9 Days Minority Culture and Landscape Exploration by High Speed Train
Guangzhou - Guilin - Congjiang - Kaili - Guiyang
Guangzhou - Guilin - Congjiang - Kaili - Guiyang
This 9 days trip is particular, scenic, relaxing and interesting, widely praised as one of the most beautiful rail routes in China. It will take you to explore Guilin and Guizhou, the two hidden attractive lands of Karst landscape and ethnic cultures which are quite different from the classic destinations of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, which are quite famous for “the famous icons of China” - Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai Skyline, etc. You will start your trip from Guangzhou, one of the largest cities in China, then take a high speed train to Guilin to see the limestone Karst landscapes, and keep traveling to Zhaoxing, Congjiang, Rongjiang and Kaili of Guizhou which have the most beautiful villages of different ethnic groups in Guizhou.
Day 1 Guangzhou City Tour (L)
Today's highlights: Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Mausoleum of the Nanyue King, Six Banyan Temple, Shamian Island
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by private tour guide and vehicle to explore the historical sites in Guangzhou.
Chen Clan Ancestral Hall is the first site you will visit. This complex compound was built in 1890s by the celebrated Chen Families. It is famous for the exquisite carvings, statues, paintings and ornate scrollwork. Next, you are going to visit Mausoleum of the Nanyue King which was constructed 65 feet (20 meters) underground about 2,000 years ago. Rather than just a tomb of the King Zhao Mo, the site also preserves many colorful murals and more than 1,000 burial artifacts. The most famous one is the burial garment of the king which is made of more than 2, 000 pieces of jade connected by silk thread. It is the only one of its kind in the world.
After lunch, go to visit the Six Banyan Temple. It houses three highest and largest copper Buddha statues in Guangdong all of which stand 20 feet (6 meters) high. You will also stroll around the Flower Pagoda (184-foot high) to admire colorful exterior carvings and the decorative copper top piece which are said to be cast in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Final stop for today is Shamian Island, a quiet island with historical buildings where you will be reminded of the history of Guangzhou in the colonial European period (mid-19th century). The western prosperous expat traders built many Western-style mansions and churches there. Today it is a peaceful place to enjoy a leisure stroll and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Be transferred to your hotel after the tour.
Exquisite Decoration of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Day 2 Guangzhou & High Speed Train to Guilin
Today's highlights: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
Today, you will take a comfortable morning high speed train to Guilin, the darling of tourists. The train journey will take about 3 hours. Enjoy the pleasant scenery along the journey. Once you arrive at Guilin Train Station, you will be met by your local tour guide, and be transferred to your hotel in Guilin City. Take some rest.
In the afternoon, you will have a leisure Guilin city tour - firstly make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape Elephant Trunk Hill. A giant rock hill vividly shapes like an elephant which is drinking water. Besides, there are many historical sites here for you to explore, such as stone carving, Buddhist temple, relic exhibition, etc. Then, drive about 7 kilometers (about 20 minutes) to next attraction - Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with sparkling different colors. The magical Mother Nature condenses millions years of natural efforts to form the incredible stalactite, stalagmite, stone shield and stone waterfall of different sizes and shapes.
The rest time is free on your own to have fun in Guilin - strolling, hunting food...
Day 3 Guilin - Yangshuo (B, L)
Today's highlights: Li River Cruise, Yangshuo
As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views.
After about 4 hours’ cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check in your hotel. Take a short break, immerse yourself into the stunning countryside views and relaxed atmosphere. Be enthralled by the patches of paddy fields nestling under green hills and near the mirror-like river, with farmers cultivating the soil with their water buffalos.
This evening is for you to walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.
Optional activity: experience the splendid evening performance Impression Liu Sanjie (17:45~20:45 or 21:20~22:20) with Li River itself as the stage, directed by famous director – Zhang Yimou.
Day 4 Yangshuo - Longsheng ( B, L )
Today's highlights: Longji Rice Terrace hiking
In this morning, you’ll be driven about 150km (about 2~3 hours) to witness one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China - Longji Rice Terrace, an amazing feat of farm engineering rising up to 1000m high in Longsheng County. There are several featured Zhuang and Yao minority villages along the road and you’ll take a visit to the special Huangluo Yao Village, the First Village of Long Hair in the World, where you can see women in red ethnic clothes with very long hairs (the longest can reach up to 1.7 meters).
Later, continue your drive to a beautiful 600-year-old Zhuang Village - Ping’an and check in your hotel located near the rice terraces. After some rest, start to explore the breathtaking views. The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Ping’an, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages. Hike half day around, then back to Ping’an for dinner and accommodation.
Good to Know:
1. Best time to visit: Longji Rice Terrace can be visited all year round. Go mid-April to late June for mirror-like irrigated terrace and rice transplanting scene; go July to mid-September for green terraces; go late September to early-November for golden and harvest scene; or go late December to early February for silvery terraces.
2. Walking: When arriving at Ping’an Village, you can only be dropped at Ping’an Village Tourist Center parking lot that you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!
3. Luggage carrying: For the aged or travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own).
Day 5 Hiking & Drive back to Guilin (B, L)
Today's highlights: Longji Rice Terrace sunrise and hiking
When walking up in the fresh air of peaceful morning, you may forget where you are. You can go to watch the magnificent sunrise over the beautiful rice terraces at a great location. Then get back to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy an in-depth hiking tour led by your guide from Ping’an to Zhongliu and Dazhai (located in Jinkeng Yao Rice Terraces). The walk from Ping’an to Zhongliu takes about 2 hours, as well as another 2 hours from Zhongliu to Dazhai. You’ll indulge in the most invigorating walk offering the most spine-tingling views - sparkling layers of waterlogged terraced fields tenaciously climbing the hillsides, bubbling stream, local farmers working in the fields and primitive minority villages…It is surely worth your time and effort!
Jinkeng RiceTerraces, is composed of five small villages of Red Yao People, with Dazhai Village on the mountain foot, Zhuangjie Village on the mountain side and Tiantou Village on the mountain top. The shape of Jinkeng Terraces is like a natural formed pit. With less commercial element but majestic scenery is the reason why Jinkeng Terraces is the most popular sites for hikers and photographers. Most of the gorgeous photos of Longsheng Rice Terraces published are shot from here. The spot has three viewpoints which form a triangle.
After the tour, transfer to Guilin for accommodation.
Useful Tips:
1. Most of the roads in the scenic spot are stone trails, so high-heeled shoes are not advisable. Following the stone trails to prevent getting lost the way.
2. Jinkeng Rice Terrace has three main sites - West Hill Music, Thousand-layer Terraces and Golden Buddha Peak and if you want to explore deeply, you can use cableway up to Golden Buddha Peak for the magnificent and panoramic view of the terrace. Please discuss with your guide based on the real situation.
Day 6 High Speed Train to Congjiang - Zhaoxing (B, L)
Today's highlights: Zhaoxing Dong Village, Zhaoxing Dong Village
In the morning, take an early morning high speed train to Congjiang (50～60mins). After arrival at Congjiang Railway Station, you will be welcomed by local tour guide and driver, then start today's amazing tour to two outstanding old villages of Dong people - Zhaoxing Dong Village and Tang'an Dong Village. There are only about 9 kilometers from each other but has different features. Dong people are very good at creating architectures. Their Drum Towers and Wind & Rain Bridge are very stylish and beautiful. At the same times, they are happy, friendly and thankful, and always welcome their guests by dancing and singing.
Zhaoxing Dong Village is the biggest and oldest Dong village. It is located in Liping county in southeastern Guizhou. The China National Geography listed it as one of the China’s Six Most Beautiful Villages and Towns in 2005. The village has five spectacular Drum Towers to host special events and ceremonies and five Wind & Rain Bridges to cross rivers. You will also enjoy a performance of the Grand Song, a unique polyphonic folk music tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for over 2,500 years.
Tang'an Dong Village is known as the most primitive Dong village in China. It is located on a mountainside and surrounded by paddy fields and lush green plantations. It’s smaller than Zhaoxing Dong Village, but has most of the things that Zhaoxing has, except the Grand Song, and seems wilder. It’s biggest highlight is the stunning layers of rice terraces.
If your energy allows, you can also have a wonderful 2 hours scenic hiking from Zhaoxing Dong Village to Tang’an Dong Village instead of driving.After the visit, drive to check in your hotel in Zhaoxing Town.
Day 7 Zhaoxing - Rongjiang (B, L)
Today's highlights: Basha Miao Village, Zhanli Dong Village
Today, you will travel from Zhaoxing to Rongjiang. Instead of driving directly to Rongjiang on the highway, you will travel another route which has two amazing villages to see – Basha Miao Village and Zhanli Dong Village. Compared with Dong people, Miao People has larger population. The two biggest things about their culture is dancing & singing, and different kinds of costumes.
Basha Miao Village is like a hidden kingdom occupied by the legendary Basha Miao people. It is famous as the Last Gunmen’s Tribe in China. Untouched by modernations, the villagers still live in the wooden houses. Diaojiaolou is the most famous buildings there which are built on wooden stakes and covered with barks. The most interesting thing in the village is that the Basha boys can’t cut their hairs until they are 18 years old when they will hold an adult ceremony – shaving hairs with a sickle. As guests, you will be welcomed by dancing & singing performance and rice wine.
Zhanli Dong Village is a primitive and mysterious village located in deep mountains and dense forests. Apart from it’s beautiful landscapes and architectures, this village also attract tourists to explore their “population culture”. There is a strict rule lasting for centuries the village that each family is only allowed to give birth to two children to maintain a balance between the population and limited land resources. During the 60 years from 1952, the population has increased only 10 people. Another unique custom in the village is that the teenagers usually have group weddings held every year because according to the tradition in the village, only 16th of the 2nd lunar month or the 26th of the twelfth lunar month are suitable for having weddings.
Accommodate in Rongjiang County.
Day 8 Rongjiang - Kaili (B, L)
Today's highlights: Gaoyao Rice Terrace, Shiqiao Miao Village and Upper Langde Miao Village
Today you will travel from Rongxian to Kaili, the cultural center of Guizhou’s Qiandongnan ethnic region. It is a scenic drive around 180km/3 hours with a leisure pace. En route, stop at the Viewing Plaform to enjoy the panoramic landscape of Gaoyao Rice Terrace where over a thousand acres of terraced fields sitting atop a majestic mountain, cascading layer upon layer, stretching all the way from the mountain peak to its base while a beautiful Miao village resting quietly on the terraces. You will then go to Shiqiao Village which is famous for the national intangible cultural heritage of traditional paper making with trees’ bark by Miao ethnic group. Catch the rare opportunity to see the traditional processes of making papers in the Chuandong, a natural cave where the underground river water flows quietly. Recommended optional activity: learn to make Flower Paper in the craftshop of a local family.
The final attraction for today is Langde Upper Miao Village, renowned as "the Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art," located approximately 28 kilometers away from Kaili. This charming village offers a refreshing escape from bustling crowds, embracing a tranquil natural ambiance while welcoming visitors with open arms and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Upon reaching the village, you will be greeted with genuine warmth through a traditional welcome ceremony with the lovely ladies and girls, elegantly adorned in traditional Miao costumes offering "block-the-way" wine. Allow the flavors of the wine to delight your senses while immersing yourself in the genuine hospitality of the villagers. Following the convivial toasts, immerse yourself further in the vibrant atmosphere as you witness an enthralling singing and dancing performance at the Lusheng Ground. Here, the talented men of the village will skillfully play the Lusheng, a traditional musical instrument, while the graceful ladies showcase their artistry through mesmerizing dances. Should you wish, feel free to join in the dance. To enrich your experience, you can take part in the village’s Cultural Program which usually includes catching fish in the field, picking fresh vegetable in the farm and learning to make embroidery. If you want to experience this Cultural Program, please tell your travel consultant in advance to make appointment.
Accommodate in Kaili city which is about 28km from Langde Upper Miao Village.
Day 9 Kaili - Guiyang Departure (B)
Free day
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Guiyang by a comfortable private car which takes 2.5 hours on the way. After arrival at Guiyang, you are free to leave Guiyang for next destination, or have a good rest, then keep exploring other destinations in Guizhou.
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, 2025.
4. Reference exchange rate of 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 Mr Wang,
Thanks! I had a weekend away to Xi’an, China to celebrate my birthday. It was an exciting weekend and it was certainly something off the beaten trail for most of my friends. The itinerary you have suggested provided good coverage of the city’s rich history. From the fascinating Terracotta Army to the City Walls to the sacred Mount Hua, to the Muslim Quarter to the Drum & Bell Towers, there’s an interesting story from every historical era in Xi’an. I managed to hike up Mount Hua from North Peak to West Peak, but I didn’t get to do the dangerous plank walk as it was closed.
The hotel Eastern House was very accessible too with food places within steps and its proximity to the Drum Tower is a plus. The room was very clean and comfortable.
At this point, I have to quickly mention our amazing tour guide Betty Jiao Yan who was assigned to us as part of our private tour package. She made our time feel so very special and I wonder if Xi'an would have been as awesome without her. She had such a positive and caring nature and when we had to say goodbye, we felt very sad. It was strange to miss a guide after only knowing her for 5 days! Luckily we still keep in touch on WeChat. Our driver Mr Ma was very polite, punctual and accommodating, making our travel a pleasant experience
Anne
Hi Jack,
Thanks. The Harbin and Snow Town trip was excellent and very enjoyable. We are now in Japan skiing, and will send our feedback upon our return on 31st Jan.
Best wishes
Leong
Hi Rita,
From my end, everything is remarkable! Jane is amazing! She really make us feel welcome.
All the hotels were amazing too! My parents also very impressed.
I will definitely reaching out again, next time when I visit China. There’s many more places I want to visit.
Best regards,
Jefry
Dear Rita,
We are home. Thanks for arranging this nice trip. Everything worked out nicely except the smoking room problem in Chengde.
Thanks again.
John
Hi Rita,
In response to your enquiries, we had a wonderful experience with the tour arrangements in both Guilin and Yangshuo. Both the tour guide and driver were very professional and handled the arrangements well.
I am surely recommending any friends or relatives who are interested in travelling to China in future to use China Discovery. Also, will be looking at other destinations for ourselves too.
Thanks once again for the wonderful experience.
Kwan
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All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Exquisite Decoration of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
Church of Our Lady of Lourdes at Shamian Island
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees
Chusi's family from USA - Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
Gerhard from Germany - Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
Gerhard's Group from Germany - West Street, Yangshuo, Guilin
Chona from Philippines - Li River Cruise, Guilin
Gerhard from Germany - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan), Guilin
Gerhard from Germany - Huangluo Yao Village, Longsheng, Guilin
Caryn from Australia - Longji Rice Terraces (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin
Delma from Ireland - Longji Rice Terrace (Pingan, Seven Stars with Moon), Guilin
Zhaoxing Dong Village
Dong People Singing Grand Songs
Tang'an Dong Village
Shaving Hairs with Sickle in Basha Miao Village
Biasha Miao Village's Wooden Houses
Zhanli Dong Village - A Primitive and Mysterious Village
Shiqiao Village is good at making flower paper in traditional way
Hospitable Miao People in Upper Langde Miao Village
Stunning Gaoyao Rice Terraces in May
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