Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Duration: 1 to 2 weeks

Group size: 8 to12 travelers

Ethnic China

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Theme: Hidden Villages and Minority Traditions

Route 1: Guilin – Yangshuo – Longji – Sanjiang – Kaili - Guiyang (Zhuang & Dong cultures)

Route 2: Guiyang – Fenghuang – Zhangjiajie – Changsha – Chongqing (Miao & Tujia culture + Inner Modern China)

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Routes Overview

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Embark on an unforgettable journey through southern China, exploring the vibrant cultures of the Miao, Dong, Zhuang, and Yao ethnic minorities. Stay in traditional wooden villages, participate in centuries-old festivals, and learn local crafts, music, and culinary traditions that have been preserved for generations.

Wander through misty karst mountains, cross iconic stone bridges, and explore towns seemingly frozen in time. Cycle or hike through terraced fields, boat along serene rivers, and stroll bustling local markets, all while gaining a rare, intimate perspective on rural southern China.

Finish your expedition in the dynamic cities of Changsha and Chongqing, where neon-lit skylines and cyberpunk-inspired streets create a striking contrast to the region’s traditional villages. This journey is a rare opportunity to experience the full spectrum of southern China, from timeless cultural heritage to modern urban energy.

Route 1

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Map of a region in China showing four locations connected by lines: Longji, Yangshuo, Shanjian, and Guiyang. Longji and Yangshuo are in the southern part, with lines connecting them and others leading to Shanjian and Guiyang in the northern part.

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations: Guilin – Yangshuo – Longji – Sanjiang – Kaili - Guiyang (Zhuang & Dong cultures)

Discover the best of Guangxi and Guizhou as you cruise the Li River, wander ancient villages, and hike the stunning Longji Terraces. Meet Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong communities, experiencing their traditions, crafts, and festivals. A journey of landscapes, culture, and authentic encounters—ending in the vibrant streets of Guiyang.

Day 1 – Guilin Arrival
Arrive in Guilin, Guangxi, and settle into your boutique riverside hotel.
Take an afternoon stroll along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area, admiring reflections of karst peaks in tranquil waters.
In the evening, welcome dinner with your travel family, featuring local specialties like Guilin rice noodles and beer fish, and an introduction to the adventure ahead.
Overnight in Guilin
Day 2 – Li River & Yangshuo
We rise early to embark on a scenic Li River cruise, passing iconic karst peaks, fishing villages, and bamboo groves.
Arriving in Yangshuo, we will explore its quaint streets, ancient bridges, and artisanal markets. Optional cycling through rice paddies and karst hills for those seeking adventure.
Evening: sunset on West Street, followed by dinner with a Zhuang minority dance performance, introducing local culture.
Overnight in Yangshuo
Day 3 – Longji Terraces & Zhuang Villages
Travel to the Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone), hiking through the terraced hills and visiting Ping’an and Dazhai villages.
Interact with Zhuang and Yao families, learn traditional weaving and handicrafts, and immerse in local village life.
In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner with local families amid the terraced landscape.
Overnight in Longji village lodge
Day 4 – Sanjiang & Dong Villages
Drive to Sanjiang, the heart of Dong culture. Visit the architectural marvel Chengyang Wind & Rain Bridge and nearby villages.
Optional short hikes or local market visits to try Dong traditional food, such as sticky rice cakes and pickles.
Evening: enjoy Dong folk music and drum performances for an authentic cultural immersion.
Overnight in Sanjiang
Day 5 – Kaili & Miao Villages
Travel to Kaili, center of Miao culture. Visit Langde, Xijiang, and Zhaoxing villages to admire traditional wooden houses and intricate embroidery.
Engage with local artisans, learn about silver jewelry making, and witness Miao cultural rituals and dances.
Evening: dinner with local Miao specialties.
Overnight in Miao village lodge
Day 6 – Miao & Dong Festivals
Morning visit to a Miao or Dong festival, experiencing singing, dancing, and traditional ceremonies in full local costume.
Drive to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province. On the way, stop at Qianling Park for a walk among pine forests, lakes, and temples.
Evening: free time to explore Guiyang’s vibrant street food scene, sampling sour fish soup, spicy Guizhou noodles, and fermented bean curd.
Optional: visit Jiaxiu Tower for night photography.
Overnight in Guiyang
- Cruise the Li River, cycle through Yangshuo’s karst hills, and hike the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces
- Walk across ancient Dong bridges and explore their iconic wooden architecture
- Stay in village homestays, gaining intimate insight into local daily life and traditions
- Explore the scenic Zhangjiajie mountains, inspiration for cinematic landscapes worldwide

Route 2

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Map showing a route connecting five locations in China, marked with numbered circles from 1 to 5. The locations include Guiyang, Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie, Changsha, and Chongqing, with lines indicating the travel path between them.

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Guiyang – Fenghuang – Zhangjiajie – Changsha – Chongqing (Miao & Tujia culture + Inner Modern China)

Explore the ancient charm of Fenghuang, the dramatic peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the vibrant culture of Changsha, with an optional futuristic finale in Chongqing. A journey that blends ethnic traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and modern neon cityscapes into one unforgettable adventure.

Day 7 – Fenghuang Ancient Town (Tujia & Miao Heritage)
Today marks the end of the trip for travelers who joined for one week, departing from Guiyang Airport.
The continuing group reunites midday and gears up for the overland journey to Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Arrive and explore stilted wooden houses along the Tuojiang River, East Gate Tower, and cobblestone alleys.
Evening: enjoy a traditional dinner with ethnic Miao and Tujia specialties, prepared by a local host family.
Overnight in Fenghuang
Day 8 – Fenghuang Villages & Local Life
Day trip to surrounding Miao and Tujia villages, experiencing village life, embroidery, silverwork, and farming practices. Short hike a nearby hill for panoramic views of the river town.
Evening boat ride on the Tuojiang River at sunset, capturing scenic reflections and lantern-lit streets.
Local dinner featuring typical Hunan spicy cuisine.
Overnight in Fenghuang
Day 10 – Zhangjiajie National Park
Drive to Zhangjiajie (~4h), known for its pillar-like sandstone peaks. Explore Tianzi Mountain, Golden Whip Stream, and Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Cable car rides optional for panoramic views.
Evening: enjoy Hunan cuisine dinner at the scenic hotel.
Overnight in Zhangjiajie
Day 11 – Zhangjiajie & Baofeng Lake
Morning boat ride on Baofeng Lake, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forest. Optional hiking trails around the lake or short visit to Yellow Dragon Cave for its limestone formations.
Afternoon: visit a local village near the park to experience daily life and traditional arts.
Evening free for sunset photography or night strolls.
Overnight in Zhangjiajie
Day 12 – Changsha Arrival (Hunan Culture & Nightlife)
Travel by high-speed train (~4h) to Changsha, the provincial capital. Afternoon exploration of Orange Island, Yuelu Academy.
Evening street food dinner in Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, followed by neon-lit city exploration for a cyberpunk urban experience.
Overnight in Changsha
Day 13 – Optional Chongqing Extension (Cyber & Futuristic China)
Take a high-speed train (~3.5h) to Chongqing, exploring the Jiefangbei CBD, Hongya Cave, and futuristic urban skyline along the Yangtze River.
Optional visit to the most characteristic city venues for a cyberpunk experience.
Evening: farewell dinner featuring Chongqing hotpot.
Overnight in Chongqing
Day 14 – Departure from Chongqing
Transfer Chongqing Jiangbei International.
Final stroll through the city for photography or last-minute shopping. Reflect on your journey from ancient ethnic cultures to modern cyberpunk cities, and bid farewell to your travel family.
End of expedition.
- Attend ethnic festivals, witnessing traditional music, dance, and ceremonial rituals
- Experience some of the best Chinese regional cuisine, from Guangxi to Guizhou and Hunan specialties
- Experience modern southern China in Changsha and Chongqing, contrasting centuries-old villages with neon-lit cyberpunk urban streets

Highlights

Cruise the Li River, cycle through Yangshuo’s karst hills, and hike the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces
Walk across ancient Dong bridges and explore their iconic wooden architecture
Stay in village homestays, gaining intimate insight into local daily life and traditions
Explore the scenic Zhangjiajie mountains, inspiration for cinematic landscapes worldwide
Attend ethnic festivals, witnessing traditional music, dance, and ceremonial rituals
Experience some of the best Chinese regional cuisine, from Guangxi to Guizhou and Hunan specialties
Experience modern southern China in Changsha and Chongqing, contrasting centuries-old villages with neon-lit cyberpunk urban streets

Why Join

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This journey invites you to step inside China’s living mix of cultures, where every village, festival, and handcrafted artifact tells a story centuries in the making.

Traverse mist-shrouded mountains, cross ancient wooden bridges, and enter homes where traditions of the Miao, Dong, Zhuang, and Yao endure in music, gastronomy, and daily life.

Here, the rhythm of local life create an experience that is immersive and unforgettable.

Conditions & Pricing

Conditions

What is included:

✅ Accommodation with breakfast

✅ Dinners featuring local cuisine

✅ All local transportation

✅ Expert local guides

✅ Drivers, fuel

✅ Complimentary drinks and snacks

✅ Visa support and assistance

✅ Travel insurance coverage

✅ Dedicated media team

What is NOT included:

❌ International flights

❌ Personal extra meals and expenses

❌ Optional activities

❌ Visa costs (when applicable)

Pricing

Route 1: US$3,250

Route 2: US$3,250

Get 15% discount if you book both routes.

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Get in Touch

Got a question about one of our expeditions, or just want to say hi?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another adventure, our team is here to help with routes, dates, and details.

Drop us a message below — we’ll get back to you soon!

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Things to Know

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Every expedition is designed to balance comfort, discovery, and a spirit of adventure. Before you join us, here are a few key details to help you prepare and make the most of your journey — from what to expect on the road to how we travel, stay, and experience each destination.

Minority Regions (Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan borders)
15–24°C — Misty mornings, humid afternoons, frequent light rain. Green, foggy, atmospheric.
Bring: Light waterproof jacket, quick-dry layers, warm evening layer.
Guangxi (Guilin / Yangshuo / Longji)
18–26°C — Warm, humid, on-and-off rain with misty karst views. Great for cycling and terrace hikes.
Bring: Rain gear.
Changsha
16–25°C — Warm, cloudy, regular showers, rising humidity.
Bring: Light layers + umbrella.
Chongqing
18–28°C — Warm to hot, very humid, occasional rainstorms, warm nights.
Bring: Breathable clothing.
Overall: Warm, humid spring across the region; wetter in Guizhou & Guangxi, drier toward Chongqing. Expect misty mornings, comfortable days, and mild nights.
We use a mix of high-speed trains, private vans, and one overnight Arctic train, offering a true overland experience through China’s winter heartland. It’s a comfortable and scenic way to witness the country’s vast diversity.
You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, cozy mountain lodges, and warm wooden guesthouses — all handpicked for charm, comfort, and atmosphere. Expect heated rooms, local character, and authentic northern hospitality.

From remote mountain trails to cultural hidden gems, we design seamless, small-group adventures that combine exploration, and authentic local experiences.