18 Days Southern China Ethnic Minorities Discovery

Today we will explore Hong Kong city. The first stop is Victoria Peak - the highest mountain on Hong Kong island. Then transfer to Aberdeen fishing village and take a ride on the boat.

Afterwards continue today's tour with Repulse Bay and Stanley Market. Known as the Hawaii of Orient, Repulse Bay is the most wonderful bay in the region in crescent-shaped. Stanley Market is another must-go attraction of Kong Kong tour, which is a typical example of a traditional old open-air market known for its bargains with many shops selling souvenirs.

Transferred to Shenzhen and picked up by local tour guide. Then drive to Shenzhen railway station to catch the train to Guilin. Upon arrival, met by the the tour guide and visit Elephant Trunk Hill. Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol of the city of Guilin, which got its name because it looks like an elephant drinking water.

After breakfast, we will take Li River cruise to Yangsuo. On the twisty Li River from Zhujiang to Yangshuo, it covers hundreds and thousands of grotesque peaks. Breathe the fresh air, feel the gentle breeze and enjoy the spectacular landscapes here. Have lunch on board.

In the afternoon, disembark at Yangsuo. Then walk around West Street to find a lot of unique shops selling traditional handcrafts, hand-made scarfs, snacks of local flavor etc.

Drive back to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave. Known as “the Palace of Natural Arts”, Reed Flute Cave is a natural limestone cave with multicolored lighting and has been one of Guilin’s most interesting attractions for over 1200 years.

In the morning, drive to Longsheng and visit Longji Rice Terraces and Pingan Zhuang village. Then drive to Sanjiang, which is known for diverse minority cultures.

Today we will visit the Dong Village in Sanjiang and Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge. Then visit Sanwang temple.

Overnight in Zhaoxing.

In the morning, visit Zhaoxing Dong Village, which is one of the biggest Dong minority villages in China, and also the center of the Dong ethnic folk cultures. All the buildings in the village are wooden-stilt houses. In Zhaoxing Dong Village, there are five drum towers, which are known far and wide for their unique styles.

Then drive to visit Basha Miao Village, which is famed for being China’s last tribe of gunmen. Hidden away in a forest, Basha residents still live in their wooden houses, practice centuries-old customs and have their own unique beliefs.

Overnight in Rongjiang.

Visit morning market in Rongjiang, then drive to Sige Miao village, Shiqiao village, and Qingman Miao village on the way to Kaili. Shiqiao village is famous for paper making with trees’ bark, this skill can be dated back to 1,300 years ago in China. Qingman Village is one of the most prominent and populated Miao Villages within the Province. See the Miao ladies dressed in their beautiful and colorful dresses along with their traditional headdresses and silver accessories.

Today explore Langde Miao Village and Wu Dong Village. As the most picturesque Miao village in Kaili, Langde is also known as the Miao's Ethnic Village Museum and will present visitors an authentic experience of Miao. Wu Dong Villagers are typical of the “Long Skirt” Miao,” who are known for their singing and dancing.

Drive to Guiyang for overnight.

In the morning, drive to visit Huangguoshu Waterfall which is one of the largest waterfalls in China and East Asia located on the Baishui River in Anshun. The main waterfall is 67 m high and 83.3 m wide and a 134-meter-long curtain cave lies secretly behind the main fall.

After lunch, visit Tianxingqiao Scenic Spot. It is featured various grotesque limestone formations, caves, waterfalls, forest, lakes and ‘Heavenly Star Bridge’.

Overnight in Anshun.

In the morning, take the high speed train to Kunming. Upon arrival, met by the tour guide. Then visit the epitome of ethnic groups of Yunnan - Yunnan Minority Village. Get to know their architecture styles, costumes, etiquette, etc. Continue the tour to Western Hill & Dragon Gate. Stand on the Dragon Gate and have a panoramic view of the “Pearl on the Plateau” - Dianchi Lake.

In the morning, drive about 85km to the Stone Forest, a notable set of limestone formations and two parts of which have been UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the South China Karst. Besides, Stone Forest is also famous for the ethnic culture of the Sani People (a branch of the Yi ethnicminority).

After the visit, drive back to Kunming and visit Flowers and Birds Market. Then continue to stroll around the Green Lake Park, enjoying locals do dancing and making music.

In the evening, transfer to Kunming Railway Station for the overnight train to Dali.

After breakfast at hotel, take an Erhai Cruise for about 4 hours. Erhai, is the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi Lake. Then transferred to visit Xizhou Bai’s Houses (Yan’s Courtyard included) to see the ancient house of Bai people.

In the morning, visit Dali Ancient Town and Three Pagodas, the symbol of the history of Dali.

Then drive to Lijiang.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Then head to visit Yufeng Temple and Baisha Mural.

In the morning, head to visit Ancient town of Lijiang and stroll on Square Street. Then drive about 4 hours to Shangrila. On the way, stop to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world.

Morning, visit the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan - Songzanlin Monastery. Afterwards visit Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park, which is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world.

Departure from Shangrila. Service ends.