6 Days of Tribal Beats & Waterfall Dreams: Guizhou Festival Tours

Summary

Day1 Guiyang Arrival: Qingyan Ancient Town
Day2 Guiyang-Anshun: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Tunbao Village in Tianlong
Day3 Anshun-Kaili: Kaili Ethnic Minority Museum, Qingman Village, Shiqiao Miao Village
Day4 Kaili: Xijiang Miao Village, Datang short-skirt Miao Village
Day5 Kaili-Gulong-Kaili: Gulong village, Lusheng Festival
Day6 Kaili-Guiyang: Guiyang Departure

Day1 Guiyang Arrival

Upon your arrival at Guiyang Airport, your professional guide will warmly welcome you at the arrival hall, holding a personalized “Your Way Holiday” sign for easy recognition. You will enjoy a smooth private transfer to your hotel in Guiyang, with your guide offering local insights and tips along the way. To make the most of your first day, we recommend arranging a flight that arrives before noon, allowing ample time to settle in and begin exploring the highlights of Guiyang.

In the afternoon, you will explore Qingyan Ancient Town, one of the most iconic cultural sites in Guizhou. Your guide will lead you through the narrow stone-paved streets, lined with ancient residences, courtyards, and intricately carved gates. Originally built as a military outpost during the Ming Dynasty, Qingyan offers a rich blend of cultural heritage and historical architecture. Inside the town, you can admire well-preserved temples, stone memorial archways, and local dwellings with distinctive blue-gray rooftops. Your guide will explain the historical significance of each landmark, share stories about the town’s evolution through centuries, and introduce you to local specialties like rose sugar candy and bean curd. This immersive visit provides an authentic introduction to Guizhou’s unique cultural atmosphere.

Day2 Guiyang-Anshun

Today, your day begins with a scenic drive to the renowned Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia’s largest and most magnificent waterfalls. Accompanied by your experienced guide, you will explore this dramatic natural wonder set within a lush national park. As you approach the falls, you will first hear the thunderous roar of the cascading water before seeing the impressive curtain-like drop stretching 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide. Your guide will take you along well-paved walking paths that lead to several viewpoints, including the Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion and the famous Water Curtain Cave, where you can walk behind the falls and feel the refreshing spray. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating facts about the unique karst formations that created this landscape and the seasonal changes that influence the waterfall’s power and beauty. There will also be opportunities to capture memorable photos from different angles while enjoying the surrounding green hills and crystal-clear streams.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tianlong Tunbao Village, an exceptional cultural site that offers a rare glimpse into the preserved customs of the Tunbao people, descendants of ancient Han soldiers. As you walk through the narrow flagstone streets with your guide, you will see traditional stone houses with fortified walls, designed for both living and defense during ancient times. The village is a living museum, with many locals still dressed in Ming Dynasty-style clothing and practicing traditional crafts. Your guide will explain the history behind this unique community and introduce you to their folk performances, martial arts traditions, and distinctive cultural heritage. You can visit small workshops where artisans craft paper-cuttings and embroidery, offering a hands-on cultural experience. This visit perfectly blends history, culture, and local life, providing deeper insight into Guizhou’s diverse ethnic landscape.

At the end of this enriching day, your driver will be waiting to provide a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. You can relax during the scenic drive, reflecting on the day’s cultural discoveries and natural beauty. Your guide will assist with any personal requests before bidding farewell for the day, ensuring you return to your hotel feeling relaxed and well cared for.

Day3 Anshun-Kaili

Your day unfolds with a fascinating visit to the Kaili Ethnic Minority Museum, an essential stop for understanding the diverse cultural landscape of Guizhou. The museum boasts beautifully curated exhibits showcasing traditional costumes, intricate silver jewelry, vibrant festival masks, and rare musical instruments from various ethnic groups, including the Miao, Dong, and Shui peoples. Your guide will enrich your visit by sharing captivating stories behind these cultural treasures, explaining the symbolism of embroidery patterns, the importance of ancestral worship, and the unique rites of passage celebrated in these communities. This immersive museum experience lays a solid cultural foundation for the rest of your journey, allowing you to better appreciate the living traditions you’ll encounter in the villages.

In the late morning, you will travel to Qingman Village, nestled amidst rolling hills and surrounded by lush rice terraces. This tranquil village is home to the Miao people, known for their deep-rooted customs and hospitality. Strolling through narrow village lanes with your guide, you will be introduced to the community’s traditional stilt houses built from timber, offering protection against seasonal floods and blending seamlessly with the landscape. Your guide will facilitate personal interactions with local families, giving you the chance to witness the artistry of Miao embroidery, taste local homemade delicacies, and perhaps even join a traditional singing session. Your guide will also share insights about the seasonal festivals and community rituals that bring the village together, making your visit an intimate and educational experience.

In the afternoon, you will continue your cultural discovery at Shiqiao Miao Village, celebrated for preserving the ancient craft of handmade paper. This village is surrounded by serene natural scenery, with fresh mountain springs providing the pure water essential for their paper-making tradition. Guided by your expert, you will explore family-run workshops where skilled artisans demonstrate the meticulous process of transforming tree bark into durable, beautifully textured paper. You will have the opportunity to try this traditional craft for yourself, learning each step from pulping to drying the paper sheets in the sun. As you wander the peaceful paths of Shiqiao, your guide will explain how this ancient technique has been passed down through generations, sustaining local identity and artistry. At the end of your enriching day, your driver will transfer you back to the hotel, while your guide assists with evening suggestions to further enhance your stay.

At the end of this culturally enriching day, your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel in comfort. Sit back and relax as you enjoy scenic views of the countryside along the way. Your guide will ensure you are settled in and provide helpful tips for your evening, whether you wish to explore more local flavors or simply unwind after a fulfilling day of discovery.

Day4 Kaili

Your day unfolds with a visit to Xijiang Miao Village, celebrated as the largest Miao ethnic village in China. Surrounded by lush mountains and cascading hillsides, this village is home to thousands of Miao families who have preserved their ancient customs and architectural traditions for generations. As you wander through the scenic alleys with your guide, you will pass countless rows of iconic stilted wooden houses, many adorned with traditional Miao ornaments. Your guide will introduce you to local cultural symbols, such as the wooden drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges, while explaining the village’s history and the importance of these structures in daily Miao life. You will have time to explore handicraft workshops, observe artisans making silver jewelry, and even join in a traditional Miao singing and dancing performance, offering a vivid connection to the rich ethnic heritage.

In the afternoon, your exploration continues with a visit to Datang Short-Skirt Miao Village, famous for its distinctive traditional attire. Here, Miao women wear uniquely designed short skirts, accompanied by elaborately embroidered jackets, showcasing their extraordinary needlework skills. Your guide will walk you through the village, pointing out the architectural ingenuity of raised water granaries, which keep food supplies safe from humidity and pests. You will gain insights into local agricultural practices, cultural festivals, and the symbolic meaning behind their vibrant costumes. There are also opportunities to watch embroidery demonstrations, sample local snacks, and meet welcoming villagers eager to share their customs and stories.

After a fulfilling day of cultural immersion, your driver will provide a relaxing journey back to your hotel. Along the way, your guide can offer interesting anecdotes about Miao history or suggest evening activities to enhance your stay. Upon arrival at the hotel, your guide will assist with check-in if needed and provide helpful tips on nearby dining options where you can further enjoy authentic Guizhou flavors, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Day5 Kaili-Gulong-Kaili

Your day unfolds with an unforgettable journey to Gulong Village, a hidden gem in the rolling hills of Guizhou Province, celebrated for hosting the grand and vibrant Lusheng Festival. As you arrive, your guide will introduce you to the history and cultural importance of this annual event, which brings together Miao communities from surrounding villages in a joyful celebration of music, dance, and community spirit. Walking through the village’s narrow cobblestone paths, you will admire rows of traditional stilted wooden houses and be warmly welcomed by villagers dressed in their most elaborate festival costumes, complete with dazzling silver ornaments and intricate embroidery. Your guide will explain the cultural symbols embedded in their attire, sharing fascinating stories that bring local traditions to life.

During the festival, you will experience the exhilarating atmosphere of Lusheng music filling the air as groups of young men play the iconic bamboo instrument in synchronized dance formations. Your guide will lead you through the various parts of the celebration, from energetic group dances in the main square to bullfighting competitions and traditional love song duets. This cultural encounter offers plenty of interactive moments, allowing you to join in circle dances, savor local festival delicacies like fragrant sticky rice and homemade rice wine, and explore artisan stalls offering beautifully crafted Miao handicrafts. Your guide will ensure you have the best viewing spots for the performances and assist in communicating with locals to enrich your understanding of their customs.

After a day of cultural immersion and celebration, your driver will provide a relaxing transfer back to your hotel. Along the way, your guide will share additional stories about the origins of the Lusheng Festival and how it strengthens bonds within Miao communities. This memorable day offers a perfect blend of music, folklore, and hospitality, leaving you with meaningful insights into the diverse and colorful traditions that define Guizhou’s ethnic heritage.

Day6 Kaili-Guiyang

Your final day begins with a comfortable journey back to Guiyang, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the incredible cultural experiences you have enjoyed throughout your trip. Your guide will accompany you on the scenic drive, sharing more insights into the changing landscapes of Guizhou, from the rolling hills dotted with wooden villages to the modern cityscape of Guiyang. Along the way, you can make brief stops to appreciate scenic viewpoints or stretch your legs at local rest areas where your guide can introduce you to regional snacks or tea traditions. This relaxing transfer is designed to ensure you experience a smooth and enjoyable return journey.

Upon arrival in Guiyang, your guide will assist you with hotel check-in or directly accompany you to the airport or train station, depending on your departure arrangements. They will help with luggage, provide helpful tips for your onward travel, and make sure all your needs are taken care of before you leave. As your trip concludes, your guide will be happy to answer any final questions about Guizhou’s diverse cultures or recommend ways to continue exploring China’s rich heritage. This personalized service ensures a warm and hassle-free end to your immersive cultural journey.

Price Per Person in US Dollars