One of China’s least known yet most underrated regions, East Guizhou offers a vibrant mix of lush scenery, ethnic diversity and rural lifestyles. Experience the genuine hospitality of the locals, as they invite you round their tables and into their homes, and attest how Guizhou managed to shake off its backwater reputation and instead developed into a safe haven of ethnic culture and tradition.
DONG | MASTER CARPENTERS
Drum Tower Village | visit an impressive covered bridge on your way to an isolated Dong village. Even though over 50 meters long, the wooden structure is well hidden. Share a typical Dong breakfast with your hosts before you go for a village wander, or follow one of the trails into the surrounding rice terraces.
Ethnic Urban Life | kickstart your day with a visit to the town’s lively daily market to sample local breakfast options and hike up to a secluded Buddhist monastery after. Have your efforts rewarded with a coffee or tea, brewed with fresh mountain water straight from the monastery’s source.
Rural Retreat | share breakfast with the village locals before you hike amidst the rice terraces to a lovely waterfall. Jump in to cool off while your hosts prepare a tasty BBQ. Perhaps make your own bamboo fishing rod to try and catch fish, or just soak in the views of (and sunset over) the paddies from your balcony.
SHUI | PEOPLE OF THE RIVER
Riverside Communities | follow the curves of the Duliu River and look for an ideal picnic or swimming spot along its banks. If water levels allow, ford the river to access Shui villages or ascend a winding road to a hilltop Miao village with panoramic views of the surroundings.
MIAO | ARTISAN MOUNTAIN DWELLERS
Ethnic Traditions | venture deep into unknown Miao lands to explore the sequence of sheltered valleys, dotted with traditional stilted wooden structures, and bordered by endless rice terraces. Have your hosts show you how Miao indigo batik is still produced the traditional way before you give it a try yourself.
A WORD ON ACCOMMODATION
Our programs include a selection of decent city hotels, charming B&B’s and authentic homestays. While developing quickly, family-friendly accommodation options remain limited in Guizhou so overnight stays alternate between 'boring but comfortable', 'basic but authentic', as well as 'comfortable AND authentic'.
Drum Tower Village
Ethnic Urban Life
Rural Retreat
Riverside Communities
Ethnic Traditions
Accommodation