16 days Classic China & Guizhou Minority Tour

Beijing, the capital of China, is the first destination of your 16 days south China minority tour. Upon arrival at the Beijing Capital Airport, be met and assisted to your hotel by your Beijing tour guide. Have the rest of the day to walk around this city on your own. Our guide will be glad to offer professional suggestions on where to go. 

Start today with a visit to Tiananmen Square, which is the largest public square in the world. After a short stroll around the world's largest public square, you will head to the north and walk across the Golden Water Bridge to get to the Forbidden City, magnificent imperial Palaces of Ming and Qing dynasties for almost 500 years. Then climb up Jingshan Park to have a bird-view of Forbidden city.

After lunch, drive to visit Summer Palace, originally a royal garden and a temporary dwelling palace for emperors of Qing Dynasty. In the evening enjoy the Kongfu show after dinner. After, return to the hotel for retire.

Morning head to the Temple of Heaven, a place where the Emperors prayed for peace and harvest. After that, continue to make an excursion to the most beautiful section of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu Great Wall in the suburb of Beijing city. Upon arrival, spend 2 to 3 hours to hike along the walls. See the wall spreads over the majestic mountaintops and learn the history of this great ancient project from your local guide. Late afternoon, drive back to your hotel, rest is on your own.

After breakfast, drive to Shichahai Area, which is the old part of Beijing, First, you will have one hour tour of a 300-year-old courtyard. With the help of your guide, the housekeeper of the yard will give you a detailed explanation of the old courtyard (Siheyuan) - its history, its layout, its Fengshui, and its traditional Chinese culture involved. Then have about 1.5 hours' rickshaw tour driving through the narrow alleys (Hutong) to experience the real-life of local Beijing residents. Two people share one rickshaw. Drop off at the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and walk along the 800-year-old Yandai Xiejie ( Tobacco Pipe Lean Street ) to the Drum Tower. Visit the big drum tower and have a great view of the surrounding hutongs and traditional courtyards.

After lunch, transfer to Beijing railway station for the high speed train to Xi'an (about 4.5 hours). Upon arrival at Xi'an, to be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Xi'an.

Today make an excursion to see the extraordinary 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors of China's first Emperor, Qin Shihuang, discovered in 1974 by farmers while digging a well. This archeological excavation site is a stunning exhibit of more than 7,000 ancient life-size terracotta statues of soldiers, officers, horses, chariots, and other artifacts.

After that, drive back to the downtown to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Later then, visit the Great Mosque and have some free time to explore for some souvenirs or antiques in the Bazaar near the Mosque. In the evening after the local specialty, Dumpling Banquet as dinner, enjoy the splendid Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. Then return to your hotel to retire.

Today you will start another half day tour to visit Xi'an, firstly drive to visit Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum), it is a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy, historical documents, and stone carvings, housing over 3,000 steles.

Next is a stop to the oldest and best preserved city walls in China, Xi'an City Wall. Time permitting you can choose to rent bicycles and ride around the whole thing. Or head straight to Shuyuan Men, this ancient street where you observe people's life as it was during the Tang dynasty. A great place to buy some local souvenirs for your family or friends.

After lunch, transfer to Xi'an airport for the flight to Guiyang. Upon arrival at Guiyang airport, to be met and assisted to your hotel.

This morning, drive for about 2.5 hours to Kaili, the capital of the Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Southeast Guizhou.

Upon arrival, you will visit Matang Village, home to the Gejia people, who are not officially listed among China's 55 ethnic groups. The Gejia are known for their adoration of bows and arrows, a tradition rooted in a legend of their ancestor, a hero who could shoot down the sun. In Matang, you’ll experience the art of traditional Gejia batik and even learn how this intricate craft is made.

Afterwards, continue your journey to Langde Miao Village, a community of Long Skirt Miao. This village is considered a living museum of Miao culture, with most of its wooden buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1616-1911). Stroll through this picturesque village and immerse yourself in its vibrant heritage.

Overnight at Kaili.

Begin your day at Shiqiao Village, famous for its traditional paper-making techniques using tree bark, a craft passed down for centuries. Next, visit Gaoyao Terrace, one of China’s top 10 most beautiful terraces, where layered fields create stunning photo opportunities and showcase the agricultural ingenuity of the locals.

In the late afternoon, arrive at Rongjiang County, whose name translates to "Banyan Tree and River". This picturesque town lies at the confluence of three rivers and is shaded by an abundance of banyan trees along the riverbanks. During your stay, visit Dali Dong Village, a community steeped in the traditions of the Dong ethnic group. Explore its unique wooden architecture, traditional music, and cultural practices, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the heritage of this region. Stay overnight at Rongjiang.

Drive from Rongjiang to Congjiang to visit Yintan Dong Village, known for its tranquil surroundings, traditional stilted houses, and warm hospitality. A visit to a local family offers insight into the daily life and customs of the Dong people.

Continue to Basha Miao Village, famous as the “Last Gunmen’s Tribe” of China. Discover the men’s distinct hair buns, traditional attire, and cultural practices, including their unique hair-cutting ceremony and hunting traditions.

In the afternoon, arrive at Zhaoxing, the largest Dong village in China. Explore its five drum towers, Wind-Rain Bridges, and vibrant culture, including the traditional Dong choruses. Settle into your hotel for the night.

Start your morning exploring Tang’an Dong Village, known as the first ecological museum of the Dong people. Perched on a hillside and surrounded by terraced fields, Tang’an offers stunning views and insights into Dong culture and sustainable practices.

Next, drive to Sanjiang, entering Guilin Province, where you’ll visit the iconic Chenyang Wind and Rain Bridge, a masterpiece of Dong architecture combining functionality and beauty. 

Continue the drive to Longsheng, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. The Terraced Fields, also known as the Longji Rice Terraces, are the highlight here, showcasing the ingenuity of local farmers who have shaped these landscapes over centuries. Stay overnight in Longji Ping'an town.

Start your day exploring the stunning Longsheng Rice Terraces, first built in the Yuan Dynasty and completed during the Qing Dynasty by the Zhuang people. These terraced fields wind along the slopes from the riverside to the mountaintop, with elevations ranging from 380 m (1,247 ft) to 885 m (2,904 ft). Be prepared for moderate climbing, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Visit the Yao People's Village in Longsheng, where you can experience their unique customs, traditional dress, and lifestyle.

In the afternoon, drive approximately 3 hours to Guilin, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Guilin.

In the morning, drive to Zhujiang Pier or Mopan Hill Pier and board a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, a journey of 3 to 4 hours. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of China's most iconic karst landscapes, with lush hills and tranquil waters. Lunch will be served on board as you soak in the scenery.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, disembark and be picked up to check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the lively street market and take a short bicycle trip through the picturesque countryside, passing through rice paddies and charming villages or enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience (fee is extra on your own) along the Yulong River. A visit to a local villager's home will provide a glimpse into their lifestyle and traditions, offering a unique cultural experience.

Spend your morning exploring the Yangshuo countryside. Choose between hiking along the lower reaches of the Yulong River, enjoying serene landscapes, or visiting the 800-year-old Fuli Old Town, known for its vibrant hand-painted fans and picturesque charm.

Next, drive to Xianggong Hill, where a short hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Li River and its surrounding karst peaks, a highlight of the region.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted to your hotel in Shanghai downtown.

Explore Shanghai's vibrant essence that starts at Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest building offering breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai's skyline, you will also visit Duo Yun Bookstore, on the 52nd floor. After that, move to the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and offers a glimpse into classical Chinese garden design. Follow this with a visit to the bustling Yuyan Bazaar, where you can see many shops for selling antiques and souvenirs. Then move onto Xintiandi in the French Concession, where old meets new. Then experience the historical elegance of the Bund along the Huangpu River, and your tour will ends at Nanjing Road, where offers a lively shopping experience. In the evening you might consider to enjoy a spectacular Chinese Acrobatics show (available only on weekends) or take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to enjoy the night view of the Bund (additional fee). Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Today is left free for you to explore Shanghai on your own. You may spend the day shopping or just walking around to get a better understanding of Shanghai.

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure flight to the next destination.

Please Note: Shanghai has two airports: Hongqiao Airport, 15 km. (9 mi.) west of the center of Shanghai and Pudong Airport, which is30 km. (19 mi.) southeast of Shanghai. Please make sure you go to the right one for departure.