Tailored Travel
Qiandongnan · Miao & Dong Heartland
About This Journey
Over 4 days, you cross through Guizhou's most layered faces—urban, tribal. You'll wander the stone maze of Yelang Valley, where a single artist spent 20 years carving fantasy into rock. You'll sit at a Miao long table as rice wine is poured from silver horns, and listen to the Dong people's ancient harmonies rise through the drum towers. And you'll walk the ancient path from Tang'an to Zhaoxing—down through mist, rice terraces, and the kind of quiet that only mountains can hold.
Why This Journey
Wander the stone maze of Yelang Valley, where one artist spent 20 years carving fantasy into rock
Watch a thousand lights flicker on across Xijiang, the world's largest Miao village
Sit at the Miao long-table banquet as rice wine cascades from silver horns in the High Mountains and Flowing Waters ritual
Hear the Dong Grand Song rise through the drum tower—2,500 years of harmony without a single instrument
Dye your own indigo batik in a Zhaoxing workshop and take the pattern home
Walk the ancient path from Tang'an to Zhaoxing, down through mist and rice terraces
Itinerary
In the morning, head to Yelang Valley—built by artist Song Peilun over 20 years, this stone fortress is themed around Nuo culture, with hundreds of stone pillars and statues stacked from rocks, mysterious and deeply artistic. Around midday, return to the city and explore Minsheng Road for local flavors: fried potato with egg, ice jelly, sticky rice, and crispy stuffed buns—Guiyang's best street food hides along this street.
In the afternoon, visit Qianling Mountain Park, known as the number one mountain in southern Guizhou. Wild macaques are everywhere here—climbing trees, sitting on fences, eyeing your belongings like trained pickpockets. Take the cable car up, visit Hongfu Temple, and enjoy a panoramic view of Guiyang. Then head to Jiaxiu Tower, a Ming Dynasty pavilion on the Nanming River first built in 1598, with red pillars, green tiles, and three-story eaves. The lights come on around 7:00 PM, reflecting in the water—Guiyang's most iconic view. When night falls, dive into Qingyun Night Market for hotpot, sour beef soup, and crispy duck. If you still have energy, head to the Huaguoyuan White House, a French-Baroque palace whose golden reflection shimmers across the lake.
Hotels
Guiyang
Set in the heart of Guiyang on Wenchang North Road, this Republic-era styled hotel offers a nostalgic stay with free cheongsam rentals, smart robot service, a gym, and laundry—steps from Jiaxiu Tower and the city's best dining.
1 night · Day 1
Xijiang
Nestled on the Xijiang viewing platform, this hillside retreat offers sweeping Miao village views—sip tea on the terrace, watch the mist roll over the valley, and let the slow rhythm of mountain life settle in.
1 night · Day 2
Zhaoxing
Set in the heart of Zhaoxing Dong Village, a hillside retreat with a private garden, sky mirror, clifftop library, and panoramic views—culture, nature, and comfort in one unforgettable stay.
1 night · Day 3
Photo Gallery
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- 3 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast included
- English-speaking guide for 4 days
- Local transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private chauffeur service to/from airport or railway station at the start and end of your trip
- Travel insurance for 4 days
- 24/7 online travel assistance throughout the trip
What's Excluded
- All admission fees and activity costs not explicitly included in the itinerary
- Any optional, recommended, or self-funded items listed in the itinerary
- All meals, snacks, and beverages other than breakfast
- Gratuities for driver and guide (at guest's discretion)
- Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, and other items of a personal nature
Booking & Payment
How do I book this tour?
Ready to start your China journey? Click "Start Your Journey" in the upper right corner to fill out the inquiry form, or send an email to hello@localechina.com and include your travel preferences. One of our travel designers will get in touch with you promptly to craft a one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored just for you.
What is the payment schedule?
A. Deposit: To begin reserving your arrangements, we ask for a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost per person. Don't worry, this deposit goes directly toward your trip and will be deducted from your final payment.
B. Full payment: Final payment for your trip is due 30 days before departure. If you book within 30 days of your travel date, full payment will be required at the time of booking. We accept credit card, international bank transfer, WeChat, and Alipay.
What is your cancellation policy?
See our full booking conditions here.
Why LocaleChina
Because great journeys are built on local knowledge. Unlike large international operators, we're based right here in China — meaning faster response, deeper connections, and authentic experiences you can't book online.
- Insider access · Skip-the-line VIP entry, hidden viewpoints, and private cultural encounters
- Full service, no hidden costs · Private GL8 transport, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodations — all arranged
- Real-time support · 24/7 local assistance before and during your trip