Guizhou to Guilin Ethnic Villages Tour with Li River Cruise

As the entrance point of this ethnic tour, Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, is home to more than 30 minority ethnic groups including Miao, Buyi, Dong and Hui. Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station, be assisted by your local guide and then get settled into the downtown hotel for a short break.

After having lunch at the hotel, drive to the Qingyan ancient town located in the southern suburb of Guiyang city. As one of the most famous historical and cultural towns in Guizhou province, Qingyan was first built in 1378 as a station for transferring military messages and to house a standing army. It was constructed completely of stone, and lots of sites of relics are well preserved to present the original architectural style of this ancient town. Spend a couple of hours roaming here. In the late afternoon, drive back to your hotel to retire.

Today you will visit the largest waterfall in Asia, Huangguoshu Waterfall.
After breakfast, drive about 2.5 hours to Huangguoshu Waterfall National Park, where you will see the magnificent waterfall cluster, the mysterious Water-Curtain Cave, and the breathtaking Rhinoceros Pool. Resembling a Milky Way in miniature, Huangguoshu Waterfall is 74 m (243 ft) high and 81 m (266 ft) wide. During your visit, walk along a road near the waterfall that leads to the Water-Curtain Cave, where you can hear, watch, and touch the fall.

In the afternoon, head to the Tianxingqiao Scenic Spot, which is only 6 km (3.7 mi) from Huangguoshu Waterfall. This place consists of three main areas: Tianxing Cave, the “Potted Landscape” on Water, and the Stone Forest in Water. All the spectacular landscapes are created by nature. The water, rocks, forests, and caves compose a picturesque view for you during your stay.

Stay overnight at a hotel near Huangguoshu Waterfall.

Morning drive to visit Dragon Palace Cave, located about 30 kilometers from the world-famous Huangguoshu Waterfalls. Combining caves, canyons, waterfalls, peaks, cliffs, rivers, stone forests, funnels, underground rivers, and other karst geological landscapes, Dragon Palace Cave is a premier scenic spot that comprehensively showcases karst topography, earning it the praise “the world of karst, as Dragon Palace.”

Then continue driving back to Guiyang. On the way, visit Tianlong Tunbao Old Han Village, where people wear clothing in the style of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and speak the language used during that period. This is not a reenactment but real life—the only place in China that maintains the living customs of the Ming Dynasty. All the houses are made of stone, with complicated hidden tunnels and exits built into them. Overnight in Guiyang.

This morning, drive for about 3 hours to Kaili, the capital of the Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Southeast Guizhou.

Upon arrival, you will visit Shiqiao Miao Village, renowned for its ancient paper making techniques. The traditional methods, which date back to the Tang Dynasty, are still practiced here, offering a
unique glimpse into this centuries-old craft.

Afterwards, continue your journey to 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.

Overnight at Kaili.

In the morning, enjoy a leisurely visit 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.

Afterward, head to Rongjiang, visit Dali Dong Village, it’s a quiet village with 400 ancient phoebes and over 40 with a history of over 500 years. Visit Yang Family Courtyard with over 200 years of 93 generations living here and see the drum tower with the performances if you are lucky.

Stay overnight at Rongjiang.

This morning, drive about 2 hours to the Jiabang Rice Terraces, a stunning blend of human ingenuity and natural beauty. Spanning over 25 kilometers with hundreds of layers carved into the hills, these terraces are among the finest in China. Depending on the season, you’ll witness mirror-like reflections in spring, lush green fields in summer, or golden hues in autumn. The terraces seamlessly integrate with the tranquil wooden Miao minority houses, forming a picture-perfect scene. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the terraces and nearby villages, taking in the breathtaking views, traditional wooden architecture, and the unique charm of local life. Overnight at Jiabang. 

After breakfast, drive to Dadai Miao village, a forgotten paradise, where the most authentic Miao traditions blend harmoniously with breathtaking landscapes.

In the afternoon, continue to Zhanli Dong Village, a serene and picturesque Dong settlement. The village is famous for its mysterious population control tradition, where each family has one girl and one boy. This is attributed to the use of the Huanhua medicinal herb and water from the “banyan wells” in the village to help Dong people propagate one girl and one boy in a family. You’ll see these two intriguing wells and hear fascinating stories about this unique cultural practice.

Stay overnight at Congjiang.

Morning drive to Cuili Yao Village, one of the best-preserved traditional Yao minority settlements. It offers an authentic glimpse into Yao culture, including traditional clothing, folk songs, dances, and handicrafts. With very little commercialization, Cuili Yao Village is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an immersive experience of ethnic minority culture and serene rural landscapes. You’ll also view Yao Herbal Bath, a national-level intangible cultural heritage. Local people collect hundreds of types of herbs from the mountains, boil them into a medicinal brew, and use it for bathing. You will also see the areas where these medicinal herbs are cultivated.

In the afternoon, continue to Basha Miao Village, a hidden gem and home to the legendary Basha Miao people, known as the “Last Gunmen’s Tribe in China.” The men wear their hair in a traditional bun, and boys undergo an adult ceremony at 16 years old. Adult men carry hunting guns, gunpowder bags, bullet pouches, and knives, reflecting their heritage as ancient warriors.

Upon arrival in Zhaoxing Dong Village, see the beautiful lights.

Stay overnight at Zhaoxing.

Morning explore the largest Dong village in China, home to over 1,000 Dong households and nearly 2,000 years of history. The village is divided into five natural sections, each with its own drum tower, Wind-Rain Bridge, and stage, showcasing the cultural richness and traditions of the Dong people.

Later drive to Sanjiang, bidding farewell to Guizhou. Visit the iconic Chenyang Wind and Rain Bridge, a stunning example of Dong architecture, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Then, continue the drive to Longsheng, home to the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the “Dragon’s Backbone.” These rice terraces, first constructed during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and expanded through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, stretch across the mountains, creating a breathtaking landscape of layered fields. The terraces change color with the seasons—mirror-like pools in spring, vibrant green in summer, golden hues in autumn, and frosty white in winter—offering a dynamic and stunning view year-round. Spend afternoon to hike at Longji rice terraces and visit the local minority villages. Stay at Longji.

Spend most of the day hiking around Ping’an Village to enjoy the stunning views of the Longji Rice Terraces and visit nearby local minority villages. There are several hiking trails available, ranging from 1 hour to 5 hours, depending on your physical condition and preferences. Simply let your guide know your interests, and they will recommend the best option for you.

In the afternoon, drive about 2 hours to Guilin, a beautiful city which is famous for the mountains and water. Check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is on your own.

Morning transfer to Guilin Zhujiang or Mopan Hill Wharf to board your Li River cruise, renowned for its breathtaking scenery of karst mountains and tranquil waters, often considered the best in China. The cruise journey takes around 4 hours, with lunch served on board.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can choose to explore the picturesque countryside by bicycle or enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience (fee is extra on your own) along the Yulong River. Admire the serene rural landscapes and get a glimpse of traditional Chinese rural life. During the tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local farmer’s family, offering an authentic glimpse into Chinese rural culture.

Stay overnight at Yangshuo.

Another morning in Yangshuo, we recommend a hike along the lower reaches of the Yulong River, offering serene countryside views and a peaceful atmosphere. If hiking isn’t your preference, we can arrange a visit to the 800-year-old Fuli Old Town, located just 8 km from Yangshuo. This charming ancient town is famous for its colorful fans and scroll paintings. Stroll through its streets, admire the local craftsmanship, and enjoy the picturesque Li River landscape.

In the afternoon, drive about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong Hill (Husband Mountain). A short 15-minute hike will take you to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Li River winding through the surrounding karst mountain peaks.

Afterward, transfer to Guilin Airport or train station for your departure. End your journey with WindhorseTour.