3-Day Authentic Guizhou Tour Package: Ethnic Villages & Folk Performances

Summary

Day1 Guiyang–Zhaoxing: Grand Song performance of the Dong ethnic group, enjoy night view
Day2 Zhaoxing–Kaili: Basha Miao Village, traditional song and dance performance, Zhanli Dong Village, drive to Kaili
Day3 Kaili–Guiyang: Langde Miao Village, cultural song and dance show, return to Guiyang

Day1 Guiyang–Zhaoxing

Upon your arrival in Guiyang, your journey begins with a warm welcome from our courteous driver, who will be waiting at the airport or train station holding a visible “Your Way Holiday” sign. You’ll then enjoy a private transfer in a clean, comfortable vehicle to your hotel in Guiyang. This seamless service ensures you start your trip stress-free and relaxed. Our local guide will meet you upon arrival or at the hotel, assist with check-in procedures, and offer a brief orientation about Guiyang and the journey ahead. With Your Way Holiday, our mission is not just to show you the highlights but to immerse you in the deeper rhythms of local life. Our guides are passionate local experts, eager to share hidden insights, answer your questions, and make you feel at home throughout your adventure.

After breakfast, you’ll board a high-speed train heading south to Congjiang, where the landscapes gradually shift into the lush, mountainous region of southeastern Guizhou. Upon arrival, you’ll drive into the heart of Dong culture as you enter Zhaoxing Dong Village. Widely regarded as one of the most picturesque and culturally vibrant Dong villages in China, Zhaoxing is known for its traditional wooden stilt houses, beautifully carved drum towers, and graceful wind-and-rain bridges. As you explore the village on foot, your guide will explain how these unique communal structures embody the Dong people’s social cohesion and architectural ingenuity. Walking through rice paddies and beside gently flowing streams, you’ll observe villagers tending to their fields or crafting silver ornaments. If time allows, you may also visit a local family or a small cultural museum for deeper insight into Dong traditions passed down through generations.

As night falls, the village transforms with the arrival of one of its most treasured traditions, the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group. This captivating a cappella performance, honored by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, features complex harmonies sung in local dialect that echo through the village. Your guide will share the cultural themes and history behind the music, such as its celebration of love, community, and nature. After the performance, you can stroll through softly lit alleys as the village glows with warmth. Wooden houses reflect in the still water of the canals, and the scent of burning wood adds to the serene atmosphere. You’ll rest in a charming local guesthouse or boutique hotel, thoughtfully selected for its comfort and cultural ambiance. Throughout the day, your guide remains close by, helping you interpret each encounter and connect with the deeper spirit of the Dong region.

Day2 Zhaoxing–Kaili

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you on a scenic drive from Zhaoxing to Basha Miao Village, often referred to as the “last gunman tribe in China.” This village is famous for preserving ancient Miao customs, particularly the tradition of wearing handmade gunpowder weapons and distinctive hairstyles. As you explore the village, your guide will explain the symbolic meanings behind their attire, weapons, and traditional wooden homes, which blend perfectly with the surrounding forests. You’ll also have the chance to watch a lively song and dance performance showcasing the bold spirit and heritage of the Miao people. Your guide will help you understand the storytelling elements in the performance and may even assist you in interacting with the locals if you're curious to learn a few words of their dialect.

Next you’ll continue the journey to Zhanli Dong Village, a quiet and lesser-known Dong community nestled in the hills. Unlike the more touristy villages, Zhanli offers a truly authentic look into Dong life where centuries-old customs remain part of everyday routine. Your guide will walk with you through narrow alleys lined with traditional wooden stilt houses and explain how the Dong people use Feng Shui principles in village planning. A highlight here is the Twin Birth legend, a belief that has shaped family planning practices in Zhanli for generations. You’ll see the village’s iconic drum towers which serve as communal gathering places, and if you're lucky, you might witness daily life moments like locals weaving, drying chili peppers, or playing traditional instruments. Your guide ensures you experience this place with understanding and appreciation, more like walking among friends than just passing through.

In the late afternoon you’ll drive to Kaili, the cultural heart of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. Your guide will assist with hotel check-in and may recommend local dining spots or evening activities that match your interests. Whether it's enjoying Miao-style hot pot or exploring the night market, your guide remains a helpful resource to make your evening relaxed and personalized. From cultural discovery to seamless travel, every detail of the day is taken care of, allowing you to stay connected to the local rhythm throughout the journey.

Day3 Kaili–Guiyang

This morning, your journey from Kaili continues with a scenic ride to Langde Miao Village, an authentic settlement nestled among Guizhou’s lush green hills. Langde is often described as a living museum of Miao culture, where time slows down and age-old traditions remain vibrantly alive. The village layout follows the flow of a river, with wooden stilt houses gracefully perched on the hillside. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by locals in traditional Miao attire, their silver accessories glinting in the sunlight. As you walk through cobbled paths, your guide will introduce the history of the village, from the architectural symbolism of the homes to the intricate meanings behind the embroidered patterns on their garments. This immersive experience offers a chance to understand the Miao people’s deep spiritual connection with nature and community life.

A highlight of your visit will be the traditional Miao song and dance performance in the heart of the village. These performances are more than just entertainment as they serve as cultural expressions that preserve Miao heritage and identity. From welcoming ceremonies to expressions of love and celebration, each performance tells a story rooted in daily life and seasonal rituals. Your guide will be by your side to explain the cultural context behind each dance, ensuring you gain a meaningful understanding of what you are witnessing. After the show, you will have time to explore locally made handicrafts such as silver jewelry and handwoven textiles, which reflect the artistic spirit and craftsmanship of the Miao people.

In the afternoon, you will return to Guiyang in a comfortable private vehicle accompanied by your guide. As the scenic countryside gradually transitions back into the rhythm of city life, it is the perfect moment to reflect on the unique cultural encounters you have experienced. Your guide will make sure everything flows smoothly upon arrival, offering assistance with hotel check-in and any personal needs. From beginning to end, this journey has been about more than sightseeing. It is a chance to travel with insight and authenticity through the lens of local culture, guided by passionate experts who reveal the heart of Guizhou one story at a time.

Price Per Person in US Dollars