5 Days Guizhou Miao & Dong Minority Essence Tour
Fully Exploration about Miao & Dong Unique Cultures in Southeast Guizhou
Fully Exploration about Miao & Dong Unique Cultures in Southeast Guizhou
This 5 days tour offers the best way to explore the authentic Miao and Dong villages and their unique cultures in Southeast Guizhou. Southeast Guizhou is the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture where 81.3 of the population belong to ethnic minorities, and 43.2% are Miao ethnic group and 30.4% are Dong ethnic group.
This Miao and Dong ethnic minority tour starts from Kaili, the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture and ends in Congjiang, the mixing county with Miao and Dong bordering with Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The whole visiting covers 5 best Miao villages (like Langde Upper Village, Biasha Miao Village) and 5 best Dong villages (Zhaoxing Dong Village, Huanggang Dong Village) along the route. These ethnic villages are primitive nestled in the mountains and by the rivers that they are never let the fast development of the country break their rhythm. You can have a loot at the hospital locals to make batik with wax, use traditional way to make paper, and watch the last gunslingers to fire the guns at sky to welcome guests... Besides, different styles of Miao and Dong architectures and costumes are very attractive, needless to say the interesting singing and dancing are performed in the deep mountains... No modern technologies can be compared with the most beautiful Grand Songs and impressive Diaojiaolou... Now, it is time to slow down your steps to experience different lifestyle and cultures in Guizhou Province. This 5 days Guizhou ethnic tour gives you all about MINORITY and COUNTRYSIDE. Come!
Day 1 Kaili Arrival
Pick up in Kaili
Welcome to Kaili, the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. Upon arrival, our local tour guide will meet you with a sign on which says your names at the arrival hall in the airport or train station. Then, our guide and driver will transfer you to Kaili downtown area by our comfortable private car (non-smoking), and the guide will help you check in to your hotel. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ethnic city.
Arrival Ideas: High speed trains are well connected Kaili with Guiyang (0.5-1hr), Anshun (1-1.5hrs), Tongren (1hr), Kunming (3-3.5hrs), Chengdu (4-4.5hrs), Chongqing (2.5-3hrs), Changsha (2.5-3hrs), Guangzhou (5.5-6hrs), Shanghai, Wuhan, Beijing and more cities. If by air, travelers can take flights from Xian, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guiyang, Jinan to Kaili Huangping Airport. (Note: For travelers who take flights or trains arriving in Guiyang, we can arrange private car with pick-up service to escort you from Guiyang to Kaili.)
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Day 2 Kaili (B, L)
Langde Upper Miao Village - Wudong Miao Village - Matang Gejia Village
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 (go fishing needs extra payment and is usually available in summer during July ~ September). 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.
Later, you’ll be transferred to Matang Gejia Village, a primitive Miao village with over 400 Gejia people who are called the 57th 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 with extra payment).
After the tour, be escorted back to Kaili City.
Upper Langde Miao Village Performance
Upper Langde Miao Village
Interesting Fishing Experience in the Local Rice Paddy Fields at Wudong Miao Village
Day 3 Kaili - Rongjiang (B, L)
Shiqiao Miao Village - Dali Dong Village
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel. The first stop today is Shiqiao Miao Village which is about 32 km southwest of Kaili city. Shiqiao Village is famous for the national intangible cultural heritage of traditional paper making with trees’ bark by Miao ethnic group. Traditionally, paper was first invented during the Eastern Han Dynasty around the year of 100 BC from hemp, tree barks and old rags, etc. While the paper making technology in Shiqiao can be dated back to 1,300 years and the skill is called Tang Dynasty paper making. Catch the great opportunity to see the traditional ways of making papers. If interested, you can learn paper making in the Chuan Cave (extra payment), from which the underground river water in quite clean and good for the paper quality.
After the tour, be driven about 2.5 hours (149 km) to Dali Dong Village in Rongjiang County. Dali Village is a quiet village with 400 ancient phoebes and over 40 are with a history over 500 years. Once you enter into the village through Wind and Rain Bridges, you’ll step on the ancient stone-paved path built in the reign of Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). All the buildings are built from wood and the most common of which are built as quadrangle dwellings. Don’t miss Yang Family Quadrangle Courtyard with over 200 years with 93 generations living here. Come to the center of the village to see the drum tower. And if you are lucky, enjoy the performances held at the square. If time permits, you can do a little hiking to the beautiful Sandie Waterfall about 2 kilometers away.
After the tour, be escorted to Rongjiang County for accommodation.
Dali Dong Village
Day 4 Rongjiang - Congjiang - Zhaoxing (B, L)
Biasha Miao Village - Zhanli Dong Village - Huanggang Village - Zhaoxing Dong Village
After breakfast, you’ll start an exciting exploration for a visit to Biasha Miao Village with 84 kilometers’ drive from Rongjiang to Congjiang. Biasha Miao Village is called as “the Last Gunslinger Village in China”. This is the only place in China where residents are still legally allowed to own and carry guns. The Biasha people are said to be the descendants of Chi You, a mythological warrior in ancient China, and have traditions dating back 2000 years. Men of Biasha dress as ancient warriors with black waistcoats and straight black trousers as well as swords, hunting dogs, and firelocks. Women of Biasha wear black pair shirts and pleated skirts, which are simple but embroidered with bright colors. Once getting into the village, you will witness the welcome ceremony - Biasha men line up and fire 3 shots to welcome guests! Later, enjoy the folk performance to learn more about Biasha culture, including customs of farming, hunting, ancestor-worshiping, gaming and marriage. You can even watch an amazing haircut ritual - a live shave with a sickle. If you have more time, you can take a walk around this beautiful village.
In this afternoon, drive to Zhanli Dong Village to listen to the mysterious legend with “one boy and one girl” tradition. Ancestors of Zhanli made a rule during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to achieve balance between the population and the amount of cultivated land. According to the legend, there is a herbalist in the village who uses the mythical herbs to control the population. Before couples try to have a second child, they come to the herbalist. She will take water out of one of two wells - a “boy well” and a “girl well” - and brews a soup with a local herb with it. By drinking the mixture, the couple can allegedly decide the sex of their next baby. This happens real in the village, and most of families in Zhanli have two children, with 98% having one girl and one boy. Take a simple walk along the brook and view the boy well and girl well here.
Next, head to Huanggang Dong Village, a village considered as one of the most beautiful and traditional Dong villages in Guizhou. Huanggang, hidden in the mountains, built in ancient Song Dynasty (960-1297), has preserved the most authentic Dong culture. The villagers have had simple and unsophisticated ethnic life for hundreds of years. You can explore their local life and enjoy the unique architecture in the village. There are five drum towers standing in different directions and you can see the elders chatting in the tower or weaving their cloth. Festivals are special here - “Goddess of Thunder Worship Festival” and “Tai Guanren Festival”. If time is right, you can witness such a unique scene. (Note: For the exact time of the festivals, you can contact our travel consultants for more info.)
After the tour, be transferred to Zhaoxing Dong Village for accommodation.
Haircut Ritual at Biasha Miao Village - a Live Shave with a Sickle
Zhanli Dong Village
Day 5 Zhaoxing - Congjiang Departure (B)
Zhaoxing Dong Village - Tangan Dong Village - Train off Congjiang
After breakfast, you’ll explore the largest Dong village in Guizhou - Zhaoxing Dong Village. Zhaoxing Village has been selected as “one of the six most beautiful countryside in China” and together with its drum towers were listed into the Guinness World Records in 2001. It is divided into 5 natural small villages, living in five different areas - which are called “Tuan” locally. Besides, there are five drum towers, five Wind and Rain Bridges and five stages setting in the village. Start your exploration from the village gate and get atop of the viewing platform to enjoy the panorama, where you can also clearly appreciate the five drum towers standing beautifully in the village. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum to have a better understanding about Dong people and its culture in all aspects. Follow the route to visit Xin Tuan (means faith) with the highest drum tower at 25.9 meters, Zhi Tuan (means wisdom), Yi Tuan (means righteousness), Li Tuan (means Rritual) with the first drum tower in Zhaoxing built in 17th century and Ren Tuan (means benevolence). You won’t miss the great welcome ceremony (10-20 minutes) in this morning and watch the famous Grand Song of Dong People and other interesting programs.
After that, you can choose to hike from Zhaoxing Dong Village to Tang’an Dong Village which needs about 2 hours or you can take the sightseeing bus there. If by hiking, you’ll pass by the intoxicating rice paddies and primitive Dong villages. In spring, the rice terraces are filled with water; in summer, green seedling grows well at the terraces; in autumn, the rice terraces are decorated with golden rice. Tang’an Dong Village is perched on hillside terraces and it is called the “living museum of Dong minority” with authentic feelings and beautiful landscape around. Visit the Eco Museum and enjoy more peaceful time in the village.
After the tour, get back to Zhaoxing and your guide and driver will escort you to Congjiang Railway Station to catch your train to next destination.
Departure Ideas: High speed trains are well connected Congjiang with Guiyang (1.5-2hrs), Guilin (about 1hr), Yangshuo (1-1.5hrs), Guangzhou (3.5-4 hours), Chengdu (about 5hrs), Chongqing (3.5-4hrs) and more destinations.
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Tang'an Dong Village
Zhangjiajie is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will travel through the countless cloud-kissing mountains, clear streams and leafy trees, you may easily blend with nature around, thus enhancing your love unconsciously.
This 3-day Zhangjiajie adventure begins at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and ends at Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. You'll discover pillar-like Mountains, sunrise, lake, waterfalls, uncovering culture, tradition, religion and local folk customs park along the way.
Guilin, the darling of tourists!
Guilin is famous for having the best landscape under Heaven which can be seen in three most popular places - Guilin, Yangshuo and Longsheng. Only 3 days are needed to get them all in a single trip. You will visit the essential sites in the city, enjoy a relaxing cruise along Li River, and have a pleasant time of countryside exploration in Yangshuo Town. Another highlight is the unique trip to Longji Terrace which is an ideal place for experiencing ethnic culture, hiking and photography.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons.
2. This price is subject to change according your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.
3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2024.
4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1=USD 1=RMB 6.85. The final quote is based on current exchange rate. It may change according to the currency fluctuation, while the RMB quotation will be remained the same.
Hi Wonder,
The arrengements were very good and I'll willing to recommend your service. The perfect Guide.
Eliane
Hello Mr. Wonder Wang,
We have arrived safely to Kuwait and are now cherishing our memories of China. We had a very positive impression of the country and its people in terms of organization, cleanliness, friendliness, beauty and convenience. We would definitely recommend your company to our family and friends. We were well cared for by your guides, which made us feel safe and comfortable the whole time. Regarding your specific questions, we have these remarks:
1. Most definitely Mr. Wonder Wang was quick to answer our many questions. He offered valuable advice and was patient through multiple emails between our first point of contact a month before departure, during the tour of China, and until we returned home.
2. The service of the guides was generally very good. They gave us insight into the history and culture of China, and explained the significance of sites along the way. We also felt safe with the designated drivers. At the end of each guide's service, (s)he asked us to fill a questionnaire, and we can see why this is important. Generally our comments were very positive, but we did not have time to adequately assess one guide who was not at the usual standard for this company. His English name is Waldener. We felt he slacked in sharing beneficial knowledge of his city, instead joking around and showing off his knowledge of American history and culture. He was too familiar for our taste and his comments were often immodest. We feel he might benefit from more cultural sensitivity training. The remaining tour guides were very engaging, knowledgeable, dignified and helpful. Jack (in Beijing), in particular, was exemplary in friendliness and helpfulness.
We also have a couple other minor comments. The cruise ship had very little and usually no Internet connection, which was frustrating. On the other hand, the cruise manager kindly asked us about any dietary restrictions and made sure we had food that met our requirements. Likewise, two of the tour guides understood that we only eat halal meat and took us to a halal restaurant for lunch -- this unexpected consideration was highly appreciated. (This is a very important service for most of your future Middle-Eastern guests!!)
Thank you, Mr. Wonder Wang, for your professional communication and friendly assistance throughout this experience,
Sincerely,
Yaser
Dear Rita,
Thanks for asking. Wutaishan is very crowded but it is fine and quite interesting indeed. We enjoy our time very much
Cheers
Amanda
Good Morning Tracy,
Now we are back in the UK, back to work and nearly back to normal.
What a time we had in China. I would like to thank you and your amazing team for a wonderful time and experience. The team looked after us so well. Our holiday even though it was a hundred miles an hour was exciting, informative and we really enjoyed it. We experienced lots of new tastes, culture and knowledge.
I would like to say a massive thank you to Fang Fang, who looked after us at the beginning. Her knowledge, detailing & looking after us was exceptional. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Please say a massive thank you for the way she looked after us.
I would highly recommend yourselves as a travel company for any one thinking of venturing to your amazing country and last but not least a hugh thank you to you Tracy for your help all along the way in making our adventure truly rememberable and amazing. Thank you Tracy.
Lots of regards and love
Angela
Dear Rita,
非常满意。船上来了个香港厨神，饮食方面好。客房很舒适。免费Wifi.
美芳
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Matang Gejia Village
Upper Langde Miao Village Performance
Upper Langde Miao Village
Interesting Fishing Experience in the Local Rice Paddy Fields at Wudong Miao Village
Shiqiao Miao Village
Dali Dong Village
Huanggang Dong Village
Haircut Ritual at Biasha Miao Village - a Live Shave with a Sickle
Zhanli Dong Village
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Tang'an Dong Village
Guiyang / Anshun / Kaili / Rongjiang / Zhaoxing / Congjiang
Guiyang / Anshun / Kaili / Fanjingshan
Congjiang / Zhaoxing / Jiabang / Rongjiang / Kaili / Zhenyuan / Kaili / Guiyang
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“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”
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