3-Day Guizhou Private Tour with Ethnic Village Highlights

Summary

Day1 Guiyang-Zhaoxing: Zhaoxing Dong Village
Day2 Zhaoxing-Jiabang Rice Terraces: Basha Miao Village, Zhanli Dong Village
Day3 Jiabang Rice Terraces-Guiyang: Jiabang Rice Terraces, drive back to Guiyang

Day1 Guiyang-Zhaoxing

Upon your arrival in Guiyang, your journey begins with a warm and personal welcome. Our professional driver will be waiting at the airport or train station, holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign to ensure a smooth and easy meet-up. You will then be comfortably driven in a clean and spacious vehicle directly to Zhaoxing, nestled in the lush hills of southeastern Guizhou. The drive itself offers scenic glimpses of rural landscapes and traditional villages, perfect for easing into the pace of local life. Once you arrive, our friendly local guide will greet you, assist with your check-in if needed, and provide a short orientation about Dong culture and what to expect on this culturally rich journey. We believe every trip should start with a genuine connection, and our team is committed to making you feel at ease right from the start.

In the afternoon, you will begin exploring Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of the most culturally significant and visually stunning Dong communities in China. Known for its five beautifully crafted drum towers and intricate wind-and-rain bridges, the village reveals centuries of architectural wisdom and harmonious community life. Your guide will walk you through the cobblestone paths and introduce you to the unique layout of stilted wooden homes, pointing out how daily life blends seamlessly with tradition. You may see villagers hand-weaving, drying corn, or simply relaxing in communal spaces, and if you wish, your guide can arrange for a visit to a local home or handicraft studio. These experiences allow for a deeper understanding of Dong customs and offer a chance to interact meaningfully with the people who call this place home.

As evening settles in, Zhaoxing transforms into a peaceful wonderland of soft lights and gentle sounds. The lanterns lining the alleys reflect off the narrow canals, and the wood of the buildings takes on a golden glow. You will enjoy a guided walk through the village, soaking in the calm beauty of the setting. If a performance of the Dong Grand Song is scheduled, your guide will explain its cultural meaning and help you enjoy it fully. The song, performed without instruments, conveys themes of nature, love, and community and is a moving experience for anyone interested in local heritage. Afterward, you will return to your handpicked boutique guesthouse or traditional inn, where comfort meets character. Your guide will remain available to assist with anything you need and to make sure you end your day with a sense of fulfillment and cultural connection.

Day2 Zhaoxing-Jiabang Rice Terraces

In the morning, we leave Zhaoxing and head to the remote Basha Miao Village, nestled deep within the misty hills of southeastern Guizhou. This village is renowned as the only place in China where residents are still legally permitted to carry firearms—an ancient tradition symbolizing bravery and independence. The men of Basha, with their iconic rifles and bun hairstyles, appear as if untouched by time. As you walk along the village's stone paths flanked by stilted wooden homes and bamboo groves, your guide will offer insights into the community’s unique history, customs, and animist beliefs. A highlight here is the vibrant Miao dance and music performance, where villagers in elaborate costumes sing ancient ballads accompanied by lusheng instruments. These performances are not just for show—they are a living expression of the tribe’s spiritual and social life. Your guide will ensure you understand the deeper meanings behind each ritual, helping you connect more fully with this extraordinary living culture.

Afterward, we continue to the lesser-known Zhanli Dong Village, tucked away in a serene valley surrounded by forested slopes and terraced farmlands. The village’s elegant wooden houses, flower bridges, and towering drum towers reflect the distinctive Dong architectural style. As you explore the cobbled lanes and quiet courtyards, your guide will share fascinating stories about the Dong people's legendary "fertility secret"—a mystical tradition where villagers claim to be able to control the gender balance of their children. Along the way, you may witness locals engaged in traditional crafts like indigo dyeing or weaving, and your guide can help facilitate friendly conversations. Zhanli offers a peaceful, unhurried glimpse into everyday Dong life, with very few outside visitors. This is an ideal place to slow down, sip a bowl of homemade rice wine, and observe how generations of villagers have lived in harmony with nature, guided by rhythm, ritual, and community.

In the afternoon, we drive deeper into the mountains to reach the spectacular Jiabang Rice Terraces. These hidden terraces, carved into the slopes like an endless emerald staircase, are among the most pristine and picturesque in all of China. Unlike the more commercialized Longji terraces, Jiabang remains refreshingly authentic, with villagers still planting and harvesting by hand. Your guide will lead you on a scenic walk along the narrow ridges that wind through the fields, pointing out key features like the centuries-old irrigation system and sharing stories of local agricultural life. During planting or harvest season, you'll see farmers working in wide-brimmed hats, their reflections mirrored in the flooded fields—an image straight out of a traditional Chinese painting. With panoramic views in every direction and the sounds of distant birds and rustling water, Jiabang invites a sense of quiet awe. Here, our guide ensures you're not just observing a landscape, but understanding the deep human connection that has shaped it for generations.

Day3 Jiabang Rice Terraces-Guiyang

In the morning, we continue our exploration of the magnificent Jiabang Rice Terraces, a hidden treasure in the mountains that offers some of the most stunning rural scenery in China. These terraces stretch endlessly across the hillsides, forming elegant curves that follow the contours of the land. Depending on the season, you may see water reflecting the sky like glass, vibrant green shoots sprouting in rows, or golden rice ready for harvest. With your guide by your side, you will learn about the traditional methods farmers use to maintain this intricate system, including how water is channeled from the mountaintops and how planting is coordinated according to the lunar calendar. You can walk along the narrow earthen ridges between the fields and take in sweeping views of the valley below. The guide will also share stories about the daily life of local farmers, who still use buffaloes and hand tools in this timeless landscape, giving you a vivid picture of rural life in Guizhou.

In the afternoon, we set off on the scenic drive back to Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province. The journey takes you through mountain passes, forested valleys, and small villages, offering changing views of the region’s natural beauty. Along the way, your guide may point out distinctive local houses, traditional farming activities, or important cultural sites visible from the road. This is also a great time to ask questions and reflect on your experiences, as the guide shares insights that connect what you have seen to the broader culture and history of the area. Upon arrival in Guiyang, our team will escort you to your hotel and assist with check-in. The day concludes with a smooth and thoughtful return to urban life, offering a sense of completion after your time immersed in the highland traditions of Jiabang. With every detail attended to by your guide, the entire journey remains relaxed, informative, and deeply connected to the local rhythm of life.

Price Per Person in US Dollars