Guizhou Minority Village Hiking Tour

Upon your arrival at the airport or railway station of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, be greeted and assisted by your local guide to the hotel. Located in the southwest of China, Guizhou province is reputed for its colorful culture represented by various ethnic groups. In the next 9 days, you will visit several ethnic villages to explore the unique culture and customs of different minorities in China.

After a short break in your hotel, if time permit, drive to the Qingyan Ancient Town in the southern countryside of Guiyang city. Enjoying a history of over 600 hundred years, this town was first built for transferring military messages and housing a standing army. Thus all the buildings were constructed completely of stone. Have a leisurely afternoon by roaming this historical and cultural town. See lots of relics are well preserved as an original architectural style. Afterwards, drive back to your hotel for retire.

Leave for Kaili and continue driving to Maliao village, the starting point of your trekking route today. Upon arrival, spend 3.5 hours hiking from Maliao to Kaijue village. You will hike through the majestic Leigongshan Mountain. Make sure your camera is ready as your every stop is filled with scenery.
After arriving Kaijue, continue driving to Xijiang, the biggest Miao Village with over 1,000 families for a visit. As you explore the ethnic culture of Miao minority in this village, do not forget to immerse yourself into the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding overlapping mountains, with terraced fields rising along the slopes to the clouds and the Baishui (White Water) River flowing through. This evening you will stay in a hotel of Xijiang.
 

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to visit Langde Miao village which includes 2 parts – Langde lower village (Xiazhai) and Langde upper village (Shangzhai), where you can enjoy the picturesque natural views and the lifestyle of the ethnic Miao minority people by joining their local dancing and singing. Then hike from Langde Miao village to Jiaomeng village by passing through several villages along the mountain road, enjoy the beautiful and pure countryside scenery. After arriving Jiaomeng, drive back to Kaili. Overnight at Kaili.

Drive to Rongjiang, the first stop is Shiqiao village, you can learn traditional paper making from bark, head to Rongjiang, on the way stop at Gaoyao rice terrace and enjoy the amazing view. After arrival in Rongjiang, you will visit Dali Dong village. 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 Basha 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.

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.

Upon arrival in Zhaoxing Dong Village, 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.  Stay overnight at Zhaoxing. 

After breakfast, drive to visit Tang’an Dong Village, a picturesque settlement perched on a mountainside and encircled by rice fields, green trees, and rolling hills. Known as the “Most Beautiful Village of the Dong People,” Tang’an is not only a visual delight but also a cultural treasure. Jointly recognized by China and Norway as an ecological museum, it is the only Dong minority eco-museum in the world, offering a glimpse into the Dong people’s unique lifestyle, traditional wooden architecture, and sustainable agricultural practices. A walk through the village reveals well-preserved drum towers, Wind-Rain Bridges, and terraced fields, embodying the harmony between the Dong community and nature.

In the afternoon, transfer to Congjiang Train Station, where you can board a train to your next destination, such as Guilin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Guiyang.

Note: The terraced landscape surrounding Tang’an varies greatly depending on the season, influenced by irrigation, harvests, and weather, ensuring a unique and beautiful experience every month.