2-Day Congjiang Tour with Dong Song Performance and Zhaoxing Village Walk

Summary

Day1 Guiyang–Congjiang: Tang'an Dong Village, Zhaoxing Dong Village, night view, Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group performance
Day2 Zhaoxing–Congjiang: Basha Miao Village, song and dance performance, Zhanli Dong Village, high-speed train back to Guiyang, station pick-up and transfer to hotel

Day1 Guiyang–Congjiang

Your journey begins with a morning transfer to the Guiyang high-speed train station where your professional guide and driver will assist you. After boarding the train to Congjiang, you’ll be warmly welcomed upon arrival by your local team holding a “Your Way Holiday” sign. From there, a scenic drive takes you to Zhaoxing Dong Village, home to some of the most iconic traditional Dong architecture in China. The village is famous for its graceful wooden stilt houses built along gentle rivers and lush rice paddies. Your guide will introduce you to the craftsmanship behind the timber construction, including the elaborate interlocking beams and the distinctive drum towers that act as community gathering places. Walking through Tang’an Dong Village, your guide will share insights into the daily lives of the Dong people, pointing out features like the open balconies where locals socialize and the rice terraces supporting their farming traditions. The peaceful riverside setting offers plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos and appreciate nature’s harmony with local culture.

As the afternoon progresses, you will continue exploring Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest Dong settlement in the region. This area is known for its rich cultural heritage and intricate wooden architecture that reflects centuries of ethnic traditions. Your guide will provide a detailed explanation of how the village layout reflects Dong social structure and family clans, enhancing your understanding of their communal lifestyle. Wander through narrow lanes lined with wooden houses adorned with carved motifs, each telling stories of ancestral respect and local beliefs. You can also visit the iconic Drum Tower, a beautifully crafted multi-tiered pavilion that stands as a symbol of the Dong community’s artistic expression. Your guide will be on hand to interpret the symbolism behind architectural details and to share folklore connected to the village’s history.

As evening falls, the village transforms under soft lantern light, creating a magical atmosphere for you to unwind and experience local life. Your guide will arrange for you to attend an authentic Dong Grand Song performance, a UNESCO-recognized polyphonic singing tradition unique to the Dong people. This evening’s cultural experience allows you to immerse yourself in the rich vocal harmonies passed down through generations. The guide will provide background on the songs’ meanings and the importance of music in fostering community bonds. After the performance, you will enjoy the tranquil night views of Zhaoxing before settling into your accommodation. This carefully curated experience embodies our vision of helping you travel like a local, offering a deep connection to the authentic culture and traditions of Guizhou’s Dong ethnic minority.

After the evening’s cultural experience, your guide and driver will escort you back to your comfortable hotel in Zhaoxing or nearby Congjiang, ensuring a smooth and relaxing end to your day. Along the way, your guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about the Dong culture or suggest local tips for the next day. This personalized service reflects our commitment to helping you travel like a local, providing not just sightseeing but a seamless, immersive journey. Rest well and recharge for the adventures ahead.

Day2 Zhaoxing–Congjiang

In the morning, your journey continues with a visit to Basha Miao Village, one of the most distinctive and culturally rich ethnic settlements in all of China. Surrounded by thick bamboo groves and rolling green hills, the village feels like a place suspended in time. Basha is home to a Miao community that has preserved ancient customs for generations. The men here are famously known for their warrior-like appearance, wearing their hair in topknots and carrying traditional rifles, both of which play symbolic roles in village rituals. As you walk through the cobbled lanes with your local guide, you’ll gain insight into their way of life, stopping at homes built on wooden stilts and watching elders craft silver accessories or weave traditional clothing. A highlight of the visit is the ceremonial performance, a powerful mix of singing, dancing, and mock rifle salutes. Your guide will explain the meanings behind each dance and tradition, offering cultural context that brings the experience to life in a personal and memorable way.

After leaving Basha, you’ll venture into the remote hills to reach Zhanli Dong Village, a place rarely visited by tourists yet full of spiritual and sociological depth. This village is known for its remarkable belief in natural population balance. Families here traditionally raise one son and one daughter, a custom believed to bring harmony to the land. As you explore with your guide, you’ll walk narrow stone pathways lined with age-old drum towers and wind and rain bridges that reflect classic Dong architecture. Women dressed in indigo-dyed garments may greet you with a smile, while children play freely around the central plaza. Your guide will introduce you to local villagers and help translate casual conversations, making this more than just a stop. It becomes a cultural dialogue. Later in the afternoon, you’ll be driven to Congjiang Station to board your high-speed train back to Guiyang. Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel, wrapping up the day with comfort and care, just as a local friend would.

After your cultural immersion, your driver will take you back to Congjiang Railway Station for your high-speed train ride to Guiyang. Upon arrival, our staff will greet you at the station with a friendly smile and the “Your Way Holiday” sign, ensuring a seamless transfer to your hotel. As always, your guide remains available for any assistance or local advice, helping you experience Guiyang not just as a visitor, but as a traveler truly connected with the local rhythm of life.

Price Per Person in US Dollars