15 Days China Minority Discovery Tour (Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi)

In the morning, begin your private tour to Baisha Village, located north of Lijiang Old Town. As the first settlement of the Naxi people, it served as the economic and political center of Lijiang from the Ming to Qing dynasties.

Highlights:

• Visit a local Naxi family to experience traditional customs and daily life.
• Explore ancient palaces and pavilions.
• Admire the Baisha Murals, a remarkable fusion of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi artistic styles, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Tibetan Buddhism.

Next, stop by Yuhu Village to see the Museum of Joseph Rock Former Residence, learning about the Austrian explorer who studied the region’s culture and botany.

Proceed to Shuhe Ancient Town and visit the Tea-Horse Road Museum, which showcases the historic trade route linking Yunnan, Tibet, and beyond.

Before returning to your hotel, visit Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Culture Museum to explore traditional Naxi art, rituals, and mythology.

This day offers a deep dive into Naxi culture, ancient architecture, and local history, combining scenic beauty with cultural insights.

After breakfast, drive from Lijiang to Dali, one of Yunnan’s most culturally rich destinations and the heartland of the Bai ethnic minority. The journey passes through scenic mountain landscapes and rural valleys.

Your first stop is Xizhou Old Town, a well-preserved Bai settlement known for its traditional architecture, historic merchant residences, and relaxed countryside atmosphere. Walk through the ancient streets and visit the Yang Family Courtyard, a classic example of Bai residential architecture, featuring elegant courtyards, finely carved wooden doors, and detailed marble decorations that reflect the prosperity of former merchant families.

Continue to Zhoucheng Village, the largest Bai ethnic village in the Dali region and an important center of traditional handicrafts. Here, you will experience the long-established art of Bai tie-dye making, observe local artisans at work, and learn how this traditional craft has been preserved and passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, arrive at Dali Old Town, located between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. The town is known for its ancient city layout, Bai-style white-walled houses, and lively streets filled with local shops, cafés, and traditional crafts. Take a relaxed walk through the old town, explore its historic lanes, and enjoy the atmosphere of this former trading hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Overnight in Dali.

After breakfast, visit Erhai Lake, one of Yunnan’s most scenic highland lakes. Take a relaxing walk along the lakeshore, enjoy reflections of the surrounding mountains on the water, and observe local fishermen working in traditional villages along the shore. This peaceful setting offers a close look at the daily life and landscape culture of the Bai ethnic area.

Continue to the Three Pagodas Temple, one of the most iconic landmarks in Dali. The ancient complex features three elegant pagodas set against a backdrop of mountains and open sky. Walk through the temple grounds, explore traditional Bai-style architecture, and enjoy panoramic views over Erhai Lake and the surrounding countryside.

After lunch, transfer to Dali Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, begin a short city exploration.

Visit Green Lake, a central urban park known for its calm waters, willow-lined paths, lotus ponds, and seasonal birdlife. Continue to the Flowers and Birds Market, a lively local marketplace filled with plants, handicrafts, birds, and traditional goods, offering a colorful look into everyday Kunming life.

In the evening, explore Kunming Old City, where historic streets, local food stalls, and a mix of traditional and modern architecture create a relaxed nightlife atmosphere.

Overnight in Kunming.

After breakfast in Kunming, depart for Xingyi, traveling through the changing landscapes of Yunnan and entering Guizhou Province. The journey combines dramatic natural scenery with authentic rural and ethnic culture.

Your first stop is the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering limestone pillars that rise like a natural stone labyrinth. Walk along scenic trails, explore narrow rock formations, and capture panoramic views of this extraordinary karst landscape. Nearby, visit Yi ethnic villages, where traditional houses, handmade crafts, and daily village life offer insight into one of Yunnan’s major ethnic groups.

Continue driving through Shizong, passing rolling hills, terraced farmland, and rural countryside. If time permits, stop at a local tobacco farm to observe traditional cultivation methods, followed by a visit to a country market, where local farmers trade seasonal produce and daily goods, providing a lively glimpse into regional life.

Arrive in Xingyi in the late afternoon and visit the Guizhou Folk Museum of Wedding Rituals, located in a traditional courtyard residence. The museum showcases the wedding customs of the Miao and Buyi minorities, including ceremonial attire, ritual objects, and cultural traditions, all displayed within a well-preserved historic architectural setting featuring carved wood and stone details.

Overnight in Xingyi, preparing for deeper exploration of Guizhou’s karst landscapes and ethnic culture.

Begin your day with a private morning visit to Wan Feng Lin (Ten-Thousand Peaks Forest), located just 4.5 km from Xingyi. This spectacular area features nearly 20,000 limestone peaks, forming one of southwestern China’s most famous karst landscapes. Wander along the trails, marvel at the towering peaks, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of this dramatic natural forest of stone.

Next, continue to Maling River Canyon, a 74.8-kilometer-long geological marvel created around 70 million years ago by crustal movement. The canyon is often called “the beautiful scar on the planet,” with steep cliffs, lush vegetation, and striking karst formations that make it a photographer’s paradise.

In the afternoon, hike for about two hours along Tianxing Gallery (Heaven-Star Gallery), the most scenic section of the canyon. This trail passes 13 cascading waterfalls, serene river stretches, and towering limestone cliffs framed by verdant forest. The interplay of water, rock, and greenery creates one of Guizhou’s most picturesque landscapes.

Return to Xingyi in the evening for overnight stay, reflecting on a day of dramatic natural beauty and remarkable karst formations.

After breakfast, depart from Xingyi and travel toward Anshun, passing through the scenic countryside of Guizhou Province. The journey combines rural landscapes, ethnic villages, and karst scenery along the way.

Your first stop is Zuoqi Black Miao Village, a traditional settlement of the Black Miao people. The village is known for its distinctive black clothing tradition and well-preserved customs. As you walk through the village, observe local women wearing elaborate silver earrings and finely embroidered costumes, reflecting the cultural identity and craftsmanship of the Miao ethnic group.

Continue to a nearby Buyi village, where traditional handicrafts remain an important part of daily life. Visit local homes and workshops to learn about ancient techniques of spinning, weaving, and textile production that have been passed down for generations, offering a close look at the everyday culture of the Buyi people.

In the afternoon, arrive at Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia and one of China’s most iconic natural landmarks. Surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic karst formations, the waterfall is known for its powerful flow, wide curtain-like cascade, and impressive natural scenery.

After check-in at your hotel in Anshun, the rest of the day is free to relax or take a gentle walk in the surrounding area. Overnight in Anshun, preparing for a deeper exploration of the waterfall scenic area the next day.

After breakfast in Anshun, begin a full exploration of Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia. The scenic area comprises 18 waterfalls of varying sizes, with the main cascade standing 67 meters high and 83.3 meters wide. Surrounded by lush vegetation and karst formations, the area also features striking waterfall caves, unusual rock formations, and ancient trees, creating a dramatic natural setting.

Walk along the viewing trails to experience the waterfall from multiple angles, including platforms that bring you close to the roaring waters and mist, immersing you in the power of this natural wonder.

Afterward, continue to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Qingyan Ancient Town, a historic military settlement with over 600 years of history, featuring stone-paved streets, ancient city walls, and well-preserved architecture.

Finally, visit Jiaxiu Tower, Guiyang’s iconic landmark built over 400 years ago on the Nanming River. The tower’s elegant architecture and riverside location make it a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Overnight in Guiyang.

After breakfast, take a private drive of about 170 km from Guiyang to Kaili, the cultural heart of the Miao ethnic region in Guizhou Province. The journey passes through rolling hills, rivers, and rural landscapes, offering a scenic introduction to the region’s ethnic diversity. Upon arrival in Kaili, check in at your hotel and enjoy lunch before starting afternoon visits.

In the afternoon, explore Shiqiao Miao Village, a well-known settlement famous for its traditional handmade paper production. Here, local residents continue the ancient craft of making paper from tree bark and roots. Visit small workshops to observe each step of the process, including soaking, pulping, shaping, and drying, and learn how this eco-friendly technique has been preserved for centuries.

Continue to Qingman Miao Village, where a family visit is arranged for a more immersive cultural experience. You will be welcomed with a traditional Miao drinking ceremony upon arrival. Walk through the village lanes to observe daily life and traditional wooden stilt houses built using mortise-and-tenon joinery without nails. These houses are typically located on hillsides or slopes, featuring layered wooden structures and pyramid-shaped roofs that blend naturally with the surrounding environment.

This visit offers a deeper understanding of Miao architecture, customs, and rural mountain life.

Overnight in Kaili.

After breakfast, depart from Kaili and travel toward Rongjiang, passing through mountainous landscapes and traditional ethnic settlements along the way.

Your first stop is Langde Long-Skirt Miao Village, named after the traditional long skirts worn by local Miao women. The village is known for its well-preserved wooden stilt houses and strong cultural atmosphere. Upon arrival, enjoy welcoming singing and dancing performances by villagers, offering an authentic introduction to Miao traditions and daily life.

After lunch, continue to Datang Short-Skirt Miao Village, where the short-skirt costume tradition has been preserved for more than 500 years. Local women are also known for their distinctive hairstyle believed to originate from the Tang Dynasty (618–907). The village is especially famous for its unique “water granaries,” an unusual and highly distinctive form of traditional storage architecture found in this region.

Continue to a Shui ethnic village located in a quiet mountain valley. Explore traditional wooden houses, observe Shui clothing and customs, and gain insight into the rural lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Shui people, adding another layer to Guizhou’s ethnic diversity.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Rongjiang, check in at your hotel, and rest after a full day of cultural exploration.

Overnight in Rongjiang.

Today the journey continues deep into the heart of Guizhou’s ethnic minority region, where traditional Miao and Dong cultures remain beautifully preserved. After leaving Rongjiang, the road leads into the mountainous landscapes of southeast Guizhou, passing through rivers, forests, and scattered village settlements.

The first stop is Basha Miao Village (岜沙苗寨), one of the most unique Miao communities in China. Known as the “last gunmen tribe,” local men still maintain traditional hairstyles, clothing, and ceremonial customs that have been passed down for generations. Walking through the village, you will see wooden stilt houses built along the hillside and experience a way of life that feels unchanged by modern time.

Continuing the drive, the route passes through Congjiang (从江) area, where clusters of Dong villages appear along the valleys. Traditional wooden houses, rice fields, and ancient Wind and Rain Bridges create a peaceful rural landscape that reflects the harmony between people and nature.

By late afternoon, arrive at Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨), one of the largest and most representative Dong villages in China. The village is famous for its five drum towers, stone-paved lanes, and wooden bridges connecting different clan areas. As evening approaches, the atmosphere becomes especially charming, with soft lights glowing over traditional rooftops and the sound of local folk songs echoing through the valley.

You will stay overnight in a local guesthouse, surrounded by the authentic lifestyle of the Dong people, offering a rare opportunity to experience ethnic culture up close in a peaceful mountain setting.

After breakfast in Zhaoxing, the journey continues toward Guangxi, leaving Guizhou’s mountain villages behind and gradually entering the famous karst and minority cultural region of southern China. The drive itself is scenic, passing through rivers, terraced fields, and forest-covered hills.

The first major highlight today is Sanjiang (三江), home to the Dong ethnic group in Guangxi. Here you will visit the world-famous Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge (程阳风雨桥), a masterpiece of traditional Dong architecture built entirely from wood without nails or rivets. The bridge is not only a transportation crossing but also a cultural symbol where villagers gather, rest, and celebrate festivals. Walking across it offers a close view of intricate wooden craftsmanship and river valley scenery.

Around the bridge area, small Dong villages are scattered along the riverbanks. Life here moves slowly, with locals engaged in farming, weaving, and traditional crafts. This part of the journey offers a deeper understanding of how ethnic communities continue to preserve their cultural identity in modern China.

In the late afternoon, continue driving toward Longsheng (龙胜). As the landscape gradually changes, the mountains become more layered and dramatic, eventually revealing the famous terraced fields of the region. Upon arrival, check into a mountain-view guesthouse surrounded by forest and rice terraces.

The evening is quiet and peaceful, with fresh mountain air and natural scenery all around. It is a perfect place to rest after a full day of cultural exploration, enjoying the simplicity and beauty of rural life in southern China.

This morning begins in the peaceful mountain environment of Longsheng (龙胜), where mist often lingers over the forested hills and terraced fields. After breakfast, head deeper into the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田), one of the most iconic landscape masterpieces in southern China.

The terraces unfold layer by layer across the mountainsides like giant natural staircases, reflecting the sunlight and changing colors with the seasons. If weather permits, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise view as golden light slowly spreads across the fields, creating a truly unforgettable panorama.

Continue exploring the Longji Ancient Villages (龙脊古村寨), home to ethnic groups such as the Yao and Zhuang people. Wooden stilt houses are built into the mountains, and villagers still maintain traditional farming lifestyles. Walking through the narrow paths, you will see rice fields, drying crops, and local daily life that remains deeply connected to the land.

In the afternoon, leave the mountain region and drive toward Guilin (桂林). As you descend from the highlands, the scenery gradually changes from terraced mountains to classic karst landscapes. Upon arrival in Guilin, the rest of the evening is free for you to relax and explore the riverside city at your own pace, enjoying its peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings.

Today is dedicated to one of the most famous natural landscapes in China. After breakfast, board a comfortable boat for a scenic journey along the Li River (漓江), where towering karst peaks rise dramatically from the water, creating a landscape often described as a living Chinese painting.

As the cruise slowly moves downstream, the scenery continuously changes—misty mountains, bamboo groves, and small riverside villages appear one after another. The reflections on the water make the entire journey feel calm and poetic, offering endless photo opportunities.

Later, continue with a visit to traditional countryside villages along the riverbanks. Here, life remains closely connected to agriculture. You will walk through rice fields, narrow village paths, and rural farmlands, and may even step into local homes to gain insight into traditional farming life in southern China. This experience offers a closer look at how people live in harmony with the natural environment.

In the afternoon, return to Guilin city. The rest of the day is free for personal exploration, whether strolling along the lakes, visiting local markets, or simply relaxing and enjoying the unique karst scenery that surrounds the city.

Tips: The cruise takes approximately 4 hours and reaches Yangshuo around 14:00. Lunch is served on board as a basic Chinese boxed meal, so consider having a hearty breakfast before departure to ensure you’re well-prepared for the journey.

On your final day in Guilin, enjoy a city tour highlighting some of the most famous scenic spots.

Begin with Reed Flute Cave, renowned for its spectacular karst formations. Inside, you’ll encounter naturally sculpted stalactites and stalagmites with imaginative names such as Crystal Palace, Dragon Pagoda, and Virgin Forest, all illuminated by colorful lighting that enhances the magical atmosphere.

Next, visit Seven Star Park, the largest park in Guilin City. The park combines karst caves, hills, lakes, ancient temples, stone bridges, and historical inscriptions, offering a serene environment and excellent photo opportunities.

Conclude with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s iconic landmark. This massive limestone formation resembles an elephant drinking from the river, a sight that will leave a lasting impression.

After the tour, your private guide will transfer you to Guilin Airport, marking the end of your 15-day China Minority Discovery Tour. Say farewell to your guide and fellow travelers, carrying memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable encounters with China’s ethnic minorities.