Guizhou Photography Tour to Ethnic Groups Villages

Welcome to Guiyang, the beautiful "City of Forest" and provincial capital of Guizhou! Upon your arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport or the railway station in Guiyang, escort you to your hotel in downtown and help you check in. Have a little bit rest and fresh up!

Then, drive to feel the pleasant refreshing air of Guiyang by first visiting Qianling Park that is the No.1 Mountain in South Guizhou, the top best place to feel leisure life of Guiyang citizens, and also one of the reason why Guiyang is called “City of Forest". Watch locals dancing and doing exercise at the park and walk up via the steps at Nine Bending Path with verdant forests to Hong Fu Temple. That is a solemn temple site since 1672 AD and is popular to see grand Buddhist halls along the mountain and groups of believers worshiping there. Enjoy some pleasant moments encountering the groups of cute wild macaques from little to elder, feeling the cool of the emerald forest mountain, hearing the chipping of the birds, admiring the magnificent new skyline of thriving Guiyang City with rich "Green" before taking the cable way down to the exit!

Next, go to visit Jiaxiu Pavilion, the landmark of Guiyang city with a history of more than 400 years. Standing on a rock on Nanming River, with two stone bridges linking, the wooden tower of 3 storeys and 22.9 meters high is a must-see for visiting Guiyang and great to admire the sightseeing of the river. It is particularly appealing at sunset and night when the entire quaint tower is outlined clearly and ignited into orange and golden, against the dazzling night view of the surrounding modern skyscrapers of Guiyang city center! Take a nice walk along the river to enjoy the river wind and cityscape of Guiyang!

After today's visiting, be escorted back to your hotel and stay overnight in Guiyang!

Arrival Ideas: Visitors can get to Guiyang by flights from about 14 international destinations including Bangkok, Phuket Island, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Island, etc. and about 70 domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Changsha, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, etc. Besides, Guiyang has high speed trains from Chongqing (2hrs), Chengdu (3.5hrs), Guilin (2hrs), Guangzhou (4.5hrs), Changsha (3hrs), Wuhan (4.5hrs), Kunming (2hrs), Nanning (5hrs), Shanghai (8.5hrs), Beijing (8.5hrs), Xian (7.5hrs), Zhengzhou (6.5hrs), etc.

After your breakfast at hotel, we take a drive of 2 hours to the southwest of Guizhou,  to explore Suoga Miao village.
The Long Horn Miao in Suoga Village of Guizhou, is a unique branch of the Miao ethnic group. The Long Horn Miao call themselves "Hmongb Rongt" (written in Miao script as hmongb rongt), and most scholars believe they belong to the Qing Miao branch. There are about 4,000 Long Horn Miao people, living in 12 villages on the high mountains of Suoga.The Miao villages are built against the mountains, with earthen - walled thatched houses, which are primitive and simple. The Long Horn Miao live a self - sufficient life, following the pattern of "rising with the sun and resting with the sunset". The natural environment is relatively barren, with an average altitude of 2,000 meters, and water sources are scarce.

Head to the heart of Miao group's habitat and visit several different Miao villages in and around Kaili to feel the authentic flavor of their true life and see to how the locals make batik with wax in traditional way; Visit the short skirt Miao group in Qingman Miao village in the morning, and visit the Gejia group in Matang village in the afternoon. 

Matang is a primitive village with over 400 Gejia people who are called the 57 th ethnic group in China unofficially. According to the legend, Gejia people are the  direct descendants of Hou Yi, a legendary hero who was said to shoot the nine scorching suns in order to save his people. Matang Village is famous for exotic attires, colorful festivals and countryside feelings. The women and girls here are specialized in batik that you can fully appreciate the uniqueness of the Gejia batik patterns and embroidery as well as the excellent craftsmanship of the villagers. If you are interested, you can learn how to make batik with wax from a local master and create your own batik work (optional experience with extra payment).

In the evening, head to Wudong, a Miao Village in Leigongshan Mountain which is a remarkable and culturally rich destination. It is nestled in the Leigongshan Mountain area. Surrounded by lush mountains and beautiful natural landscapes, the village enjoys a serene and idyllic environment. The fresh air and the magnificent mountain views make it a charming place that attracts many visitors who yearn for a close encounter with nature.

The Miao ethnic group has a long history and profound traditions, and these are vividly presented in Wudong Miao Village. The traditional wooden stilted houses are a characteristic sight there. These houses are not only places for people to live but also reflect the unique architectural wisdom of the Miao people. They are well-constructed and blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural scenery.

After enjoying your breakfast, start today's excursion. The first destination for the day is Langde Upper Miao Village, renowned as "the Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art," located approximately 28 kilometers away from Kaili. This charming village offers a refreshing escape from bustling crowds, embracing a tranquil natural ambiance while welcoming visitors with open arms and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Upon reaching the village, you will be greeted with genuine warmth through a traditional welcome ceremony with the lovely ladies and girls, elegantly adorned in traditional Miao costumes offering "block-the-way" wine. Following the convivial toasts, immerse yourself further in the vibrant atmosphere as you witness an enthralling singing and dancing performance at the Lusheng Ground. Here, the talented men of the village will skillfully play the Lusheng, a traditional musical instrument, while the graceful ladies showcase their artistry through mesmerizing dances. Should you wish, feel free to join in the dance. Lunch in Langde Upper Miao village, experience the local life.
In the afternoon, we head to Datang village, to take pictures of  mini-skirt Miao group.

To enrich your experience, you can enjoy the Cultural Program which usually includes catching fish in the field, picking fresh vegetable in the farm in Wudong Miao village.

Explore a Miao village in Pingyong area, they are good at making batik and embroidery. After we arrive in Rongjiang county, head to Zaidang Dong village, an isolated Dong village in the valley of hills, the local people good at singing and women still wear their traditional daily clothes.