7-Day China Adventure Trip: Through Guizhou Minority Villages & Scenic Wonders

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai-Guiyang: Shanghai to Guiyang by Flight, Jiaxiu Tower, Qingyan Ancient Town
Day 2 Guiyang-Anshun: Huangguoshu Waterfall, Doupotang Waterfall,  Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area
Day 3 Anshun-Kaili: Langde Miao Village, welcome rice wine, Miao dance performance
Day 4 Kaili: Qianhu Miao Village
Day 5 Kaili-Libo: Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (the Water Forest, Wolong Lake, and Yuanyang Lake).
Day 6 Libo: Daqikong Scenic Area, Tiansheng Bridge
Day 7 Guiyang Departure

Day 1 Shanghai-Guiyang

In the morning, your professional guide will arrive on time at your hotel lobby in Shanghai, ready to assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth check-out. You’ll then be comfortably transferred to the airport in a private vehicle, with your guide handling all the details along the way to make your departure stress-free. Upon landing in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province known for its lush landscapes and rich ethnic culture, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the arrival hall by your local guide, easily recognized by the “Your Way Holiday” sign. They’ll assist with your luggage, offer bottled water and a brief city introduction, and escort you to your private vehicle. During the ride to your hotel, your guide will share insights into Guiyang’s unique Miao and Dong minority cultures, local cuisine, and upcoming highlights of your journey—offering a seamless and personalized transition into the next chapter of your adventure.

Your journey through Guiyang begins with a visit to Jiaxiu Tower, an iconic symbol of the city’s scholarly heritage and architectural elegance. First built in 1598 during the Ming Dynasty, the tower was originally constructed for imperial exam candidates to gather and find inspiration—its name, “Jiaxiu,” literally means “First Scholar.” Rising three stories above the emerald waters of the Nanming River, it rests on a stone platform connected by the exquisite Fuyu Bridge, offering a picture-perfect reflection in the water. Your guide will walk you through the tower’s intricate woodwork, antique calligraphy pieces, and ancient couplets etched with wisdom from centuries past. As they recount the stories of hopeful scholars and historic floods that once threatened the structure, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of Jiaxiu’s role in shaping Guiyang’s cultural identity.

Next, you'll step into the living pages of Guiyang’s history at Qingyan Ancient Town, a fortified settlement founded in 1378 during the early Ming Dynasty for military defense. Encircled by thick stone walls and preserved with remarkable care, the town offers a vivid glimpse into centuries-old life. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through narrow flagstone alleys, past ancient houses with upturned eaves, timeworn watchtowers, and historic temples like the Ciyun and Wenchang Pavilions. With every stop, they’ll reveal layers of history—how Qingyan served as a frontier outpost, the cultural exchanges between Han Chinese and ethnic Miao people, and the craftsmanship behind the ornate stone archways and wood carvings. Beyond the architecture, you'll explore bustling local shops, traditional snack stalls, and quiet courtyards, all brought to life through your guide’s vivid storytelling rooted in real historical context.

After your visit to the Qingyan Ancient Town, your private driver will take you back to your hotel in Guiyang in a clean, comfortable vehicle.  Upon arrival, your guide will personally assist you with the check-in process—confirming your reservation, helping with your luggage, and making sure you’re fully settled before leaving.  Their attention to detail and warm, professional service ensures a seamless end to your day.  Whether it's answering your questions, offering tips for the evening, or simply making sure you feel at ease, both your guide and driver are committed to providing thoughtful, top-level service every step of the way.

Day 2 Guiyang-Anshun

Your day kicks off with an unforgettable journey to the legendary Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of the largest and most majestic waterfalls in Asia. As you get closer, the thunderous roar of water builds excitement, until suddenly—there it is—an immense cascade plunging 77.8 meters into the shimmering Rhinoceros Pool, sending mist into the air like a natural symphony of power and grace. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll follow scenic walking paths that wind through lush greenery, pausing at iconic viewpoints such as the Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion, where panoramic vistas reveal the full grandeur of the landscape. One of the highlights is the Water-Curtain Cave, a unique tunnel that leads you directly behind the rushing waterfall—a surreal experience where light and water dance right before your eyes. Throughout the visit, your guide will share fascinating stories about the local Buyi people, their customs, and the ancient myths surrounding the falls, turning your visit into a rich blend of natural spectacle and cultural immersion.

Next, you’ll journey just upstream to the serene yet impressive Doupotang Waterfall, renowned as the widest waterfall in the region with a staggering 105-meter-wide curtain of water cascading over the cliffs. Though not as tall as Huangguoshu, its expansive breadth creates a breathtaking spectacle often called the “Giant Pot Waterfall.” Your expert guide will explain the fascinating karst limestone formations that shape this unique waterfall, revealing how millions of years of geological activity and the region’s seasonal rains have sculpted the river’s path to create this natural masterpiece. As you explore the well-designed viewing platforms, you’ll find ancient poetic inscriptions etched by scholars who centuries ago were inspired by the waterfall’s majestic beauty—offering a glimpse into the timeless human connection to this landscape. These serene surroundings invite quiet reflection, allowing you to truly appreciate both nature’s power and the cultural heritage it has inspired.

Conclude your adventure with a peaceful stroll through the enchanting Tianxing Bridge Scenic Area, where you’ll find yourself immersed in a breathtaking landscape that looks as if it has been painted with delicate Chinese ink brushstrokes. This natural wonderland is a labyrinth of towering stone forests, crystal-clear streams, and vibrant, lush vegetation that invites exploration and reflection. Your expert guide will draw your attention to iconic landmarks such as the spectacular natural stone arch bridge—the very feature that lends its name to the area—and the narrow suspended stone pathways that wind gracefully through surreal limestone formations, creating a sense of walking through a living fantasy. The park’s rich biodiversity is on full display, with your guide pointing out rare plant species, hidden grottoes, and subtle wildlife tracks that many visitors miss. Interwoven with the stunning scenery are stories of ancient scholars and poets who once wandered these paths seeking inspiration, imbuing the area with a deep spiritual and cultural resonance that makes this tranquil finale truly unforgettable.

After a full day of exploring these stunning natural wonders, you’ll check in at a carefully selected local hotel that blends comfort with regional charm. Your guide will assist with the check-in process, ensuring a smooth and relaxing transition. The hotel offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding, and may feature local design elements that reflect the cultural essence of Guizhou. Enjoy a restful evening, recharge, and get ready for more adventures tomorrow.

Day 3 Anshun-Kaili

After a scenic morning drive from Anshun to Kaili, you’ll arrive at Langde Miao Village, where your guide will warmly welcome you and lead you along the village’s charming stone-paved lanes lined with traditional wooden stilt houses. Nestled amid lush, rolling hills, Langde is often called a "living museum" of Miao culture, preserving customs and architecture unchanged for over 600 years. Your guide will share the rich history of the Miao people, tracing their ancient migrations and explaining how the village’s layout reflects clan lineage and social organization. You’ll discover how the unique stilted homes blend practical mountain living with deep spiritual symbolism. Along the way, villagers dressed in vibrant traditional costumes may greet you, offering a glimpse of the warm hospitality and strong cultural pride that define this remarkable community.

Just before entering the heart of the village, you'll experience the famous Miao welcome rice wine ceremony, one of the most memorable local traditions. Women in silver-ornamented costumes line the entrance, each holding a bull horn cup of homemade rice wine. As they sing ancient welcome songs in their native language, your guide will explain the cultural meaning behind this gesture—it’s a symbol of respect and good fortune. You’ll be invited to drink from each cup while listening to your guide decode the song lyrics and ceremonial rituals. Each sip is a part of an unbroken tradition that honors guests and strengthens communal ties. The guide will also share how the wine is brewed from sticky rice and spring water, a process tied to the agricultural cycle and family rituals.

The cultural journey continues with a stunning Miao dance performance held in the village square. With terraces and green mountains as the backdrop, dancers in vibrant, hand-embroidered costumes perform routines rich in symbolism. Accompanied by lusheng pipes and drums, their movements tell stories of love, harvest, and historical migrations. Your guide will stand nearby to interpret the performance in real-time, pointing out the meaning of specific gestures—such as circular steps representing unity—and explaining the motifs on the dancers’ outfits, like butterflies for transformation or birds for freedom. The performance isn’t just entertainment; it’s a living expression of the Miao identity. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the way music, dance, and costume preserve centuries of unwritten history.

After a full day of exploring these stunning natural wonders, you’ll arrive in Kaili and check in at a carefully selected local hotel that perfectly blends modern comfort with authentic regional charm. Your guide will assist you with the check-in process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition. The hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere ideal for unwinding, often featuring traditional Miao or Dong-inspired décor that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Guizhou. Relax in cozy surroundings, enjoy local hospitality, and recharge your energy, preparing you for the exciting adventures awaiting you the next day.

Day 4 Kaili

As you begin your journey through Qianhu Miao Village (Thousand-Household Miao Village), your expert guide will introduce you to one of the largest and most culturally rich Miao communities in China. Nestled in the misty mountains of Guizhou, this expansive village is home to over a thousand traditional wooden stilt houses, intricately built along winding hillsides. Your guide will explain the unique architectural styles of the Miao people, from the elevated houses designed to adapt to the mountainous terrain, to the symbolic carvings and colorful decorations that adorn doorways and beams. As you stroll through the village, you’ll gain insight into the Miao’s centuries-old customs, their clan systems, and traditional handicrafts that have been preserved and passed down through generations.

Next, your tour continues to Xijiang Ancient Street, the bustling heart of the village and a vibrant showcase of Miao culture. Your guide will describe how this historic street serves as both a social hub and marketplace where locals display intricate embroidery, silver jewelry, and hand-woven textiles unique to the Miao ethnic group. The lively atmosphere is enriched by traditional songs and dances often performed in the open squares, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the vibrant living culture of the Miao people. Your guide will highlight the cultural significance of these performances, explaining the stories and legends they convey about Miao history, love, and nature.

Finally, you’ll visit the iconic Fengyu (Wind and Rain) Bridge, a masterpiece of Dong and Miao engineering and artistry. Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of how this covered bridge not only serves as a practical shelter from the elements but also as a vital communal gathering place and symbol of ethnic unity. Built without nails, the bridge’s intricate wooden structure showcases the remarkable craftsmanship and harmonious relationship between the people and their natural environment. Standing on the bridge, you can admire the surrounding river and lush greenery while appreciating the deep cultural resonance this landmark holds for the Miao and Dong communities alike.

After a full day of exploring these stunning natural wonders, you’ll arrive in Kaili and check in at a carefully selected local hotel that perfectly blends modern comfort with authentic regional charm. Your guide will assist you with the check-in process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition. The hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere ideal for unwinding, often featuring traditional Miao or Dong-inspired décor that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Guizhou. Relax in cozy surroundings, enjoy local hospitality, and recharge your energy, preparing you for the exciting adventures awaiting you the next day.

Day 5 Kaili-Libo

Entering Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, your expert guide will welcome you to this breathtaking natural reserve, famed for its rich karst formations and lush, verdant landscapes. The first highlight is the majestic 68-level Waterfall, an extraordinary cascade that descends over a series of terraced cliffs, creating a layered curtain of water stretching more than 60 meters in height. Your guide will delve into the geological history that shaped this natural wonder, explaining how millennia of erosion sculpted the rock formations and how seasonal rainfall intensifies the waterfall’s dramatic flow. As you stand on the carefully constructed viewing platforms, your guide will point out the interplay between water and stone, and how this environment supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, including rare species endemic to the region. The thunderous sound of the waterfall combined with the misty spray creates an immersive sensory experience that embodies the raw beauty of Xiaoqikong.

Moving deeper into the park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the ethereal Water Forest, a rare ecological treasure where towering trees rise directly from the crystal-clear waters, their roots submerged beneath the serene surface. This magical landscape, resembling a natural cathedral, is best explored along elevated wooden boardwalks that wind through the flooded forest, allowing close-up views without disturbing the fragile ecosystem. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the unique hydrology that sustains this wetland environment, the symbiotic relationships between aquatic and terrestrial plants, and the important role the forest plays in local flood control and biodiversity preservation. The quiet stillness of the Water Forest, punctuated only by the calls of native birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, offers a tranquil retreat and a vivid reminder of nature’s delicate balance.

As your exploration continues, you’ll arrive at the tranquil Wolong Lake and Yuanyang Lake, two scenic water bodies nestled within the heart of Xiaoqikong. At Wolong Lake—meaning “Crouching Dragon”—your guide will recount local folklore and legends that celebrate the lake as a symbol of strength and harmony, tying these stories to the lake’s role in regional culture and spirituality. The pristine waters mirror the surrounding karst peaks and dense forests, creating postcard-perfect scenes that captivate photographers and nature lovers alike. Then at Yuanyang Lake, famed for its mirror-like surface and rich biodiversity, your guide will highlight the abundant bird species that rely on this wetland habitat, describing ongoing conservation efforts to protect the area’s delicate ecological balance. Both lakes serve as peaceful havens within the park, ideal for reflective moments and photo opportunities, rounding out your comprehensive and enriching visit to Xiaoqikong

After a full day immersed in the stunning landscapes of Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, you'll settle in for the night in Libo, a quiet town embraced by karst hills and subtropical forest. Your guide will accompany you to a thoughtfully chosen boutique hotel that reflects the natural beauty and cultural essence of the region. Many accommodations in Libo are nestled within the landscape itself, offering serene views of misty valleys or riverside scenes right from your window. Upon arrival, your guide will handle the check-in arrangements, making sure everything is smooth and personalized to your needs. The hotel interiors often incorporate elements of Miao and Shui ethnic design—handwoven textiles, wooden carvings, and locally crafted furnishings—blending local character with modern amenities. As the evening sets in, you can enjoy a quiet stroll through the nearby streets or relax in the comfort of your room, letting the peace of Libo wrap around you. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate before continuing your journey through Guizhou’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Day 6 Libo

Your visit to Daqikong Scenic Area begins with a scenic stroll along its lush canyon paths, where your guide will introduce the area’s unique karst landforms and subtropical biodiversity. As you follow the emerald-green river winding through the gorge, dramatic cliffs rise on both sides, often shrouded in mist that adds to the mysterious atmosphere. Along the way, your guide will point out ancient stone carvings, small hanging coffins high above the cliffs, and rare plants native to Guizhou’s limestone forests. The landscape here blends rugged wilderness with poetic serenity, offering countless photography spots and moments of quiet awe. Listen closely as your guide explains the legends of the Shui and Buyi ethnic groups who once considered this valley sacred, and how the area was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity and flowing water.

Continuing deeper into the reserve, you’ll arrive at the heart of the Daqikong Scenic Area—the breathtaking Tiansheng Bridge, one of China’s largest natural stone arch bridges. Spanning a deep gorge with an elegant curve, the bridge is not man-made but the result of centuries of erosion, forming an awe-inspiring natural passageway. Your guide will share the geological story behind its formation, including how ancient underground rivers carved their way through the limestone, eventually collapsing to reveal the arch. In local mythology, the bridge was believed to connect the human world with the realm of spirits, and your guide may share folk stories passed down through generations. Standing beneath the bridge, surrounded by towering cliffs and echoing waterfalls, you’ll understand why this spot is considered the crown jewel of Daqikong. Your guide’s insights bring the bridge’s natural majesty and cultural symbolism to life.

As the trail winds along the river beyond Tiansheng Bridge, you’ll pass crystal-clear pools and dramatic caves hidden within the limestone cliffs. The guide will point out the underground river systems and cave entrances, explaining how explorers and geologists continue to discover new formations in this region. Wildlife sightings are also common here—birds, butterflies, and even monkeys may appear. With each step, the untouched beauty of Daqikong unfolds, and your guide’s expert commentary ensures you don’t miss the subtle features, from rare plant species to the shifting color of the river caused by mineral deposits. This immersive journey through one of Guizhou’s most celebrated natural areas leaves visitors with both wonder and understanding—thanks to the in-depth knowledge and care of your local guide.

After a full day immersed in the stunning landscapes of Daqikong Scenic Area, you'll settle in for the night in Libo.  As the evening sets in, you can enjoy a quiet stroll through the nearby streets or relax in the comfort of your room, letting the peace of Libo wrap around you. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate before continuing your journey through Guizhou’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Day 7 Guiyang Departure

This morning, your private driver and professional guide will pick you up from your hotel in Libo and escort you back to Guiyang, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride through the picturesque landscapes of Guizhou. Upon arrival in Guiyang, you’ll be transferred directly to the airport in good time for your flight. Your guide will assist with check-in if needed, making sure everything goes smoothly. As your enriching 7-day journey through ethnic villages, lush valleys, and scenic wonders concludes, we hope the heartfelt encounters and breathtaking views stay with you long after you return home. Wishing you safe travels and we look forward to seeing you again on your next adventure!

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: Include the cost of train or flight tickets between the cities listed in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. 7. Accommodation With Breakfast: Experience a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, each chosen for its quality and amenities. Enjoy a daily breakfast at the hotel, starting your day on a delicious note. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.