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 67m, 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. S

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- 5 April KLIA to Guiyang贵阳: Fly CZ366 KUL/Guangzhou 0940/1315hr and then connect to CZ3421 CAN/Guiyang 1550/1715. (NOTE : Flight schedule is based on April 2011 and update once the schedule out). Transfer to hotel and Overnight (ON) Guiyang.
Day 2 Guiyang-Sister Meal Festival-Zhenyuan贵阳—姊妹节-镇远 : Drive from Guiyang to Shidong 施洞(3.5 hours), a small Miao village situated on the banks of the Qingshui River清水河. We will see local craftsmen making silverwares. Then we spend the afternoon enjoying the festivities at the Sisters' Meal Festival 姊妹节- 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. ON Zhenyuan.
Day 3 Qinglong Dong-Wuyang River-Taijiang青龙洞—舞阳河—台江: 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空拜—西江 : 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 Kaili-Rongjiang (172km, 5hrs)凯丽--溶江 :Then drive from Kaili to Rongjiang along the western route enjoying spectacular mountain and river views, and a variety of local costumes. Stop at Datang short skirt Miao village大唐苗寨 and Nanhua Long Skirt Miao village南华苗寨 for an incredible song and dance performance put on by over 100 local people. ON in Rongjiang
Day 6 Rongjiang-Basha-Zhaoxing (200km, 4.5hrs)溶江—岜沙—肇兴 :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.