Day 1: Guiyang – Kaili – Jidao Miao Village – Xijiang Miao Village
Driving distance: Approximately 181 km | Driving time: About 2 hours 40 minutes
Meals: Lunch
Depart from Guiyang in the morning and drive to Kaili, the cultural center of southeastern Guizhou and an excellent gateway to the region’s traditional Miao villages.
After a short break in Kaili, continue to Jidao Miao Village, located about 20 km southeast of Kaili. Surrounded by peaceful countryside and green mountains, Jidao is a traditional Miao community where visitors can experience a quieter side of Miao village life.
The village is home to Shangzhai and Xiazhai, or Upper Village and Lower Village. Take a walk through the traditional settlement and discover old trees, historic granaries and other local landmarks. Your guide can also introduce you to the legends and stories associated with the village.
After visiting Jidao, continue to Xijiang Miao Village, one of the largest and best-known Miao communities in China.
Thousands of traditional wooden houses are built along the hillsides, creating a spectacular landscape surrounded by mountains and rice terraces. As you walk along the village paths, you can see traditional stilted wooden houses, the Baishui River and covered wind-and-rain bridges.
Xijiang is also a wonderful place to observe Miao traditional clothing, local customs and everyday village life. As evening falls, the houses across the hillsides gradually light up, creating a beautiful nighttime view.
Overnight: Xijiang Miao Village
Meals: Lunch
Day 2: Xijiang – Langde Miao Village – Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Driving distance: Approximately 125 km | Driving time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
Meals: Lunch
Enjoy a peaceful morning in Xijiang before continuing to Upper Langde Miao Village, located about 30 km from Kaili.
Surrounded by green mountains and a clear mountain stream, Langde is a smaller and quieter Miao village known for its traditional architecture and well-preserved customs.
One of the most distinctive local traditions is the “block-the-way” rice wine welcoming ceremony. Visitors may be greeted with a series of rice wine toasts as they enter the village. Depending on the day’s schedule, you may also have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Miao singing and dancing.
After the cultural experience, take a leisurely walk through the village along paths and courtyards paved with cobblestones and bluestone. The traditional wooden houses and peaceful surroundings offer an excellent opportunity to experience everyday life in a Miao community.
In the afternoon, continue to Zhenyuan Ancient Town, one of Guizhou’s most atmospheric historic towns.
Nestled between mountains and the Wuyang River, Zhenyuan has a long history and is known for its ancient streets, traditional houses, temples, bridges and riverside scenery. The Wuyang River divides the historic town into two sections, traditionally known as Weicheng and Fucheng, creating a distinctive riverside landscape.
Compared with some of Guizhou’s more popular destinations, Zhenyuan offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Spend some free time wandering through the old streets, exploring the riverside lanes and enjoying the town’s historic architecture.
Overnight: Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Meals: Lunch
Day 3: Zhenyuan – Zhaoxing Dong Village
Driving distance: Approximately 250 km | Driving time: About 3 hours 20 minutes
Meals: Lunch
Leave Zhenyuan in the morning and travel to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of the most famous traditional Dong communities in Guizhou.
Zhaoxing is particularly renowned for the three cultural features traditionally associated with Dong villages: drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges and Dong singing.
The village’s distinctive drum towers are important architectural landmarks and traditional community spaces. Their elegant wooden structures demonstrate the remarkable craftsmanship of Dong builders.
Take a leisurely walk through Zhaoxing and cross its traditional wind-and-rain bridges. These covered wooden bridges often include pavilions where local residents can rest, meet and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
As you explore the village, you can admire traditional wooden houses, narrow lanes and the peaceful rhythm of local life. Zhaoxing provides an excellent introduction to the architecture and cultural traditions of the Dong people.
Overnight: Zhaoxing Dong Village
Meals: Lunch
Day 4: Zhaoxing – Congjiang – Basha – Xiaohuang – Huanggang
Driving distance: Approximately 53 km | Driving time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals: Lunch
In the morning, leave Zhaoxing and continue to Congjiang, an area known for its remarkable concentration of traditional Miao and Dong communities.
Your first stop is Basha Miao Village, a remote mountain village famous for its distinctive Miao traditions, traditional clothing and cultural performances.
Explore the village and learn about the customs of the Basha Miao people. Depending on the schedule, you may have the opportunity to watch a Lusheng performance, a traditional welcoming ceremony or other local cultural activities. Optional cultural experiences may also be available at an additional cost.
Continue to Xiaohuang Dong Village, a peaceful mountain community known for its traditional wooden houses, drum towers and rich Dong musical traditions. The village has preserved many elements of traditional Dong life and offers a more intimate experience than some of the region’s larger tourist destinations.
Then visit Huanggang Dong Village, another traditional Dong community surrounded by green mountains. Walk through the village and admire the traditional houses while learning about Dong customs, architecture and community life.
After the visits, continue to Congjiang for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Congjiang
Meals: Lunch
Day 5: Congjiang – Rongjiang – Libo – Xiaoqikong
Driving distance: Approximately 222 km | Driving time: About 4 hours 20 minutes
Meals: Lunch
Depart from Congjiang in the morning and travel toward Libo, enjoying the beautiful mountain and river scenery along the way.
Upon arrival in Libo, visit Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in southern Guizhou. The scenic area is characterized by clear streams, waterfalls, limestone formations, forests, caves and emerald-green pools.
Follow the scenic paths through the forest and enjoy the peaceful combination of mountains and water. Highlights include the Xiangshui River Waterfalls, streams, pools and the historic Xiaoqikong Bridge.
Continue to Mandarin Duck Lakes, a beautiful area surrounded by dense forest. The calm water reflects the surrounding trees and mountains, creating a colorful and tranquil landscape. A boat ride on the lakes is a relaxing way to appreciate the scenery, subject to weather and local operating conditions.
After sightseeing, check in at your hotel in Libo and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Libo
Meals: Lunch
Day 6: Libo – Daqikong – Guiyang
Driving distance: Approximately 305 km | Driving time: About 4 hours
Meals: Lunch
In the morning, visit Daqikong Scenic Area, the final natural attraction of your Guizhou journey.
Daqikong is known for its spectacular karst landscape, including dramatic cliffs, caves, forests, rivers and deep valleys. Take a leisurely walk through the scenic area and enjoy the impressive combination of limestone formations and lush vegetation.
After sightseeing, meet your guide and driver and begin the journey back to Guiyang.
Upon arrival in Guiyang, your 6-day Guizhou Miao and Dong villages tour comes to an end.