A tour for the nature lover and those with a desire to know more of the heart of China’s rich cultural diversity. Start your tour in Guiyang, the launchpad for your adventure, then enjoy traveling to Kaili to discover the Qingman Miao Village. Immerse yourself in village life, gaining an appreciation for the unusual architecture, vibrantly colorful traditional costumes, and skilled craftsmanship which has endured through modern influences. More authentic local experiences await in other Miao villages in the region: Observe traditional paper making in Shiqiao; ethnic song and dance and the ornate costumes that go with it in Langde; unusual houses and buildings on stilts in Datang. Arrive in Zhenyuan Ancient Town where you’ll find the Qinglong Cave Ancient Architecture Group, a truly remarkable collection of Taoist, Confucian, Buddhist temples built over the mountain cliff. Travel to Libo for stunning natural landscapes and the chance to capture beautiful travel memories of the mountains, lakes, and karst rock formations that are synonymous with Seven Small Arches Scenic Park (Xiao Qi Kong). A leisurely driving tour over six days, you will appreciate your enthusiastic local guide’s knowledge of the region, airconditioned vehicle travel, four and five star hotel accommodation choices, daily breakfasts, and the chance to know real China. The perfect tour to take as a stand alone adventure or in conjunction with any other tour. Just ask us and we’ll take care of every detail!
Vehicle | Air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver |
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Guide Service & Language | Professional English-speaking guide |
Itinerary
On arrival in Guiyang, your English speaking guide will greet you at the airport/train station and escort you to the pre-booked hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.
Meals included: None
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Miao minority culture with a 2.5 hour drive to Kaili and the Qingman Miao Village. In a traditional welcoming ceremony, local Miao girls in their vibrantly colored traditional costumes will toast you with home-made rice wine at the entrance to the village. As you wander through the village, admire the wooden stilt houses of typical Miao ethnic architecture and learn interesting facts about their traditional life. Watch first-hand the skill of Miao women weaving, embroidering and sewing traditional Miao clothes in the same way they have for centuries. Appreciate the ancient textile process, delicate embroidery, ancient dyeing skill and other exquisite ethnic arts and crafts that are maintained by the people today, even in the face of contemporary development across China.
Before heading to Shiqiao there will be time for lunch, perhaps tasting the local cuisine.
The tour continues to Shiqiao Miao Village, renowned for its picturesque landscape, inviting customs and 1500 year old paper making technique. Watch skillful craftsmen as they turn tree bark into smooth white and colored paper and decorations, rarely seen elsewhere in this modern world.
At the end of today’s activities you will be transferred to your hotel in Kaili.
Meals included: Breakfast
In the morning, you will travel to Jidao, a long skirt Miao dress village set in a serene rural landscape. Wandering the ancient paths, enjoy the opportunity to make contact with the locals and learn a little of their laid back lifestyle on a visit to a village family. Marvel at the stilt buildings and water granaries dating back to the Qing dynasty that still play an essential role in local life. A short drive through rugged countryside will take you to Langde Miao Village, where more stilted wooden buildings are set in the idyllic scenery of lush paddy fields. Wander at leisure through the cobblestone streets to get a feel for the unhurried pace of life, friendly people, ancient architecture and unique ethnic customs. If lucky you may come across traditional singing and dancing performances or ancestor worship activities. Further on, after a one hour drive south, arrive at Paika Miao Village where you can observe craftsmen making Lusheng, a traditional bamboo musical instrument and symbol of the Miao and Dong people. finally arrive in Datang, a short skirt Miao Village, where local females dress traditionally in miniskirts, part of their distinctive ethnic costumes. Of particular interest amongst the traditional building architecture is the barn built almost four meters above water, as an ingenious way of protecting stores from fire, mice and insects. At the end of the day, you will be transferred to Zhenyuan and checked in to your hotel. Enjoy the peaceful ancient town’s night views along the Wuyang River.
Meals included: Breakfast
Commence your day with a leisurely stroll around Zhenyuan Ancient Town and enjoy the opportunity to learn about history that resides deep within the preserved old city walls and bridges along the town’s street. Continue your exploration with a visit the Qinglong Cave Ancient Architecture Complex, admire the unique combination of temples and pavilions built over the cliff of mountain, still a place of worship for followers of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. The day’s adventure continues with a drive of approximately 3.5 hours to Libo, where you’ll have the chance to appreciate the beautiful natural landscape that is synonymous with the region. On arrival in Libo, your guide will assist with check in and if needed, provide advice for dining options.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy the one hour drive to reach Seven Small Arches Scenic Park (Xiao Qi Kong). Here you will find both surprise and delight. Seven Small Arches Scenic Park is a narrow valley within the natural forest. Renowned for its beauty, it affords visitors breathtaking views of stunning green water lakes, magnificent waterfalls that drop from the karst landform cliff, and idyllic forests that are picture postcard perfect. From here, move on to the Large Seven-hole Bridge Park (Da Qi Kong) for further exploration onboard a ferry boat across the lake, an experience that provides an altogether different perspective of this stunning scenic area. Enjoy the return trip to your hotel and relax on the final evening of your tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Your guide will assist with check out from your hotel and then transfer you to Guiyang airport or train station for travel to your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need help planning your next destination? We can assist. With a network that spans the whole of China, we can take care of every detail and arrange your departure train or flight from anywhere. Simply ask our friendly travel consultants. (A surcharge will apply).
Accommodation
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Activities as specified in the itinerary
- Excellent professional English-speaking guide
- Ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with licensed driver as specified
- 4-Star or 5-Star hotel accommodation with breakfast, based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Travel agency liability insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International/domestic flights and trains to/from Guiyang
- China visa
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of personal nature
- Meals: Lunches and dinner are excluded giving you flexibility around meal choices. Your guide can make recommendations and order for you, if required.
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. No other travelers will join you. It’s always available for your schedule!
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown above are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival etc.).