Ethnic Culture Discovery

Located in the southwest of China, Guizhou has long attracted tourists from all over the world, particularly from Germany, for its unique minority culture and striking natural beauty. There are currently no direct flights from cities in Germany to Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou, and we would like to share the following flight information to help you accomplish your Southwest China tour.

For those planning China tours from Berlin Germany, consider taking Hainan Airlines’ flight HU490 (13:55/05:00+1) to Beijing Capital Airport, and then connect to Hainan Airlines HU7289 (07:30/11:00) to Guiyang Longdongbao Airport. 

If travelling from Munich, you are suggested to take Air China’s CA962 (13:00/04:50+1) to Beijing first, and then transit to Air China’s CA1461 (07:15/10:30) to Guiyang. 

Leaving from Frankfurt, you can first take Air China’s CA932 (20:00/11:15+1) to Beijing, wait for 1.5 hours to take the flight CA4164 (13:00/16:35) to Guiyang.

Upon arriving in Guiyang, please make your way to the hotel you booked. Our recommendation is Holiday Inn Express Guiyang Downtown. You can take Urban Rail Transit Line 2 from the airport to Yangming Ancestral Temple Station (Exit A), which is a 10-minute walk from this hotel and the ticket fare is CNY 4 (50 US cents). It takes around 20 minutes and costs CNY 30 (USD 4) if taking a taxi.

After checking in, you may take a rest to adjust to the time difference, and then stroll around to get familiar with the surroundings. Taiping Road, a popular food street with Yudai River flowing through, is a nice choice to indulge in the city’s nightlife. You can walk west from the hotel for 15 minutes to get there. Embrace the retro yet fashionable atmosphere, and sample some local cuisine or street food like vegetarian spring rolls, glutinous rice, and fried potatoes.

Accommodation Suggestion: Holiday Inn Express Guiyang Downtown (3 stars)

Your Guizhou adventure starts from Guiyang, a beautiful capital surrounded by lush trees and proud of history and culture. The following is a suggested itinerary for you to explore the city. 

Your first stop can be Qingyan Ancient Town. From our recommended hotel, take a taxi for an hour to get there at a cost of around CNY 120 (USD 17), or choose the public transportation: take Urban Rail Transit Line 2 from Yangming Ancestral Temple Station to West Yan’an Road Station, transfer to Line 3 to Langfengguan Station, then take bus no. 203 and get off at Qingyan Ancient Town. It takes around 1.5 hours and the fare is CNY 10 (USD 1.5).

Qingyan Ancient Town is one of the four most famous ancient towns in Guiyang, with a history of more than 600 years. It boasts a large number of well-preserved quaint residences, temples, and exquisite pavilions, which were mainly built with bricks and stones. Antique stone and wood carvings can be seen throughout the town. Visit the former residence of Zhao Yijiong (1857-1906 AD), the first Number One Literary Scholar of the national imperial examination in Guizhou’s history and one of the most important historical figures in the town. You could find various shops and snack bars along the flagstone lanes, and it is suggested to spend 2-3 hours wandering around.

After that, you can head to Jiaxiu Tower, which can be reached from Qingyan Ancient Town by taking bus Huaxi Route 18 Line 1, and transferring to bus no. 204 at Xueshi Road Station. It takes 2.5 hours and costs CNY 6 (USD 1). Or, you can take a taxi there in 50 minutes at a cost of about CNY 100 (USD 14). Jiaxiu Tower is one of the “Ten Famous Buildings” in China. Constructed in 1598 AD, it is gracefully standing on a giant rock in the middle of Nanming River in Guiyang’s downtown. Fuyu Bridge, connecting the tower and the river bank, features white stone structures and archway. When it’s getting dark, Jiaxiu Tower will be outlined with beautiful lights and casts different charm, like a bright crystal palace hidden among modern buildings. Finally, you may take bus no. 61 from Jiaxiu Tower to Normal University Station 2 to get back to the hotel, which takes 30 minutes and costs CNY 2 (30 US cents).

► Tip: Entry to Jiaxiu Tower is free but the tower closes every Monday. Please note that in case you want to ascend it. 

Accommodation Suggestion: Holiday Inn Express Guiyang Downtown (3 stars)

Today, you are suggested to head to Kaili, a gateway for deeply experiencing the local ethnic village culture. There are many high-speed trains running daily from Guiyang North Railway Station to Kaili South Railway Station, with a one-way journey taking 40 minutes, making the trip easy and smooth. From our suggested hotel to Guiyang North Railway Station, a taxi takes 20 minutes and costs around CNY 30 (USD 4). For a budget way, you can take bus no. B234 or 3 from Normal University Station to Penshuichi Station, and then take Urban Rail Transit Line 1 to the railway station, taking 40 minutes in total and the fare is CNY 6 (USD 1).

Upon arrival, head to the suggested hotel Hampton by Hilton Kaili by taxi in 15 minutes and costing CNY 25 (USD 3.5), or you can take bus there in 1 hour: take bus no. 21 or 20 from the railway station to Binjiang Town for CNY 4 (50 US cents), and walk 5 minutes northeast to the hotel.

After a short break in the hotel, you may pay a visit to Kaili Miao & Dong Customs Park, which offers a glimpse into the real life and brilliant customs of the two major ethnic groups in Kaili. Stroll among the traditional wooden houses with incredible carvings, and get overwhelmed with the gorgeous clothing, delicate embroidery handicrafts, and silver jewelry at “Xiulitao” Intangible Cultural Heritage Fair. From our suggested hotel, you can get there by a 10-minute taxi costing about CNY 10 (USD 1.5). 

► Unmissable Kaili Delicacy: Sour Soup Fish
Because of the damp and cold climate in Guizhou, nothing beats a mouthful of spicy and sour soup for the locals. Sour Soup Fish is one of the representative dishes in Kaili. It is a hot pot dish featuring strong flavor of fermented rice, with tender fish fillets and vegetables. One bite could leave endless aftertaste in your mouth! Maybe have a try at one of the restaurants in the customs park.

Accommodation Suggestion: Hampton by Hilton Kaili (4 stars)

Today, you are advised to further explore the beauty of Kaili. Since most of the ethnic villages are scattered in remote mountain areas, public transportation is not so convenient. It’s recommended to charter a car with a local driver to visit Langde Miao Village and Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, costing around CNY 500-800 (USD 70-110) per day. 

Langde Miao Village is about an hour’s drive from our suggested hotel. Located north of Kaili, it is a Miao cultural hub praised as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance”, with a history of over 600 years. As soon as you reach the village, hospitable villagers in traditional Miao costumes will warmly greet you at the entrance with the 12 courses of way-blocking wines, which is one of their most important welcoming ceremonies. There is no need to worry if you don’t want to drink, and you can just smile and give a nod of greeting. Admire the beautiful wooden architecture like the Wind and Rain Bridge and the stilted houses of the Miao people. At around 11 o’clock am, you may enjoy singing and dancing performances in the Copper Drum Ground or Lusheng Ground of the village.

After having lunch, you could proceed to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village by an hour’s ride. Literally “thousand-household village”, it is one of the largest Miao villages in China, if not in the world. Get prepared to be shocked by the view of thousands of traditional wooden stilted dwellings densely perched on the slope of the mountain. The Miao Nationality Museum could offer you an in-depth understanding of the Miao’s everyday life from art, festivals, to customs and traditions. Miao people are especially good at embroidery and silver jewelry making, which is embodied in their handmade batik clothes and intricate accessories. Stroll among the picturesque village, participate in some hands-on handicraft making activities or maybe rent a Miao outfit and take some gorgeous photos. After the visit, return to the hotel within an hour’s drive.

Accommodation Suggestion: Hampton by Hilton Kaili (4 stars)

Today, head to Zhaoxing to explore the Dong ethnic culture. From the hotel, you can take bus no. 21 or 20 to Kaili South Railway Station for about CNY 4 (50 US cents), or take a taxi there costing about CNY 25 (USD 3.5). Since there are no direct trains from Kaili to Zhaoxing, you need to change trains in Guiyang and get off at Congjiang. We suggest you take high-speed train G2989 (09:58/10:40) from Kaili South Railway Station to Guiyang North Railway Station, and then transfer to G3707 (11:15/12:52) to Congjiang Railway Station. The journey is about 3 hours in total. 

After arriving in Congjiang, please find your way to Zhaoxing, which is about 4 kilometers (2.5 mi.) away from the railway station. We recommend you to stay at Zhaoxing Post Office Hotel. You could take Liping Bus no. 5 for half an hour to Zhaoxing Station for CNY 2 (30 US cents), walk east and buy yourself an entrance ticket of Zhaoxing Dong Village at the Tourist Service Center, so that you could enjoy a free transfer to the recommended hotel. Alternatively, you could hail a taxi from the railway station and go directly to the hotel, which costs about CNY 20 (USD 3) and takes 10 minutes. 

After settling down in the hotel, you may visit Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest settlement of Dong ethnic minority in China, to admire the Dong-style buildings and experience their culture. The entrance ticket is valid for 3 days with unlimited use, so you can tour around it today and tomorrow. Maybe take part in a Dong Bonfire Party in the evening to watch a Grand Dong Song performance, a kind of local polyphonic chorus, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Accommodation Suggestion: Zhaoxing Post Office Hotel

Today, you could further explore Zhaoxing Dong Village. With a history of over 1,000 years, it is a living fossil for the charming Dong culture. From the viewing platform on the hillside, you could enjoy a breathtaking vista of the whole village, including the ingenious wooden buildings and the green terraced fields. The 5 Drum Towers, constructed without using a single nail, are the iconic structures of Zhaoxing Dong Village that have been listed in the Guinness World Records. You may spend an hour or two experiencing traditional Dong batik or tie-dye at a workshop, and making yourself an ethnic-style piece of clothing or a small bag as a souvenir. 

Thereafter, you could take a free shuttle bus to Zhaoxing Dong Upper Village, and take a 20-minute bus to Tang’an Dong Village embedded on the hillside. With a history of over 700 years, it faces large layers of terraced fields and lies in the arm of green mountains. Take a stroll along the stone-paved lanes, see the well-preserved Dong houses, and discover the world’s only Dong ecological museum - Tang’an Dong Ethnic Eco-museum founded by China and Norway. After the visit, you could take a bus to get back, or, more recommended, go for a 3-hour hike along a scenic trail to return to the hotel near Zhaoxing Dong Village. As one of China’s 7 most beautiful hiking routes, the trail offers tranquil and rural sceneries which are particularly magnificent at sunset, leading your way through rice terraces and valleys. 

Accommodation Suggestion: Zhaoxing Post Office Hotel

This morning, take a taxi to return to Congjiang Railway Station and store your luggage there. Then take a direct bus from the railway station to Basha Miao Village, which costs CNY 30 (USD 4) and takes 1 hour. 

Basha Miao Village is famous for being the “World’s Last Gunner Tribe”. The villagers here are legally permitted to carry guns, and coincidentally, most villagers are surnamed “Gun”. Hidden in remote forests, the village has retained its ancient living customs. Trees have been worshipped as gods for over a thousand years, and Basha people never cut down old trees for their reverence for nature and deities. Enjoy the fresh air and picturesque view, and learn how the villagers hold traditional wedding ceremony in their matriarchal community. Watch how men shave their hair with a sickle and do their distinctive hair bun, which is the oldest male hairstyle in China.

Returning from Basha Miao Village, please take a 20-minute high-speed train from Congjiang Railway Station to Sanjiang South Railway Station. The train D1861 (16:40/16:58) is recommended. After arrival, proceed to the suggested Sanjiang Jingxiang Hotel, which can be reached by bus no. 4 to Jiaotongju Station and a walk west for 15 minutes. It takes around 1 hour and the fare is CNY 3 (40 US cents). A taxi to the hotel costs about CNY 30 (USD 4).

In the evening, try some local dishes at a nearby restaurant. After dinner, you may take a leisurely walk along the Xunjiang River to Sanjiang Wind and Rain Bridge, one of the longest Wind and Rain Bridges in China, and enjoy the night scene from the bridge.

Accommodation Suggestion: Sanjiang Jingxiang Hotel

Today, it is highly recommended to take a one-day tour to Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng, which is about 65 kilometers (40 mi.) from Sanjiang. You could either charter a car with a driver or take a long-distance bus to get there. 

► Recommended Bus Route to Longji Rice Terraces:
From Sanjiang Jingxiang Hotel, you could first walk east for 15 minutes or take Sanjiang bus no. 2 to Sanjiang Hedong Bus Station, where the buses to Longsheng Main Bus Station are convenient and efficient. A one-way ticket costs CNY 26 (USD 4). Upon arrival, you can transfer to a local bus for about CNY 10 (USD 1.5) to Ping’an Village, the major entrance to the rice terraces. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hours in total.

Longji Rice Terraces, aka Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, is definitely worth a visit for being one of the largest terraced fields in the world. It is a real agricultural wonder that has 2,300 years of history and spans from 380 to 1,180 meters (1,250 to 3,870 ft.) above sea level. Residents of Yao and Zhuang ethnic groups have lived here since 650 years ago, making the terraced area seemingly endless extending from the foot of the mountain to the top. You could watch some folklore performances and listen to folk songs in the nearby villages, and admire the traditional dwellings of different ethnic groups. The rice fields are perfect for taking splendid photos, enjoying the landscape, and indulging in the rural beauty. If you get back by bus, please go to the pick-up point at Ping’an Village before 3:00 pm, and return to Longsheng Main Bus Station to catch the last bus to Sanjiang.

Accommodation Suggestion: Sanjiang Jingxiang Hotel

This morning, you can spend some time exploring Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge and the nearby Dong Villages before leaving for Guilin. From the hotel, you can walk east for 5 minutes to Sanjiang Hexi Station for the 1-hour Sanjiang-Linxi bus to Pingyan Village Station, from which you can easily get to the scenic area. The bus fare is about CNY 6 (USD 1).

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, or Chengyang Bridge, was completed in 1924 AD and is one of the largest and best-preserved wind and rain bridges in the world. Stretching across Linxi River and featuring 5 pavilions with graceful flying eaves, this 77-meter (255 ft.) wooden bridge is a true Dong masterpiece using only tenons and mortices to fix each wooden strip instead of nails, making it one of the “World’s Four Most Famous Historical Bridges”. For Dong people, a wind and rain bridge functions more than a structure that connects the river banks. It is a public place for gathering and relaxing, carrying memories about the surrounding villages. Enjoy some time admiring the bridge and walking among the villages to see stilted buildings and drum towers.

After the tour, return to the hotel to fetch your luggage and head to Sanjiang South Railway Station to board a 35-minute high-speed train to Guilin. You are recommended to take the train D1809 (15:51/16:23), and stay in Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center after arrival. From Guilin West Railway Station, you can take bus no. 22 to Shizijie Street Station for CNY 2 (30 US cents), and walk southeast for 10 minutes to the hotel, which takes about an hour. A taxi ride costs about CNY 30 (USD 4).

In the evening, you can walk east to the banks of the Li River, and take a stroll along the promenade to take in the scenic views of Guilin’s hills and rivers. For dinner, you may try Guilin people’s favorite food - rice noodles. You can have it dry or with hot broth, and add some toppings you like.

Accommodation Suggestion: Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center (3 stars)

Guilin, one of the most beautiful cities in southern China, is world-famous for its typical karst landscape, with lush mountains and amazing limestone caves. Today, you are recommended to visit Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven-Star Park, and Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area.

First, take bus no. 3 for about 45 minutes from Shizijie Street Station near the hotel to Reed Flute Cave, one of the largest and most stunning natural caves in Guilin. It is 240 meters deep (787 ft.), abounds with splendid stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations. As its name suggests, the cave is surrounded by lush reeds which can be made into flutes. Getting into the cave, you’ll be dazzled by the works of nature lit by colorful lights. Marvel at the colossal pillars in the 18-meter-high (60 ft.) Crystal Palace, and appreciate the ancient inscriptions left by literati and travelers over a thousand years ago. After the visit, you can take bus no. 3 back to Shizijie Street Station, and transfer to bus no. 21 to Jianganlukou Station to reach the Seven Stars Park, which is named for housing 7 peaks scattered resembling the 7 stars of the Big Dipper. Here you could explore the karst cave Seven Stars Cave, whose earliest written records could date back to the 5th century AD, Guilin’s oldest bridge - Flower Bridge, and Guilin Forest of Steles.

Later, you may take a taxi, costing about CNY 20 (USD 3), from the park to the Elephant Trunk Hill facing the confluence of the Li River and the Taohua River. As one of the most iconic hills in Guilin, it looks just like an elephant bowing its head and drinking water with its trunk. Between its “legs and trunk” is the Water Moon Cave, which is such a round natural miracle attracting photographers from all over the world. Another unmissable experience is to take a night cruise in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area. Wenchang Bridge Pier is a 5-minute walk westward from Elephant Trunk Hill Park, from which you could board a cruise ship and enjoy the marvelous night view of Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun & Moon Pagodas, and other landmarks of Guilin. You can walk across the bridge to return to your hotel after the cruise.

Accommodation Suggestion: Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center (3 stars)

Today, you are advised to leave for Yangshuo, which is an idyllic town located by the Li River and surrounded by imposing karst formations. We strongly recommend you to take a Li River cruise to get there, feasting your eyes on the quintessence of the river’s beauty. The boats set off from Bamboo River Wharf (Zhujiang Wharf) and depart from 8:30 to 10:30. There are no direct buses from the downtown to the wharf, so you may set out at least 1.5 hours in advance and take a taxi there at a cost of around CNY 80 (USD 11). Alternatively, you can choose our Li River cruise ticket booking service with a hassle-free hotel-to-wharf transfer. During the 4-hour cruise, you could enjoy the views and the refreshing air. Upon arrival, you are recommended to check in at the 4-star New West Street Grand Rezen Hotel, which is a 15-minute walk from the wharf.

After settling down, you can walk to the nearby Yangshuo West Street. Lodges, restaurants, cafes and bars in Chinese and Western styles are lined up along the bustling street. Although the history of the street can be traced back to 1674 AD, it is now titled as “China’s First Foreigner Street”. Walk along the flagstone pavement, interact with the locals, and sample some authentic Yangshuo dishes like the Beer Fish. The area becomes more vibrant at night. Maybe find yourself a bar for a drink and get immersed in the intoxicating vibe.

Accommodation Suggestion: New West Street Grand Rezen Hotel (4 stars)

Enjoy another day in the charming Yangshuo. In the morning, you can walk west for 15 minutes to County Transportation Bureau Station, and take bus no. 2 for 1.5 hours to Xingping Ancient Town, a peaceful town that is over 1,700 years old. Take a leisurely stroll and let the centuries-old houses with blue tiles bring you back to the distant past. Walk from the village to the riverbank, you could encounter the spot which is the background of the CNY 20 banknote. The mountains’ reflection on the clear water makes it a real-life landscape painting. 

After that, you could take the same bus no. 2 to Guoshuiju Station to tour the Ten-Mile Gallery. It is a long bike lane with a series of scenic spots including Yulong River, the Big Banyan Tree, and the Moon Hill, as well as viewing platforms and rest pavilions. You can rent a bike or an e-bike to go sightseeing. Feel the breeze and be mesmerized by the karst hills, rural villages, and verdant forests. This nature lovers’ paradise is sure to offer you one of the most unforgettable memories of your China tour.

Accommodation Suggestion: New West Street Grand Rezen Hotel (4 stars)

Your budget China holiday tour itinerary from Germany ends today. We wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey!

If you are departing for your next destination by plane, you can take bus no. 803 from Central Square Station to Yangshuo Bus Station, where there are direct shuttle buses to Guilin Airport. The bus departs every 2 hours and takes around 1.5 hours to the airport. The ticket price is CNY 70 (USD 10).

If you want to return to Germany, currently there are no direct flights. We suggest you first take buses to Guilin Airport, from which you can take bus no. 22 to Guilin West Railway Station, costing about CNY 87 (USD 12). Take high-speed train G319 (12:42/15:58) or G407 (13:46/16:54) to Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station, and then take Airport Express for an hour to Hong Kong International Airport, where there are a lot of flights flying to Germany. You could take Turkish Airlines TK71 (22:30/11:55+1) to Berlin with a stopover of 5 hours in Istanbul, or take Swiss Flight LX139 (23:15/08:15+1) to Munich after a one-hour transfer in Zurich. If you are leaving for Frankfurt, take the direct flight Cathay Pacific CX289 (23:55/07:15+1).