Sacred Peaks & Spiritual Journeys in Buddhist China
An In-Depth Exploration of Southwest China's Miao, Dong, and Yao Cultures
Day 1: Departure from Germany to Guiyang
Flight Connections and Transfers
Begin your ethnic discovery tour with carefully selected flight connections from major German cities. From Berlin, take Air Berlin flight AB5810 to Beijing with a 4-hour stopover before connecting to Guiyang. Munich travelers can opt for Shanghai transit with 14-hour layover, while Frankfurt offers direct Beijing connection with 3-hour 40-minute transfer. All routes ensure comfortable transitions to your Guizhou adventure starting point.
Day 2: Guiyang Arrival and Acclimatization
City Center Settlement
Arrive at Guiyang Airport and transfer to Novotel Hotel at South Zhonghua Road. After 30-minute taxi ride (CNY40), settle into your accommodation and explore local surroundings. Enjoy authentic Guizhou cuisine at nearby restaurants and prepare for upcoming cultural immersion.
Day 3: Guiyang Historical Exploration
Qingyan Ancient Town & Jiaxiu Tower
Discover 600-year-old Qingyan Ancient Town via bus 202 from Daximen Station or direct taxi (CNY80, 1.5 hours). Wander through flagstone lanes sampling local snacks before proceeding to 400-year-old Jiaxiu Tower. Experience the tower's nighttime transformation into illuminated crystal palace against modern city backdrop.
Day 4: Transition to Kaili Miao Culture
High-Speed Rail to Danzhai County
Check out and take high-speed train G1324/G1522 from Guiyang North Station to Kaili (40 minutes, CNY58). Transfer to Grand Metro Park Hotel then charter car to Stone Bridge Village (CNY150-200 round trip). Witness traditional paper-making techniques and visit Mandong Village's stilted houses en route.
Day 5: Deep Miao Cultural Immersion
Jidao and Langde Villages
Charter car to Upper Jidao Miao Village, divided by ancient bridge with primitive atmosphere. Walk centuries-old gravel paths, observe traditional architecture, and continue to Upper Langde Village. Optional Datang Village visit reveals deeper Miao mysteries. Enjoy authentic lunch in local household.
Day 6: Journey to Dong Territory
Zhaoxing Dong Village Transfer
Take high-speed train G2101 to Guiyang, transfer to Congjiang-bound bullet train. Upon arrival, bus to Zhaoxing Dong Village (CNY2, 10 minutes). Check into Zhaoxing Hotel near drum tower. Evening exploration of Dong architecture and culture culminates in bar experience overlooking illuminated drum tower.
Day 7: Basha and Gaozeng Ethnic Encounters
Miao Gunmen and Dong Choirs
Full-day chartered car tour to Basha Miao Village, China's last gunmen tribe witnessing tree-worshipping rituals and traditional hair shaving. Continue to Gaozeng Dong Village for Kam Grand Choirs performance. Experience both ethnic groups' distinctive customs and culinary traditions before returning to Zhaoxing.
Day 8: Tang'an Dong Heritage to Sanjiang
Mountain Village and County Transition
Morning charter car to Tang'an Dong Village (CNY120 round trip), exploring 700-year-old stilted houses embedded in mountainside terraces. After lunch, collect luggage and bullet train to Sanjiang (20 minutes, CNY16). Check into Jingxiang Hotel and evening walk to Wind and Rain Bridge for county night views.
Day 9: Longsheng Rice Terraces Expedition
Dragon's Backbone Panorama
Taxi to Hedong Bus Station for Longsheng-bound bus (1.5 hours). Transfer to Ping'an Village entrance, hiking through Yao and Zhuang ethnic settlements amid 650-year-old terraced fields. Capture breathtaking mountain agriculture landscapes before 15:00 return to Sanjiang.
Day 10: Chengyang Bridge and Guilin Transfer
Architectural Masterpiece to Karst City
Morning taxi to Hexi Bus Station for Chengyang-bound bus. Admire 70-yard Wind and Rain Bridge constructed entirely with wooden tenons. Return to Sanjiang for luggage collection and bullet train to Guilin (35 minutes, CNY27). Check into Guilin Hotel Universal near Liberation Bridge.
Day 11: Guilin Karst Landscape Tour
Caves, Hills and Night Cruise
Bus 3 to Reed Flute Cave for karst formations exploration. Taxi to Seven-Star Park's bizarre cave systems and Elephant Trunk Hill landmark. Evening Two Rivers and Four Lakes night cruise from Wenchang Bridge Dock, disembarking at Liberation Bridge near hotel.
Day 12: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Scenic Waterway to Countryside Retreat
Early check-out and taxi to Mopanshan Dock (CNY70, 1 hour) for 4-hour Li River cruise through iconic karst landscape. Arrive Yangshuo afternoon, check into New Century Hotel. Explore ancient West Street's flagstone pavement with local crafts and evening riverbank walks or bar experiences.
Day 13: Yangshuo Countryside Immersion
Cycling and Rural Discovery
Full day exploring Yangshuo's peaceful atmosphere. Optional bicycle rental for Ten-Mile Gallery cycling through rural scenery or leisurely town walking discovering local folk life and hidden corners of this idyllic retreat.
Day 14: Return Journey to Germany
Departure and Flight Connections
Check out and battery car to Yangshuo North Bus Station for Guilin Airport shuttle (1.5 hours). Take Dragon Air flight KA703 to Hong Kong, connecting to Munich (LH731) or Frankfurt (CX289) with 5.5-6.5 hour layovers. Final train or flight connections complete your ethnic discovery journey.