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Ethnic Trails of Guizhou & GuangxiNestled in the green hills of Guizhou and surrounded by ancient karst (limestone)formations of Guangxi you will find unspoilt ethnic minority villages where life is lived much as it has been for centuries. Home to some of China's most colorful and intriguing nationalities many of these towns are now accessible and thus far remain untouched by modern civilization. Let us show you one of the country's most amazing and worthwhile overland journeys as you make your way South from Guiyang to Guilin
Guiyang - Huangguoshu - Kaili - Rongjiang - Zhaoxing - Shenyang - Longji - Yangshuo
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Pre-tour
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Getting to Guiyang
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Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou Province. While it is possible to connect directly to Guiyang from your international flight, you will probably want to take in some of the mainstream sights in China before exploring Yunnan. As such this tour idea was created to be used as part of a longer tour in China or an add-on trip. Flights and trains to Guiyang arrive from many Chinese cities and new highways are currently being constructed to neighboring provinces. Short on sights you will spend just a night here before venturing further into Guizhou Province. |
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Days 1 to 2 - Huangguoshu
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Stay at the Grand Waterfall Hotel Anshun
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Set out by car from Guiyang for an excursion to see the enormous Huangguoshu waterfalls, the largest in Asia. Take some time to marvel at the collection of bonsai trees in the adjacent garden area. You will also visit the Longgong Cave complex and take a boat ride into one of the vast chambers of these ancient caves. In the evening return to Anshun and relax at the hotel or venture out to explore this prefectural capital. |
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Days 2 to 4 - Kaili & Rongjiang
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Stay at the Grand Dragon Hotel in Kaili, stay at best available in Rongjiang
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After breakfast, drive to Kaili, the first of many ehtnically diverese towns on this route. Experience the authentic ethnic culture by visiting a noted Long-skirt Miao Village and see the typical Wooden Stilt Houses. Witness the traditional way of paper-making at one of the workshops and wander around to get a sense of the town's unique characteristics. The next day continue by car to Rongjiang stopping at a Long Skirt Miao village along the way. Later visit a Shui and Miao ethnic village before arriving at Rongjiang. |
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Days 5 to 7 - Zhaoxing
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Stay at the best available guesthouse
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Drive to visit Yintan Dong Village. Then explore Basha Miao Village. Basha residents are dressed in indigo garments and the villages men all have a distinct hair style and carry a gun or knife to complete their permanent warrior appearance. Later continue to Zhaoxing, home to the region's largest population of Dong people. Dong architecture with its many Bell Towers and ornate bridges is impressive and renowned across the country. The next day you can enjoy a full free day to explore the area and get up close and personal with its vivacious population. |
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Days 8 to 10 - Chenyang & Longji
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Stay at the Li an Lodge in Longji
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Continue your journey and drive to the town of Chenyang, home to the famous Wind & Rain Bridge, an imposing wooden construction, erected without the use of a single nail and centerpiece of this attractive Dong town. Afterwards continue your drive to the settlement of Ping'an on the slopes of Longji, also know as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Stay at the truly wonderful Li An Lodge and enjoy a full free day to explore this scenic highlight. Optionally a hike to nearby Dazai village can be arranged on your free day. |
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Days 11 to 13 -Yangshuo
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Stay at the Paradesa Resort
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After leaving Longji you will transfer to the lively town of Yangshuo by the picturesque Li River. Yangshuo may be busy and a bit of a backpacker haven but it is also surrounded by some of China's, if not the world's most spectacular scenery. You get to explore the beautiful countryside by bycicle, enjoy a fun cooking class and partake in a range of optional activities such as Tai Chi, calligraphy, bamboo rafting, hiking, rock climbing and cave exploring. Alternatively you are free to relax at one of the many cafes in town. Finally, you will be treated to a magnificent show called 'Liu San Jie', set on the river. Continue to Guilin the next morning and continue your onward journey in China or beyond. |
