How to Plan the Ultimate Guizhou Tour

Guizhou, known as the "Land of Mountains and Waters," is China’s hidden gem where karst landscapes, vibrant ethnic cultures, and misty valleys converge. Home to the Miao, Dong, and Buyi minorities, Guizhou offers a journey through ancient villages, terraced fields, and the thunderous roar of Huangguoshu Waterfall. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for first-time visitors, blending cultural immersion with awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Preliminary Preparation

Visa and Permits
Foreign travelers need a valid Chinese visa. No special permits are required for most areas, but advance registration is recommended for remote villages.

Flights
Fly to Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE), the provincial hub. Direct flights connect major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. High-speed trains link Guiyang to Kaili (1.5 hours), Anshun (1 hour), and Congjiang (2.5 hours).

Accommodation
Choose culturally rich areas:

• Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village: Stay in a Miao-style wooden stilt house within the village.
• Zhaoxing Dong Village: Opt for a guesthouse near the drum tower or风雨桥 (wind-rain bridge).
• Guiyang: Book a hotel near the Jiaxiu Tower or甲秀楼 (city center).

Transportation

• High-Speed Trains: Connect Guiyang to major cities (e.g., Kaili, Anshun).
• Private Drivers: Hire a local driver for remote areas (e.g., Huangguoshu Waterfall, Zhaoxing Dong).
• Shared Taxis: Use dolmus (minibuses) in cities like Kaili.

Weather Preparation

• Spring (Mar-May): Mild (10-20°C), ideal for villages and waterfalls.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm (20-30°C), with frequent rain (carry a raincoat).
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Crisp air (10-25°C), perfect for hiking and festivals.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Cool (0-10°C), but fewer crowds and discounted accommodations.

Essential Apps

• Google Maps/Baidu Maps: For navigation in cities.
• Chinese-English Translator: For interacting with locals.
• Guizhou Cultural Heritage App: A guide to historical sites and festivals.

Top Attractions & Cultural Experiences

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village: The Largest Miao Village

• Miao Silverware: Watch artisans craft intricate silver jewelry, a tradition passed down for centuries.
• Long Table Banquet: Join a 1,000-person feast with Miao dishes like酸汤鱼 (sour soup fish) and腊肉 (cured pork).
• Miao Dance Performance: Watch the Lusheng Dance, featuring bamboo flutes and vibrant costumes.
• Terraced Fields: Hike through rice terraces carved into the mountains.

Zhaoxing Dong Village: Home of the Dong Minority

• Drum Tower: A 13-story wooden tower, the tallest in China, used for community gatherings.
• Dong Grand Song: Attend a performance of polyphonic singing, a UNESCO-listed art form.
• Wind-Rain Bridge: A covered bridge blending architecture and engineering, used for rest and shade.
• Dong Cuisine: Sample zhaoxing rou (smoked pork) and you cha (fermented tea).

Huangguoshu Waterfall: China’s Largest Waterfall

• Main Falls: A 77.8m-high cascade, best viewed from the Waterfall Viewing Platform.
• Xixiu District: Explore the misty forests and hidden caves behind the falls.
• Boat Tour: Ride a boat to feel the spray of the falls up close.

Libo Zhangjiang: UNESCO Geopark

• Xiaoqikong Scenic Area: A series of turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forests connected by winding paths.
• Duyun Maojian Tea: Taste green tea grown in the misty mountains.
• Buyi Minority Culture: Learn about the Buyi’s wax-printing textiles and bamboo dance.

Cultural Immersion

• Miao New Year (Nov-Dec): Join festivities with bullfights, horse races, and silver jewelry exhibitions.
• Dong Grain Storage Barns: Explore wooden barns built on stilts to protect crops from pests.
• Buyi Wax Printing: Create your own fabric design using melted wax and indigo dye.
• Festivals:
  • Miao Sisters’ Meal Festival (Apr): A love-themed event with singing and rice-throwing.
  • Dong Dong Festival (Nov): A harvest celebration with singing contests and fireworks.

Suggested Travel Length & Itineraries

1-Day Itineraries

• Xijiang Miao Village Focus:
  Morning: Miao Silverware Workshop + Long Table Banquet.
  Afternoon: Hike terraced fields + Miao Dance Performance.
  Evening: Night market snacks (e.g., glutinous rice cakes).

• Huangguoshu Waterfall Focus:
  Morning: Main Falls + Xixiu District.
  Afternoon: Boat tour + Libo Zhangjiang.
  Evening: Return to Guiyang.

2-Day Itineraries

• Guiyang-Kaili:
  Day 1: Guiyang highlights (Jiaxiu Tower, Qingyan Ancient Town).
  Day 2: High-speed train to Kaili. Visit Xijiang Miao Village.

• Zhaoxing Dong-Congjiang:
  Day 1: Zhaoxing Dong Village + Drum Tower.
  Day 2: Drive to Congjiang. Explore Buyi villages.

Multi-City Itineraries
5-Day Classic Guizhou Tour:
Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang. Visit Jiaxiu Tower and Qingyan Ancient Town.
Day 2: High-speed train to Kaili. Explore Xijiang Miao Village.
Day 3: Miao Silverware Workshop + Long Table Banquet.
Day 4: Drive to Anshun. Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Day 5: Return to Guiyang or fly home.

7-Day Grand Guizhou Tour:
Day 1-2: Guiyang highlights.
Day 3: High-speed train to Kaili. Xijiang Miao Village.
Day 4: Drive to Zhaoxing Dong Village. Drum Tower + Dong Grand Song.
Day 5: Wind-Rain Bridge + Buyi Wax Printing.
Day 6: Drive to Libo. Explore Xiaoqikong.
Day 7: Return to Guiyang. Departure.

9-Day Ultimate Guizhou Explorer:
Day 1-2: Guiyang.
Day 3: Kaili + Xijiang Miao Village.
Day 4: Miao New Year Festival.
Day 5: Zhaoxing Dong Village.
Day 6: Dong Grain Storage Barns.
Day 7: Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Day 8: Libo Zhangjiang.
Day 9: Return to Guiyang. Departure.

Best Time to Visit Guizhou

The optimal months are April-May and September-November, when skies are clear, and festivals like the Miao Sisters’ Meal Festival (April) and Dong Dong Festival (November) occur. Avoid June-August (heavy rains) and December-February (chilly temperatures in the north).

How to Get to Guizhou

• By Air: Direct flights to Guiyang from major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and international hubs (Bangkok, Singapore).
• By Train: High-speed trains link Guiyang to Chengdu (3 hours), Kunming (4 hours), and Guangzhou (5 hours).
• By Road: Overland buses from Yunnan (Kunming) or Hunan (Fenghuang).

Where to Stay in Guizhou

• Xijiang Miao Village:
  • Luxury: Xijiang Miao Village Resort (private balconies with mountain views).
  • Budget: Miao Family Guesthouse (central location, shared courtyards).
• Zhaoxing Dong Village:
  • Dong Cultural Hotel: Rooms with views of the drum tower.
• Guiyang:
  • InterContinental Guiyang: Lakeside resort with traditional architecture.

Try the Local Cuisine

Guizhou’s cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fermented ingredients, influenced by Miao, Dong, and Buyi traditions:

• Sour Soup Fish (Suantang Yu): A tangy broth with local river fish.
• Miao Cured Pork (Laru): Smoked pork served with sticky rice.
• Dong Smoked Pork (Zhaoxing Rou): Slow-cooked over pinewood.
• Buyi Glutinous Rice Cakes (Zongzi): Stuffed with sweet bean paste or pork.
• Guizhou Pepper Hotpot (Huajiao Hotpot): A numbing, spicy broth with local herbs.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Xijiang Miao Village: Achang Miao Restaurant for Long Table Banquet dishes.
• Guiyang: Huangcheng Gen (Jiaxiu Tower) for sour soup fish.

Useful Tips for Guizhou Trips

Safety and Health

• Rainy Season: June-August brings frequent rain. Pack a raincoat and waterproof shoes.
• Sun Protection: UV levels are high. Wear SPF 50+ and a hat.
• Cold Weather: Winter (Dec-Feb) can be damp. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.

Respect for Culture

• Miao and Dong Villages: Dress modestly (avoid revealing clothing). Ask permission before entering homes.
• Photography: Never photograph people without consent, especially during festivals.
• Festivals: Join celebrations respectfully; follow local customs (e.g., removing shoes before entering homes).
• Tea Culture: When offered tea, accept with both hands as a sign of respect.

Transportation in Guizhou

• Private Drivers: Hire a local driver for remote areas (e.g., Miao villages, Huangguoshu Waterfall). Negotiate rates in advance.
• Shared Taxis: In cities, shared taxis (dolmus) are a budget-friendly option.
• Train Tickets: Book high-speed trains via the China Railway 12306 app.

Shopping and Souvenirs

• Authentic Buys:
  • Miao Silverware: Bracelets, earrings, or necklaces from Xijiang Village.
  • Dong Grand Song CDs: Recordings of polyphonic singing.
  • Buyi Wax-Printed Fabrics: Scarves or tablecloths with traditional patterns.

Unique Insights and Avoiding Pitfalls

• Miao New Year: Book accommodations 3 months in advance.
• Huangguoshu Waterfall: Visit early (8-10 AM) to avoid crowds.
• Zhaoxing Dong Village: Join morning prayers at the drum tower.
• Libo Zhangjiang: Never hike alone; use a guide for cave exploration.

Travel to Guizhou With IntoTravelChina

Discover Guizhou’s Ethnic Diversity with IntoTravelChina. Our local experts design personalized itineraries that respect Miao, Dong, and Buyi traditions while exploring iconic sites like Xijiang Miao Village, Huangguoshu Waterfall, and Zhaoxing Dong Village. Contact us to plan your journey to the “Land of Mountains and Waters.”

For more details and custom tour packages, visit our website and explore our Guizhou travel guides. Let IntoTravelChina be your gateway to an unforgettable Guizhou adventure.