (4.5hrs), Kunming (2hrs), Nanning (5hrs), Shanghai (8.5hrs), Beijing (8.5hrs), Xian (7.5hrs), Zhengzhou (6.5hrs), etc.

After breakfast, drive about 2.5 hours to Anshun for today’s trip to Huangguoshu Waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in Asia. You will appreciate different views of the waterfall, especially go behind the waterfall and see how water starts dropping and touch the waterfall.

Visit Doupotang Scenic Area which is one of the shooting places of well-known TV series of one of the four Chinese literature classics - “Pilgrimage to the West”. Walk pleasantly there to appreciate the 105 meters wide and 21 meters high waterfall formed on the more than 100 meters calcific beach bar, which dumps from the top giant pool of 15 thousand square meters wide. As the waterfall always roars strongly during flooding period, it is also named “Roaring Waterfall”.

Next, take the sightseeing vehicle to have a close admiration of Tianxingqiao Scenic Area. Catch all its essences of Karst landscape to know why it is complimented as a fairyland of Karst ecology miniature landscape with different sceneries at different angles and idyllic environment of birds and flowers, water and mountain, forest and cave, etc. Here you will watch the stone of forest of 0.4 square kilometers grows on water with verdant undershrub and cactus, meet the Beauty Banyan looks like a beautiful lady with graceful posture, have an enjoyable stroll in Heavenly Star Cave to see the diverse shaped Karst stalagmites, columns, flowers, etc. with multiple lights, with some looking like fishes, chicken, rice terraces, and so on. You will also enjoy the view of the Waterfall of Silver Chain Dropping to the Pool to see its shimmering water branches falling like thousands of silver chains, white wedding veil, lotus leaves, etc. during different seasons.

Then, take the sightseeing vehicle to see the iconic Huangguoshu Waterfall of 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide. With such magnificent and shocking scenery, it is the No.1 largest waterfall in whole Asia and one of the most famous waterfalls around the world. Walk around the waterfall to admire its distinct landscape from different angles and feel its breathtaking roaring of falling into the 17 meters deep shoal. Besides, you will encounter with more inspiring places including the 134 meters dragon-like Water Curtain Cave behind the waterfall, more than 3,000 excellent bonsai displayed exquisitely in the bonsai garden, and more to feel the grand sight of the large scenic area.

After the visiting, your guide and driver will escort you to the hotel in Anshun City and help you check in. Stay overnight in Anshun.

(Note of lunch today: As there is no dining facilities provided in Huangguoshu Waterfall tourist area, we suggest you enjoy your lunch today in the restaurants at the entrance of the tourist area or prepare some food with you!)

After breakfast, you will be escorted from Anshun to Kaili (about 264 km, 3.5-4 hours’ driving). Kaili is the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture where has many primitive and featured Miao villages.

In this afternoon, drive about 19 km (about 0.5 hour) to Matang Gejia Village, a primitive Miao village with over 400 Gejia people who are called the 57^th ethnic group in China unofficially. According to the legend, Gejia people are the direct descendants of Hou Yi, a legendary hero who was said to shoot the nine scorching suns in order to save his people. Matang Village is famous for exotic attires, colorful festivals and countryside feelings. The women and girls here are specialized in batik that you can fully appreciate the uniqueness of the Gejia batik patterns and embroidery as well as the excellent craftsmanship of the villagers. If you are interested, you can learn how to make batik with wax from a local master and create your own batik work (optional experience).

Then, be driven about 1 hour to Qingman Miao Village around Kaili City. This Miao village of over 600 years history since Ming period is praised as the “Hometown of Miao Ethnic Embroidery” for their high skills. Therefore, walk into the quiet village built against the mountain to admire local women wearing delicate colorful short skirts with the fancy artistic embroidery patterns and their traditional hairstyle like a upturned “S” shape, which is quite like that of women in Tang Dynasty in ancient China! Let the tranquil countryside hidden in the mountains keep your leisure relaxation!

After the tour, be taken to Kaili City for accommodation.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Today, you’ll be transferred about 28 km for a visit to Langde Upper Miao Village which is reputed as “the Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art”. It is with less crowds, peaceful natural atmosphere, friendly villagers and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival at the village, you will be warmly treated with a traditional welcome ceremony by the beautiful ladies and girls dressed in traditional Miao costumes (long skirt). They will set twelve tables with “block-the-way” wine and you can taste the wine to feel their hospitality. Once the toasts are completed, you will continue to experience the singing and dancing performance at the Lusheng Ground. The men will play Lusheng and the ladies will dance. If you like, you can participate in the dance to enjoy more fun.

Next, you’ll move to Wudong Miao Village which is 30 km away from Langde (0.5-1 hour’s driving). Wudong Village is at 1300 meters above sea level nestled on the hillside of the Leigong Mountain, among terraced fields, vegetables gardens and lush forests. The whole village is made out of the traditional Miao type of dwelling - Diaojiaolou which usually have 3 floors - the first is for livestock, the second is where people live, and the third floor is used for storage. You can take a look at the oldest water mill/wheel in all of Leishan County. The most interesting part is to go fishing with Miao group’s bamboo baskets in the local rice paddy fields and get to know their farming system and daily life better. After that, the local hostess will show you how to cook Miao famous cuisine - Fish in Sour Soup. Enjoy the lunch at the local house.

After the fantastic experience in Wudong, drive about 20 km (about 0.5hr) to Xinqiao Miao Village in Datang Town. It is known for “the First Village with Short Skirt Miao” and the hundred-year-old Water Granary. Walking into the village, you can see the local women wearing a kind of pleated skirt about 5-8 inches, with colorful ribbons decorated at the waist. If you are lucky, you can enjoy they perform Jinji dance in traditional costumes. Don’t forget to have a look at the 47 granaries on water made of wooden which are used for protecting against fire and mouse while duck and goose are raised in the ponds.

After the tour, be escorted back to Kaili City.

In this morning, you will be escorted to Kaili South Railway Station for a high speed train to Chongqing (about 3 hours). Upon arrival at Chongqing West Railway Station, the local guide and driver will pick you up at the arrival hall of the train station and then escort you to Chongqing downtown area for today’s sightseeing.

In this afternoon, you’ll have the chance to fully experience the uniqueness of the Mountain City and culture of Yangtze River. First, be escorted to Three Gorges Museum at the city downtown. The vast collection of more than 280 thousand pieces of precious historical relics will let you have an amazing understanding of the great Yangtze River and formation of the magnificent Three Gorges, and also tell you the gradual thriving of Chongqing from 3,000 years ago, to its war defense in 20s century, and developmental path to be one of the 4 prosperous municipalities in China. Stepping out from the museum, have a nice look at the People’s Assembly Hall that is popular with fancy classical exterior design and was listed into the History of Architecture compiled in London in 1987.

Then, go to visit Hongya Cave, the must-see highlight to appreciate the layers of featured Ba and Shu regional wooden tilted houses overlapped leaning the mountain up to 11 storeys, which looks quite glittery lit by the orange lights from nightfall. And continue to get up to the 11 level with vehicles and roads alongside to catch the sparkling nightscape of Jialing River and the nearby buildings with beautiful neon.

After the tour, be escorted to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze cruise ship between 18:00-20:00. Your memorable Yangtze River cruise will sail around 21:00! (Note: 1. There’re 13 sub-piers of Chaotianmen Dock and different ships will dock at different piers. Please check the info with your travel consultant and know where to board your ship at least one day beforehand. 2. The boarding time and departure piers change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Your travel consultants will ensure you have the actual departure time and boarding pier before your boarding. 3. You can have dinner or buy some snacks at Chaotianmen Square before embarkation.)

In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops. 

Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows. 

Next follow a local guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. A gem of Chinese architecture, this 12-story, 18th century red wooden temple on the northern bank of Yangtze River is an architectural delight full of legends and beautiful stories. (Note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be lots of stairs to climb up!)

Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. Called the “City of Ghosts”, it is endowed with mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Entering this ghost city, you will find many statues of demons and vivid scenes of their perfidious activities. (Note: Once again, the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes are again highly recommended!)

Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively. 

In Wu Gorge, you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.

In the evening, you will enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates to cherish the last night onboard.

Optional Excursion: Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate.

After breakfast, your ship will dock at Maoping Dock. Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery. After this excursion, you’ll take the shuttle bus arranged by the ship sending you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30. The local guide and driver will meet you at the terminal and escort you to the airport or train station to catch your flight or train to next destination. Service ends!

Procedures for Leaving: enjoy breakfast onboard - pack your luggage - disembark at Maoping Dock - transfer to Three Gorges Dam (leave your luggage on the coach) - Dam visiting - take the same coach at the dam and shuttle to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal - take our private car service.

Departure Ideas: You can take flights from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai, Xian, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hangzhou, etc. Or you can take high speed trains from Yichang East Railway Station to Wuhan (about 2hrs), Shanghai (about 8hrs), Beijing (about 7.5hrs), Hangzhou (about 7.5hrs), Chengdu (about 7hrs), Guangzhou (about 7hrs) and more cities.