In the golden autumn of October, while celebrating National Day, my husband and I went on an unforgettable trip to Guizhou. Guizhou, with its overlapping mountains, crisscrossing rivers, ancient villages, and ethnic customs, left a profound impression on me with its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive ethnic cultures.

Day 1 (October 6)
We departed from Zhengzhou and took the evening flight MU8541 to Guiyang. We chose a hotel near Wenchang Pavilion, a famous scenic spot in Guiyang City.

Day 2 (October 7)
After breakfast, we walked for about 30 minutes from the hotel to Jiaxiu Tower, one of Chinas nine famous towers. Located on the banks of the Nanming River in the center of Guiyang City, Jiaxiu Tower was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, with a history of more than 400 years. It is not only an important landmark of Guiyang but also a significant witness to the local history and culture.

Jiaxiu Tower

In addition to Jiaxiu Tower itself, other attractions in the scenic area are also worth visiting. Cuiwei Garden, also built in the Ming Dynasty, shares the same architectural style as Jiaxiu Tower. With white walls, grey tiles, surrounded by green bamboo and towering ancient trees, it is a great place for tourists to relax and take a walk.

Cuiwei Garden

During our sightseeing, we also tasted the local specialty cuisine for lunch. The beef noodles in Guiyang were delicious and left me with a lasting impression. This culinary experience, coupled with the visit to Jiaxiu Tower, added even more enjoyment to my trip.

Beef Noodles

After lunch, we took a bus from the city center to Qingyan Ancient Town (about 90 minutes). Qingyan Ancient Town is renowned not only for its unique architectural style but also for its profound historical and cultural heritage. The town boasts numerous ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, which are intricately designed and finely crafted. These ancient structures, intertwined and densely packed, have become a major highlight of the town.

Qingyan Ancient Town

In the evening, we took the high-speed train to Kaili City and checked into a hotel there.

Day 3 (October 8)
A local resident told us about a popular self-driving route in southeastern Guizhou Province (China Rural Tourism No. 1 Highway). We rented a car through the Didi platform to serve as our transportation for the next two days.

Our first destination in the morning was Xiulitao Intangible Cultural Heritage Market in Kaili City. Located within the Miaodong Folk Customs Park, the market is a showcase for Kaili and even the entire southeastern Guizhou region.

Xiulitao Intangible Cultural Heritage Market

Next, we drove to Langde Miao Village. Nestled among the lush mountains and clear waters of southeastern Guizhou, Langde Miao Village is like a shining pearl, attracting tourists from all over with its unique Miao culture and rich folk activities. We experienced the warm hospitality of the Miao people and watched traditional Miao performances.

Langde Miao Village

In the afternoon, we drove to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. Upon entering the village, I was immediately captivated by the tiered and well-organized wooden stilt houses. These buildings, constructed on the mountainside, seem to be a perfect fusion of nature and human wisdom. They retain the traditional architectural style of the Miao people while cleverly utilizing the terrain to create a unique landscape.

Qianhu Miao Village

Continuing our journey, we drove along China Rural Tourism No. 1 Highway, passing through Wudong, Kaitun Terraced Fields, and Xiaodanjiang, before finally arriving at Rongjiang County, the host of the Guizhou Village Super League soccer tournament, where we stayed for the night.

Xiaodanjiang

Guizhou Village Super League Stadium

Day 4 (October 9)
In the morning, we first visited the nearby Sanbao Dong Village. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the well-organized cluster of stilt houses and the Drum Tower standing tall at the center of the village. The Drum Tower, as the iconic building of Dong villages, is not only tall and magnificent but also uniquely designed, resembling a miniature palace.

Sanbao Dong Village Gate

Sanbao Dong Village Drum Tower

Next, we continued our drive to the famous Dali Dong Village.
Nestled deep in the mountains of Zaima Township, Rongjiang County, southeastern Guizhou, beside the Lidong Stream, Dali Dong Village is a Dong village surrounded by mountains. Stepping into Dali Dong Village is like traveling through time to a peaceful and quaint haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by mountains and with a gentle stream flowing by, the village naturally slows down ones pace. We were also fortunate to witness the local "Blocking the Door with Wine" ritual performance and the singing of Dong ethnic groups grand choir, both rich in ethnic flavor.

Dali Dong Village

In the afternoon, we drove to Jiabang Terraced Fields. These terraced fields, located in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, are like a meticulously carved painting, quietly unfolding in the hinterland of Moon Mountain, awaiting the exploration of every traveler.October is the harvest season, with most rice paddies already harvested, presenting a thriving and prosperous scene.

Jiabang Terraced Fields

In the evening, we drove back to Kaili.

Day 5 (October 10)

In the morning, after returning the rental car, we took a train to Guiyang and then transferred to a high-speed rail to Anshun. Upon arrival in Anshun, we boarded a direct bus to Huangguoshu Falls Scenic Area for a visit. The waterfall cascades down from a cliff hundreds of meters high, like a white dragon somersaulting in the air before crashing into the deep pool below with a thunderous roar.

Huangguoshu Falls

In the evening, we took the high-speed rail back to Guiyang and savored the local specialty, "Duoduo Fen Sour Soup Hot Pot." Duoduo Fen, made from mung bean jelly, is soft, smooth, and delicious. The sour soup base was also exquisite, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Duoduo Fen Sour Soup Hot Pot

Day 6 (October 11)
In the morning, we took a high-speed rail to Libo. Upon arrival, we boarded a direct bus to Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area. Stepping into the scenic area, I was awestruck by the lush greenery everywhere. The dense trees formed a green barrier, shutting out the summer heat and leaving only a refreshing coolness.

Xiaoqikong

Waterfall in Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

In the evening, we returned to Guiyang and dined at the famous local restaurant "Da Pang Liu," where we tasted the specialty dish "Huoyou Luo Guo" (a type of stir-fry with hot oil).

Huoyou Luo Guo

Afterward, we checked into an airport hotel and caught an early morning flight the next day back to Zhengzhou.

Yours Sincerely

June Zhao - Charmission Travel