zFrom Guiyang to Guilin

Check in to the deluxe Sheraton Hotel. Your tour of the city includes the beautiful Jiaxiu Pavilion, built in the 16th century on a rocky outcrop in the Nanming River. Refresh with a cup of tea and then experience a slice of local life at the colorful bird and flower market.  Meals D

This morning’s scenic drive through the mountains brings you to Guizhou’s Southeast Autonomous Prefecture, home to Miao and Dong ethnic communities. Upon arrival in the prefectural capital of Kaili, a visit to the Folk Museum offers insight into these indigenous peoples. After lunch, journey to a mountain village and try your hand at batik dying and learn about the beautiful textiles created by the Gejia residents. Return to Kaili for a Hotpot Dinner, a local Miao specialty. Spend two nights at the Heaven-Sent Dragon Hotel. Meals B,L,D

A one-hour drive from Kaili brings you to the tranquil village of Qingman. After a traditional welcome ceremony, you’ll have a chance to spend time with resident families, most of whom still live in their generations-old wooden stilt homes. In another nearby Miao village, you’ll learn how residents have long made paper from the bark of an indigenous tree. After lunch, continue along the scenic Bala River to a village of the Datang Short-Skirt Miao where you’ll have a chance to sample their local wine and enjoy a performance of their traditional music and dance. Then embark on a guided 30-minute walk to Paika where a village family will welcome you into their home for tea and show you how they make traditional bamboo-reed pipes. Return to your hotel in Kaili for another tranquil evening.  Meals B,L,D

Depart your hotel after breakfast for a spectacular drive through the lush valleys of Guizhou where the Dong people have worked its picturesque terraced fields for generations. Explore the charming village of Tang’an to learn more about the ways of the Dong. After a coffee break with a local family, a guided 2-hour walk through the enchanting terraced valley brings you to Zhaoxing. This thriving Dong village is one of the largest in the region and sits in a lovely mountain basin. The five Drum Towers which dominate Zhaoxing like giant unfolding Lotus blossoms represent the five different family clans that settled here long ago. Your tour of the village includes visits with local Dong families and an evening performance of their traditional song and dance. Spend two nights at the comfortable but simple Zhaoxing Inn.  Meals B,L,D

A morning visit to the remote village of Jitang offers further insight into the enduring life and ways of the Dong people. Situated high on a mountain with inspiring views across the terraced valley, Jitang’s three Drum Towers are all constructed of wood without any nails! Return to Zhaoxing where your afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, immersing in its daily rhythms and timeless ambience. This evening for dinner, you’ll learn how to make the local Hot Pot.  Meals B,L,D

Depart your hotel after breakfast to visit the remarkable Wind & Rain Bridge, built by the Dong a century ago with covered pavilions and porches that provide shelter from the elements. Continue on to Sanjiang and check in to the Sucheng Hotel. You can relax for the balance of the afternoon and evening or join your guide for a scenic hike to a nearby Dong village.  Meals B,L,D

Today’s scenic overland journey brings you to Guangxi province, renowned for its amazing agricultural terraces that climb up the mountainsides giving the region its nickname, the Dragon’s Backbone! Arrive in Longsheng and check in to the enchanting Li-An Lodge, built atop a ridge with magnificent views over the rice terraces of Ping’an village. With only 16 guestrooms, this intimate lodge is stylishly accented with regional arts and crafts. After time to refresh, join your guide to explore the village and take in the sweeping panorama of the Dragon’s Backbone!  Meals B,L,D

After a relaxing morning and the opportunity to experience more of the spectacular views from your hilltop retreat, you’ll journey to Guilin and check in to the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, overlooking the Li River and ethereal mountain scenery. Then visit Yaoshan Mountain, Guilin’s highest peak and one of the best places from which to take in these magnificent landscapes. At the Tea Institute, you’ll have a chance to sample fine tea as you learn about this revered Chinese tradition. Meals B,L,D

Today’s Li River Cruise is the perfect way to appreciate Guilin’s enchanting limestone peaks. Often enshrouded by mist and clouds, these landscapes have inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries. Step off in the thriving riverfront town of Yangshuo. Then head out into the countryside for a pleasant walk and spend time with a farmer’s family at their home for a fascinating look into rural life. Return to Guilin where the balance of your afternoon and evening are at leisure.  Meals B,L

Our tour services end this morning after breakfast.  Meals B