Discover Guizhou, a province shaped by rivers and stone – a region of waterfalls, karst caves, and mountain valleys where the Miao people have preserved their traditions for centuries. This journey takes you through landscapes defined by water and rock, and into villages where the pace of life has remained largely unchanged for generations. It brings together the region’s most characteristic features, making Guizhou one of China’s most culturally and geographically distinct provinces.
The tour begins in Guiyang, the provincial capital. On the following day, you will visit Long Gong Cave, known for its subterranean river system, and the Huangguoshu Waterfall – one of the largest in Asia. The day concludes at Tianxingqiao, a network of water-sculpted stone bridges and forest paths.
The third day takes you to Kaili, a town set among the hillside villages of the Miao people. In Matang and Langde, you will find traditional wooden stilt houses, elaborate handmade clothing, and a way of life rooted in ritual and seasonal rhythm. The final day features visits to Qingmen and Shiqiao – villages known for their craftsmanship – and ends with a walk along the Gaoyao terrace, where sky and water meet in flooded rice fields.
The 5-Day Guizhou Nature and Ethnic Minorities Tour offers a view of China rarely encountered in its cities – a place where landscape and tradition remain closely bound. See the full itinerary to learn how this route can become part of your broader travels.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou, known for its scenic landscapes and historical relics. The region is regarded as one of the birthplaces of ancient human civilisation and is home to a significant population of the Miao ethnic group. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Today, we begin with a visit to Longgong Cave (115 km, 2 hours), a scenic site that showcases the typical features of a karst landscape, including caves, gorges, and underground rivers. After that, we continue to Huangguoshu Waterfall (35 km, 1 hour), with the use of escalators included on the return route. The Huangguoshu Scenic Area is home to one of the largest waterfall groups in China, comprising 18 waterfalls, among which Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest, measuring 77.8 metres in height and 101 metres in width.
Later, we stop at Tianxingqiao (15 km, 20 minutes) before driving back to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
In the morning, we drive to visit Qingyan Village (50 km, 1 hour), an ancient town in Guizhou that once served as a military settlement during the Ming Dynasty. We then continue driving to the Kaili area (190 km, 3 hours) and visit several ethnic minority villages, including Matang Village and Langde Village. Langde Village is a Miao village known for its residents wearing traditional long skirts. Here, we see distinctive local architecture and enjoy a traditional welcome show. We then drive to Kaili for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-6 hours
Today we continue our visits to local villages – Qingmen and Shiqiao (40 km, 1 hour), both Miao villages. With their long history, scenic surroundings, and ethnic traditions, these villages can be seen as living museums that reflect the combination of Miao culture and agricultural civilisation. After that, we visit the Gaoyao Terraces (100 km, 1.5 hours), where, accompanied by your guide, you can stroll along bluestone paths winding between cloud-covered mountains.
We then drive to Guiyang (160 km, 2 hours) for an overnight stay.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3–5 hours
Price includes:
- Entrance fees as per the itinerary;
- 4 nights of accommodation with daily breakfast at the hotels listed;
- English-speaking guide at each location;
- Private transfers by comfortable air-conditioned vehicles: 4-seat car for 1–2 pax, 7–9-seat car for 3–4 pax, 12–14-seat car for 5–6 pax, 17–19-seat bus for 7–9 pax.
Price doesn't include:
- Personal expenses;
- Tips for local guides and drivers;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Lunches and dinners (the guide will suggest restaurants; guests may choose dishes with the guide’s assistance and pay directly);
- Optional tours and any services not mentioned above.
Prices, per person
Accommodation
Comfort: Novotel Hotel
Premium: Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel
