Introduction:

The wonderland in the southwest of China , Guizhou , has been secluded from the rest of the country by its mountainous terrain and its distance from other regions.

Venturing deep into the villages tucked away among the mountains, we will explore traditional ethnic minority villages inhabited by Miao and Dong groups. Trekking further, we will meet the enigmatic Gejia people, not like the Hans, who account for 91% of the population of China . Wondering from one village to another, we will meet ethnic minority donned in colorful traditional costumes while selling crafts and produce at the markets. Walking outside of the villages we will see villagers tending to their rice fields.

Numerous local traditional festivals take place throughout year. We might be lucky to be at the right place & at the right time to witness these spectacular events. This will be a trip that will leave you wondering about how on the earth time and space could lead this, one of China's most isolated regions, to such high diversity & variety. The scenery will take your breath away and you will surely have lasting memories of the unspoiled beauty of its people, mountains and valleys.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Guiyang - Langde

Fly in the morning out of Hongqiao Airport to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou. From Guiyang we will drive three and half hours to Langde, a real gem with traditional wooden houses and waterwheels. We will stay the night in the village.

Day 2 Langde - Xijiang

Have a relaxing morning in Langde and head for Xijiang after lunch. Hidden in the folds of the Leigong Hills, Xijiang is the largest Miao village. It's a superbly picturesque place, set in a natural basin and bordered by paddy fields drenched in green, with wooden houses rising up the hillside. We will stay the night in the village.

Day 3 Xijiang - Rongjiang

After lunch we will drive three hours to Rongjiang village. Rongjiang is a Dong village alongside Ba La River. Rongjiang is one of the largest Dong villages in the region, with more than 700 households and a population of 4000. The Dong people are easily recognized by their traditional garb; turbans (for men) and pleated skirts (for women). They are also known for their unique architecture, particularly their Drum Towers & Fengyuqiao --Weathered Bridges. If a couple in love, hand in hand, walks through the long pavilions of these bridges without looking back, they can live happily for ever. We will stay the night in the village.

Day 4 Rongjiang - Congjiang - Basha

We will leave Rongjiang in late morning and hike along Du Liu River, checking out the stunning view from both sides of the river. We will visit Basha in the afternoon, a small Miao village with very little signs of modern influence. The people rarely step out of the village except for selling firewood and shopping for daily necessities in markets. Both men and women can be seen in traditional costumes, wearing their hair long. We will stay the night in Congjiang town.

Day 5 Congjiang - Longsheng

We will leave Conjiang in the morning to visit Longsheng, famous for being covered with terraced rice fields, with some of them reaching up to 1,000 m(3,300 ft ). Longsheng's terrace gets the title of "the Champion of the Terrace World". These terraced fields were first built about 800 years ago in southeast of Longsheng County. About 66 square kilometers rice terraces are built into the hillsides. It looks like great ribbons or chains that wind from the foot to the top of the hill. This ingenious construction not only makes the best use of the rare arable land and water resources in the mountainous area, but also forms a marvelous spectacle. We will stay the night in the village.

Day 6 Longsheng - Back to Shanghai

Today we will hike the magnificent terraced rice fields of Longsheng, carved into the hillside over hundreds of years by the local Zhuang and Yao people. The peaceful tranquility in the forests can strike you to your innermost core. The only sounds we hear come from a babbling brook or chirping bird. In late afternoon we will drive to Guilin city to take flight back to Shanghai. Trip ends.

Trip Cost

The cost of each trip will normally cover the following:
> All land transportation
> All domestic air transport and transfers as stated in the itinerary and airport departure tax
> All services of trip leaders and local guides
> All scheduled meals and accommodation
> All entry fees

YANA trips do not include:
> Food other than breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and beverages other than tea, coffee, or soft drinks at meals arranged by YANA
> Travel and medical insurance
> Gratuities to leaders or guides
> Excursions other than those specified in trips
> Private snacks and drinks