Guizhou Trip

Guizhou ? Literally translated as “the precious land”, its very name is a misnomer of sorts as it is actually one of the most poorest province of China . Located south of Sichuan, and east of Yunnan, Guizhou receives few visitors, especially in the more remote backwaters. But measured in the rich minority culture still in abundance, overflowing in dramatic landscapes unspoilt by mass tourism, and topped by the majestic Huangguoshu waterfall, Asia's largest with a drop of …….m, Guizhou is a “precious land” indeed! The highlights would not be Asia's biggest waterfalls at Huangguoshu, but the many quaint villages and countryside sceneries as we move from place to place.

We use local bus for the duration of the trip. We stay in a mix of budget hotels and local guesthouses. As far as possible, it will be rooms with private bath but expect a few places without this, especially in the villages. As usual, you pay for your own meals, entrance fees and other activities.

Day 1 17 April KLIA to Guiyang : Fly 940AM (morning) CZ366 KUL/Guangzhou 0940/1315hr and then connect to CZ3692 CAN/Guiyang 1515/1655. Transfer to hotel and Overnight (ON) Guiyang.
Day 2 Shidong : Drive from Guiyang to Shidong (3.5-hrs), a small Miao village situated on the banks of the Qingshui River. We will see local crafstmen making silverwares. Then we spend the afternoon enjoying the festivities at the Sisters' Meal Festival - a dazzling display of local dress, and a lot of entertainment including drums, firecrackers, singing, dancing, bullfighting, horse racing and even beauty contests! Drive on to Zhenyuan Ancient Town for overnight.
Day 3 Qinglong Dong-Wuyang River-Taijiang: Visit Qinglong Cave (aka Black Dragon Cave), which was built into the precipitous Zhonghe Mountain during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is the largest ancient architecural complex in Guizhou, including multi-storied pavilions, temples, shirnes and palaces. Then take a cruise on the Wuyang River. Drive to Taijiang for overnight. ON Taijiang.
Day 4 Kongbai-Xijiang : Drive on to the small village called Kongbai from where you will start a 5 hour walk to Xijiang Thousand Family, crossing mountains and passing through several small Miao Villages. Arrive in Xijiang in the late afternoon. ON Xijiang.
Day 5 Xijiang-Leigongshan-Rongjiang (187km, 5hrs) :Drive from Xijiang to Rongjiang via the eastern road. On the way you will enjoy spectacular views of Leigong Mountain (Altitude : 2178). On arrival in Rongjiang visit Chejiang Dong village, famed for its 1000 year old Banyan trees. ON Ronjiang.
Day 6 Rongjiang-Basha-Zhaoxing (200km, 4.5hrs) :Visit Basha villlage for a song and dance performance. This village is known for the unique hairstyle of the men (shaved with a long ponytail tied in a knot on the top of their head) and the fact that all the men of the village continue to carry guns and knives. After lunch, drive to Zhaoxing (120km, 2.5hrs), the biggest Dong village in China. ON Zhaoxing.