6-Day Guizhou Ethnic Tour: Explore the Rich Culture and Traditions of Guizhou's Miao, Dong, and Shui People

Summary

Day1 Guiyang Arrival
Day2 Guiyang-Kaili: Miao Villages of Matang, Upper Langde
Day3 Kaili-Zenlei Village: Visit the Ethnic Minority of the Shui
Day4 Zenlei-Dali: Dong Village of Rongjiang County
Day5 Dali-Jiabang-Zhaoxing: Rice Terraces
Day6 Zhaoxing, Guiyang Departure

Day1 Guiyang Arrival

Upon your arrival in Guiyang, your friendly guide will be waiting at the designated meeting point, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign to ensure a seamless start to your journey. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and freshen up. Your guide will provide a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary, offering insights into what to expect during the next few days.

Upon your arrival in Guiyang, your friendly guide will be waiting at the designated meeting point, holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign to ensure a seamless start to your journey. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and freshen up. Your guide will provide a brief overview of the upcoming itinerary, offering insights into what to expect during the next few days.

Day2 Guiyang-Kaili

This morning, your guide will take you on a scenic drive to Matang Village, nestled in the hills of Kaili. As you approach the village, your guide will share the history of the Miao ethnic group and the significance of this village in the region. Matang Village is a place where life seems to have stood still for centuries. Walk along narrow lanes, where Miao women in colorful, embroidered attire will greet you. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the intricately carved wooden houses, built with the typical Miao architecture, give you a real sense of the past. The village’s cultural market is a great place to buy unique handicrafts like embroidered fabrics and silver jewelry, all made by the locals. Your guide will help translate and explain the cultural significance of these items.Matang Village is also known for its vibrant local festivals. Your guide will explain how the Miao people celebrate their festivals, especially the Miao New Year, which is celebrated with spectacular dances, music, and feasts. You’ll have the chance to watch or even participate in a traditional dance performance, learning the symbolic meanings behind the movements and songs.

Next, continue your journey to Upper Langde, another Miao village, but distinct for its beautiful terraced fields and strong ethnic heritage. As you enter, your guide will introduce you to the architecture of the village, which includes wind and rain bridges that are integral to Miao culture. These bridges are built to withstand the region's heavy rainfall and are beautifully decorated with carvings of local animals, flowers, and spiritual motifs.As you walk around the village, your guide will lead you to the Miao Drum Tower, which serves as the heart of the village’s social and ceremonial life. Here, the guide will share stories of the village’s past and explain the symbolism behind the tower’s design. You may also have the opportunity to meet some of the elders of the village, who are happy to share their stories and traditions.

Day3 Kaili-Zenlei Village

In the morning, your guide will take you to Zenlei Village, where you’ll discover the Shui people, one of the more fascinating ethnic minorities in Guizhou. The Shui are known for their deep connection to water, and many of their customs revolve around the rivers that run through the region. Your guide will explain the Shui belief system, which holds water and nature in high regard, and you may even have the chance to witness a traditional Shui ritual at a sacred river or spring.Zenlei is also home to traditional Shui architecture, where wooden houses are built in harmony with the natural surroundings. As you wander the village, your guide will explain the intricate decorations found in Shui homes, such as carvings of water-related symbols. If you're lucky, you may also encounter a local Shui wedding ceremony, which your guide will describe in detail, highlighting the significance of each step in the process, from the bride’s attire to the tea ceremonies.

Day4 Zenlei-Dali

Today, you’ll journey to Rongjiang County, home to a traditional Dong Village. Your guide will explain the Dong culture, a group famous for their music and architecture, particularly their distinctive drum towers. As you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice are the large, wooden drum towers that stand at the center of the village, serving as both community meeting places and symbols of strength. Your guide will provide insights into the construction techniques used to build these towers, some of which date back centuries.Afterward, take a walk through the village with your guide, passing wind and rain bridges and seeing the locals at work, crafting wooden artifacts or weaving textiles. Visit the local market, where you can try some Dong specialties like fermented rice or smoked meats. Your guide will also explain the Dong language and how it’s passed down orally, preserving traditions through songs and stories.

Day5 Dali-Jiabang-Zhaoxing

In the morning, your guide will accompany you to the breathtaking Jiabang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO-protected site that showcases the intricate beauty of the terraced fields. As you wander through the rice paddies, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the traditional farming techniques passed down through generations. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the local Dong people have ingeniously cultivated the land for centuries, with the terraces forming stunning patterns that merge harmoniously with the landscape. The early morning mist adds a magical atmosphere, transforming the terraces into a living painting. Don’t forget to chat with the farmers as they go about their work, gaining insight into the hard labor required to maintain these agricultural marvels.

After exploring the terraces, you’ll journey to Zhaoxing, a large and vibrant Dong village known for its distinct drum towers and lively singing performances. Your guide will take you on a guided walk through the village, offering fascinating commentary on the architecture, including the significance of the drum towers, which are central to Dong culture. You’ll learn about the unique traditions of the Dong people, including their colorful and energetic performances of Dong opera. The village market provides a perfect opportunity to purchase handmade crafts, such as intricately embroidered textiles or pottery, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.

Day6 Zhaoxing, Guiyang Departure

On your last day, your guide will ensure you have a smooth journey as you wrap up your tour. After spending the morning in Zhaoxing, take a final walk around the village to reflect on your experiences. Your guide will share their final insights into the Dong culture and traditions, and you’ll have some free time to pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Then, your guide will transfer you back to Guiyang or the airport for your departure.

This tour immerses you in the unique cultures, traditions, and natural beauty of Guizhou. From the colorful festivals of the Miao people to the peaceful rice terraces and historic villages of the Dong people, your guide will help you uncover the hidden gems of this vibrant province.

Price Per Person in US Dollars