8 Days Guilin Guizhou Tour: Karst Landscapes and Miao & Dong Culture

Ni Hao! Welcome to Guilin, the most picturesque paradise in China! Upon your arrival at Guilin airport/train station, meet your local guide and driver at the exit, and begin exploring Guilin’s iconic landmarks.

Firstly, visit the stunning Elephant Trunk Hill, which is widely regarded as the symbol of Guilin. This natural wonder sits at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, resembling a giant elephant drinking water from the river. The hill is made of water-soluble limestone rocks that have been gradually eroded by acidic rainwater over millions of years, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape. Its beauty is so awe-inspiring that it has contributed to the popular saying “桂林山水甲天下”, which means that Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven. Next, take a walk to Water-Moon Cave, a semicircular opening in the rock that represents the space between the elephant's trunk and legs. This cave stands 12 meters high and features several classical Song and Tang dynasty poems inscribed on its walls in Chinese characters.

Afterwards, you will pay a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, also known as the Palace of Nature's Art. Inside the cave, you'll find a stunning array of uniquely shaped and exquisitely transparent stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains, and flowers that are truly a sight to behold. These formations create a variety of stunning landscapes, including Lion Peak at Dawn, the Primitive Forest, the Pinnacle of Dragon and Elephant, and the Mountain of Fruits and Flowers, leaving visitors in awe. When illuminated with colorful neon lights, it feels like walking through a magical underground palace that will leave you spellbound.

Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, where the water surface reflects off the rock walls, creating a dreamlike scene of dazzling display of light and color. Experience the Water Curtain Movie here, which allows you to observe geological changes such as the growth of stalactites and stalagmites, adding an extra layer of magic to this incredible natural wonder.

Arrival Options: Travelers can reach Guilin by taking a flight or a train. Guilin Lijiang Airport has flights connecting to major cities such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Hangzhou, among others. Guilin has three main train stations in the downtown area: Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North, and Guilin West. Travelers can take high-speed trains to Guilin from Hong Kong (4 hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Chongqing (4.5-5 hours), Chengdu (5.5-6 hours), Changsha (2.5-3 hours), Zhangjiajie (7 hours), and other cities.

This morning, drive about 77km (2 hours) from Guilin (altitude of 100m) to the Longji Terraces Scenic Area (altitude of 300-1,100m). Inside the scenic area, the winding mountain roads will lead you to the incredible Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terraces) that were created by the ancient Zhuang and Yao minority peoples 2,300 years ago. You will make a stop at Huangluo Yao Village (Long Hair Village) to learn more about the culture of the Yao minority through a performance by local Yao women. After a unique lunch featuring bamboo rice, you will begin hiking in the brilliant Longji Rice Terraces around Ping’an Village.

In the morning, you will arrive at the Huangluo Yao Village (population of over 400) which is famous as “the World's Longest Hair Village”. You will marvel at the dramatically long and pitch-black hairs worn by its women of the Yao ethnic group. The village has over 70 Yao women with hairs over 1 meter (the longest hair of 2.72 meters) which has been listed by Guinness World Record as the “longest hair group”. By watching the performances of villagers (45min, optional), such as folk songs, drum dances, Red Yao wedding customs, sunning red clothes, and combing long hair, you will learn about the history, traditions and way of life of the Red Yao people, such as customs like spinning and weaving. You can even ask Red Yao women to share their secrets on how to take care of their long hair and how to make their Rice Water Shampoo.

Next, head to Ping'an Village for lunch. You'll visit a local villager's restaurant where you can try some local Rice Wine and learn to cook some popular local dishes, such as Bamboo Rice (rice cooked in bamboo tubes) Bamboo Tube Chicken (bamboo stuffed chicken), and Chinese Smoked Pork (smoked Chinese bacon).

In the afternoon, enjoy hiking in the Longji Rice Terraces (Longsheng Rice Terrace) around Ping'an Village. The Longji Rice Terraces are one of the top ten most beautiful terraced fields in the world and the closest terraced fields to a major city. With a history of at least 2,300 years, Longji Rice Terraces are hailed as the "Birthplace of Terraced Fields Worldwide" and a "Globally Significant Agricultural Cultural Heritage". It has not only been included in the list of National Wetland Parks but also represents an important heritage of ancient Chinese water management wisdom and agricultural civilization that has been passed down to this day by ancient Zhuang and Yao peoples. As you walk across the cobbled paths of the Ping'an Rice Terrace Fields, you can reach its famous viewing platforms, such as the Seven Stars Accompany the Moon (880m, Sunrise Viewing Spot) and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers (980m, Sunset Viewing spot). At the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewing platform (九龙五虎), you will see why it is named Longji Rice Terrace (Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces).

You can also walk into Ping'an Village along the stone-paved road, where you will find 170 households and over 700 people, all belonging to the Zhuang ethnic group with the surname "Liao". Men wear short gowns made of hand-loomed cloth, while women wear white shirts, black pants, and brightly colored cloth on their heads. Here, you can have a close-up view of the Zhuang people's distinctive stilted houses called "Diaojiaolou" (吊脚楼) in the mountain valley. You may encounter local Zhuang villagers, taste or make unique Zhuang People's food like oil-tea, have the opportunity to learn more about Zhuang ethnic customs and culture, as if you are transported to ancient times.

Take your time to find the best viewpoints to capture the beauty of the incredible terrace fields that exist since ancient times. After the hiking, go back to Guilin.

“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. After a 1-hour drive from your hotel to the Mopanshan Pier, embark on a 4-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Throughout the 83-kilometer scenic cruise, you'll be entranced by countless Chinese paintings come to life, with winding rivers and towering Karst peaks in every direction. Marvel at the famous sights along the banks, such as the Immortal Pushing the Mill, Nine-Horse Fresco, Yellow Cloth Shoal reflection, and the picture on the back of the 20 RMB note. You'll also encounter idyllic villages like Xingping Town nestled along the river. (Kindly Note: 1. Lunch is served on the cruise, featuring simple local Chinese cuisine. 2. If you prefer a 4-star Li River cruise, please tell your travel consultant.)

After arriving in Yangshuo, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Once you're ready, step out and let the captivating scenery of Yangshuo's countryside wash over you. Vibrant, green fields stretch out like a sea of emeralds, nestled under a clear, blue sky. The misty Karst mountains rise in the distance, their vast and rolling shapes protecting the serene landscape below.

Then, it's time to immerse yourself in this rural paradise up close. You can either hop on a bike or rent a sidecar (optional) to explore the postcard-like Karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation. At various points, you might also spot locals engaging in their daily chores, farmers tending to their fields, or even children playing along the riverbanks. Dotting the riverbanks are quaint stone houses, their grey slate roofs offering a delightful contrast against the verdant surroundings. You might also encounter a solitary water buffalo leisurely grazing in the fields, adding a heartwarming touch of rural life to the panoramic vista.

Next, board a hand-cranked bamboo raft for a journey down the Yulong River. As you ease into the gentle rhythm of the water, you become one with the serene surroundings. The clear water sparkles as it captures the sun's rays, vibrant green river grass dances with the water's flow underneath the surface, lush bamboos and verdant rice paddies dot the riverbanks, the karst mountains are shrouded in soft mist. As you float downstream, you'll drift past the ancient bridges, a testament to the architectural marvels of yore, and glide through a variety of dams that interrupt the river flow, creating gentle rapids that splash cool water around, enhancing the joy of the journey.

Then, you will stroll along West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of Western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere... all you can get.

Optional Evening Activity: If you are interested, you can enjoy the amazing evening performance called Impression Liu Sanjie directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou. The show uses the natural landscape as its stage, with the karst mountains and river serving as a unique backdrop. It combines traditional folk music, vibrant costumes, and modern theatrical techniques for a fantastic spectacle of light, sound, and color.

After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Yangshuo Railway Station, where you will board a comfortable high-speed train to Congjiang Railway Station (approximately 1.5 hours).

Upon arrival, your Guizhou-based guide will greet you and take you directly to explore the captivating Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨). known as the "Number One Dong Village." It is one of the largest and most well-preserved Dong villages in China.

Zhaoxing Dong Village is world-renowned for its spectacular drum tower complex. The village is home to over 6,000 residents, all from the Lu family line, divided into five major clans. Each clan forms a “group” or “tuan” - Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, and Xin - representing the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and integrity. Each “tuan” is centered around a drum tower and has its own drum tower, wind-and-rain bridge, and opera stage. The drum towers serve as gathering halls and are viewed as the spiritual and communal hearts of each group.

You can wander through the five "Tuan," exploring each of the five uniquely styled drum towers, and appreciate the wisdom and exquisite architectural skills of the Dong people. Strolling across the wind and rain bridges, with the flowing water and gentle breeze, you will feel as if you are in a beautiful landscape painting. You can also walk up to the village gate viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view over the entire village.

Optional Experience:

Watch a Dong Grand Song performance and listen to this heavenly music, which has been listed by UNESCO as a "Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." These polyphonic songs, sung without instruments, are hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.

Free Time Idea: Night View of Zhaoxing Dong Village

As night falls, Zhaoxing Dong Village glows with soft lights and quiet charm. Stroll through ancient alleys or climb to a viewpoint to admire the stilt houses and wind-and-rain bridges bathed in a gentle, dreamy glow.

After breakfast, you will drive about 1 hour to visit the mysterious Biasha Miao Village (岜沙苗寨), known as "China's Last Gunman Tribe."

Stepping through the village gate is like traveling back to an ancient era. The men wear dark blue cloth jackets and straight, wide-legged trousers, with firelocks and machetes hanging from their waists, displaying a heroic spirit. The men here start learning to shoot from a young age; for them, the firelock is both a tool for hunting and a weapon to protect their homes.

Biasha men are distinguished by their "Huge (户棍)" hairstyle, where the surrounding hair is shaved off with a sickle, leaving only a topknot in the center, symbolizing "harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity." Boys' hair is not cut from birth until their coming-of-age ceremony, when elders shave it off with a sickle. It is said that this tradition has been passed down since the time of the legendary tribal leader Chiyou.

Furthermore, the Biasha people have worshipped trees since ancient times, and their grandest sacrificial ritual is the worship of the tree god. In Biasha, when a new life is born, the family will plant a tree in the forest representing that little life; when life ends, people will use this tree that accompanied them throughout their lives to make a coffin for burial, allowing them to rest peacefully.

In Biasha Miao Village, you will have the opportunity to witness unique folk performances, such as the sickle haircutting ceremony. You will see the gleaming sickle shaved hair close to the scalp, strand by strand falling. It looks quite thrilling to onlookers, but the barber and the person getting the haircut appear relaxed and at ease, showcasing the bravery and resilience of the Biasha people.

Next, you will visit Zhanli Dong Village (占里侗寨), a legendary and tranquil village where every household has exactly one son and one daughter. Legend has it that there was a female herbalist in Zhanli who used a herb called "Huanhua Grass" (herbal fertility tea) to balance the gender of fetuses. However, Zhanli also has ancestral rules stating that this herb can only be taken by villagers. Don't be disappointed; even if you can't uncover the secret of herbs, you will surely appreciate the peaceful life by the flowing stream near Zhanli Bridge. Also, don't forget to look for the village's "male well" and "female well," which are said to be key medicinal guides for taking "Huanhua Grass."

After the tour, drive approximately 1.5 hours (80 km) to Rongjiang for check-in at your accommodation.

In the morning, you will drive towards to Kaili. En route, you will visit Langde Miao Village (朗德苗上寨), known as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance." It is nestled amidst lush mountains and terraced fields. Unlike more commercialized villages, Langde retains its untouched, authentic charm, where ancient customs and the rhythm of songs and dances unfold slowly.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted with the "Twelve Cups of Block-Way Rice Wine” ceremony. Villagers dressed in magnificent silver headdresses and embroidered clothing will welcome guests and offer rice wine in ox horn cups. This is the highest etiquette of the Miao people for receiving distinguished guests, with each cup of wine representing blessings for a month. Afterward, you will walk along the stone-paved path to the Lusheng ground in the center of the village. Here, a wonderful Miao song and dance performance will take place, featuring toasting songs, Miao flying songs, and Lusheng dances in succession, leaving you mesmerized.

As an open-air museum of the Miao culture, the village exudes a rich ethnic flavor everywhere. Stroll among the stilted wooden houses (diaojiaolou) with a hundred years of history, traditionally built on stilts and scattered on the hillside in a well-arranged manner. The clothing here is also unique; the Miao residents are characterized by wearing long skirts, hence the name "Long Skirt Miao," representing the most gorgeous branch of Miao costumes.

Next, you will visit Matang Gejia Village (麻塘亻革家寨). The villagers of Matang believe themselves to be descendants of Hou Yi, the legendary archer. Their clothing is mainly decorated with batik and red embroidery. They fashion their headdresses into the shapes of bows and arrows, and their necklace pendants resemble various weapons, reminiscent of ancient generals. Legend has it that in ancient times, a general's wife went to the battlefield in her husband's armor and won a victory. To commemorate her, women wear general's attire during festivals.

Beyond their attire, the Gejia people's batik artistry is also very famous. The patterns are quite unique, often depicting powerful creatures like tigers and other animals, as well as flowers, birds, and insects, reflecting the Gejia people's deep love for nature. In the village, you can observe the villagers making batik by hand using beeswax.

After the tour, transfer back to Guiyang City (approx. 2.5 hours) for hotel check-in.

After breakfast, drive 2.5 hours to reach Anshun for the Huangguoshu Waterfall Tour, the location of the largest waterfall in China and Asia. You will hear the roaring water a kilometer away and admire the waterfall's dynamic views!

Back in the 17th century, Xu Xiake, a famous ancient Chinese geographer and pre-internet celebrity, traveled to this resort. His blog boosted the reputation of this waterfall nationwide! Follow the popular path he took:

Head to Doupotang Scenic Area (陡坡塘), known for its 105-meter width. It is one of the filming locations for the TV series version of Journey to the West, one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. During the wet season, the water flow is rapid and makes a low roar, hence its nickname "Roaring Waterfall." Many tourists enjoy imitating the scenes of Journey to the West pilgrims. Feel free to try it!

Next, take a sightseeing bus to Tianxingqiao Scenic Area (天星桥), to admire the most complete karst landscape in the scenic area - caves, waterfalls, and water stone forests interwoven. You can enjoy view from various angles, with no repetitive vlog or plog scenery. It is especially famous for Silver Chain Dropping Pool Waterfall (银链坠潭瀑布). Unlike ordinary waterfalls, where water falls linearly, multiple small waterfalls converge and cascade from a circular stone beach into the deep pool below.

Afterward, take a sightseeing bus to Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布). As the main waterfall with a huge drop, 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide, it consists of 18 waterfalls with different styles. At first glance, it can be folded into four layers. During the summer flood season, the water volume per hour is enough to fill 1296 swimming pools, falling into the 17-meter-deep pool. The roaring sound of water hit rocks day and night. You will build a deep connection with nature, find scenery changes from high up, straight on, and from the side.

Behind the waterfall is the 134-meter-long narrow Water Curtain Cave (水帘洞), a great place to touch the flowing water and see how it falls. You will walk to it and return by escalator.

After the visit, drive back to Guiyang for accommodation.

Then, it is time to end your 8-day Guilin Guizhou Tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Guilin Guizhou Tour. We are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey