China: Minorities of theSouthwest
A 11 day trip to China provided by Asian Footsteps
This tour takes you along the backroads of Guizhou province, through myriad minority villages, from the Biasha tribe whose men dress as ancient warriors, to the Datang “mini skirt” Miao. You will hear the polyphonic singing of the Dong, see an abundance of local arts and crafts and explore the traditional architecture of villages with over 2000 year histories. Continue into north-western Guangxi to the delightful Dong village of Chengyang and the Longjii Rice Terraces before arriving in Guilin.
Photos
Details
Departures:
TRIP STYLE
A private touravailable at any time.
Accommodation is generally in simple, but comfortable tourist class hotels on a twin share basis.
Some homestays and traditional accommodations are simpler, with shared toilet facilities.
Local guides ensure you get the most from your trip.
Best April through November
Places Visited:
Guiyang - Kali - Taijiang - Xijiang - Chejiang - Zhaoxing - Chengyang - Longjii - Guilin
Activities:
Architecture
Cultural Activities
Hiking & Trekking
History & Archaeology
Spectacular Scenery
Detailed Description
Immerse yourself in a world of colourful local dress, traditional architecture and the unique cultures of the Miao people as you travel through the countryside of Guizhou Province. Kaili is the center of China's 7.5 million Miao people and the surrounding villages host markets and festivals - and foreigners are still a relative rarity in this region.
Step back in time and cross into the Dong village of Chengyang over one of the many 'wind and rain' footbridges. The bridges, or fengyu qiao as they are called locally, once served religious purposes but are now mostly used as a place for the local people to sit around, chat and sell their wares. They were traditionally entirely built in pegged cedar, and it has been said that there is not a single nail used in their construction. This is one of Southwest China's most lovely villages.
The Longjii - Dragon's Backbone - rice terraces are a sight not to be missed. Hike through the magnificent terraces that cover the side of 800-meter hillsides, visiting local minority groups along the way. Stay in a traditional hillside village and perhaps attend a cultural show. These terraces change with the seasons - sometimes filled with pure water from the mountains, then green during the growing season and later, golden-coloured when the rice is ready to be harvested. From our basic accommodation high up in the hills, we have magnificent views of the valley.
This is a trip that shows you the very best of rural China - the life, the people, the landscapes and traditions.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 :
Meet your guide/driver in Guiyang city - capital of Guizhou Province. Visit the Bird and Flower Markets followed by dinner in the night market.
Day 2 :
Travel from Guiyang to Kaili. In the afternoon visit the Kaili Minority Museum and the Matang Gejia Village. The Gejia are classified as Miao minority people; however they have their own unique costume, language and customs. Overnight in Kaili.
Day 3 :
Drive for 1.5 hours through beautiful countryside with terraced hillsides and quaint villages to reach Shidong, the center of the Long Miao culture in South-East Guizhou. We will have lunch here and see the local embroidery and silver-making before driving onto our hotel in Taijiang
Day 4 :
A short drive takes us to Kongbai where we begin a 5 hour walk to Xijiang Thousand Family Village. On the way, we will cross two mountains and pass through several small minority villages. Overnight in a Xijiang guesthouse.
Day 5 :
Today will be a long day of driving from Xijiang to Rongjiang. Along the way, enjoy spectacular high mountain and river views, and a variety of local costumes including the interesting miniskirts of Datang’s Miao minority. On arrival in Rongjiang, continue out to Chejiang Dong Villages, famous for their enormous banyan trees and traditional drum towers.
Day 6 :
In the morning, hike for 1.5 hours to Zaidang Dong Village. Here, you will enjoy the local people’s amazing chorus singing and have lunch with a local family. Then drive onto Zhaoxing, a gorgeous Dong village nestled in a deep valley, surrounded by terraced hillsides. Overnight in a Zhaoxing guesthouse.
Day 7 :
Today will be spent exploring the area around Zhaoxing, visiting the Tang’an Ecological Museum and shopping for local handicrafts.
Day 8 :
Set off early from Zhaoxing, arriving at Biasha village in the early morning for a song and dance performance. After a late lunch in Congjiang, continue onto Chengyang Dong Village.
Day 9 :
Spend a full day in this beautiful Chengyang Dong village, particularly famous for its wind and rain bridges and indigo dyed handicrafts, and wandering through nearby villages. Relax by the river listening to the sound of the waterwheels.
Day 10 :
Set out in the morning for a long, bumpy drive to the Longji Rice Terraces, near Longsheng. Settle into your hostel high up in the terraces above Dazhai Yao village, then enjoy hikes out to several viewpoints.
Day 11 :
Relaxing morning taking in the views before driving onto Guilin. Tour concludes in Guilin.
