Destinations: Guilin + Guizhou
Journey through the soul of southwest China with this exquisitely curated 9-day, adventure by PandaStudyTour—a seamless blend of breathtaking natural wonders and deeply authentic ethnic cultures. This cross-province expedition takes you from the iconic karst peaks of Guilin and the idyllic rural landscapes of Yangshuo, up to the legendary layered Longji Rice Terraces, then into the heart of Guizhou's ethnic realms: the vibrant mountain city of Guiyang, the world's largest Miao settlement at Xijiang Thousand-Household Miao Village, and the timeless Dong architecture of Zhaoxing Dong Village. Encounter four major ethnic groups—Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong—in one cohesive journey, each with distinct traditions, crafts, and architecture. Witness mirror-like terraces at dawn, cascading stilted houses alight at night, UNESCO-listed folk singing, and age-old handicrafts preserved for centuries. Designed for discerning international travelers, this itinerary balances iconic highlights with hidden authenticity, slow-paced relaxation with immersive cultural encounters, and seamless travel comfort with genuine local connections. It is the ultimate introduction to southwest China's natural grandeur and ethnic diversity—an unforgettable journey crafted by PandaStudyTour.
Tour Highlights
Why Consider This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This is not just a vacation—it is a carefully curated cultural and natural journey that distills the very best of Guangxi and Guizhou. PandaStudyTour handles every detail: smooth high-speed train connections, handpicked accommodations blending comfort and authenticity, professional English-speaking guides throughout, and thoughtfully designed days that balance exploration, relaxation, and cultural learning. Whether you are a nature lover, photography enthusiast, culture seeker, or family traveler, this tour delivers a deeply rewarding, well-rounded experience you will cherish forever.
Day 1: Arrival in Guilin · City Icon & Water Views
Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or railway station, where a PandaStudyTour guide will greet you and transfer you to a centrally located hotel near the Two Rivers & Four Lakes area. After settling in, explore Guilin's iconic highlights: Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's famous symbol resembling an elephant drinking from the river; and Duxiu Peak Royal City, a well-preserved Ming-dynasty prince's residence where you can climb to the summit for panoramic city views and learn about Guilin's 2,000-year history. In the evening, wander the pedestrian-only East-West Lane and Xiaoyao Tower, lined with traditional architecture, boutique shops, and snack stalls serving local favorites like rice noodles and osmanthus cake. End the day with a relaxing Two Rivers & Four Lakes Night Cruise, where illuminated pagodas, stone bridges, and the Twin Towers reflect beautifully on the calm water.
Day 2: Guilin → Yangshuo · Classic Li River Gallery
After breakfast, travel to the Li River pier for a 4-star cruise to Yangshuo—one of the world's most scenic river journeys. The cruise glides through Guangxi's dramatic karst landscape, passing towering limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and quiet fishing villages. Key highlights include Nine-Horse Painting Mountain, Yellow Cloth Reflection, and the famous 20-Yuan Banknote Viewpoint, where you can match the real-life scenery to the currency. The boat offers comfortable seating, an open-air viewing deck, and light refreshments. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel near West Street. Spend the afternoon exploring Xingping Ancient Town, a 1,700-year-old settlement with bluestone streets, old wooden buildings, and a historic riverside dock. In the evening, you may optionally attend Impression Liu Sanjie, a spectacular outdoor light-and-water show set against the natural karst backdrop.
Day 3: Yangshuo Full Day · Countryside Slow Life
Today is dedicated to Yangshuo's idyllic rural scenery. Start with a peaceful Yulong River bamboo rafting experience on traditional hand-pole rafts, gliding through lush rice fields, ancient stone bridges, and dramatic karst peaks lining the water. The slow pace allows you to soak in the serenity and take photos at leisure. After lunch at a riverside farmhouse, rent an e-bike or bicycle to explore the Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic rural road winding through breathtaking karst scenery. Stop at iconic spots like the Big Banyan Tree, Moon Hill, and Gongnong Bridge for classic postcard views. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Yulong River path, enjoying the sunset and the sight of cooking smoke drifting from village homes.
Day 4: Yangshuo → Longji Rice Terraces · Yao Village & Terraces
Depart Yangshuo in the morning for the Longji Rice Terraces, a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of China's most spectacular agricultural landscapes. Upon arrival, check into a traditional Red Yao stilted-house homestay with panoramic terrace views, carefully selected by PandaStudyTour for comfort and authenticity. In the afternoon, take the cable car up to Jinfo Peak, the highest viewpoint in the area, for sweeping panoramic views over the vast, layered terraces cascading down the mountainsides. The terraces were carved by the Zhuang and Yao peoples over 700 years ago, with an irrigation system still in use today. Visit a nearby Red Yao Village to learn about local customs, such as the women's famous long-hair tradition and exquisite embroidery skills. As evening approaches, watch the sunset paint the terraces in golden hues before returning to your homestay for a home-cooked ethnic dinner.
Day 5: Longji → Guilin · Terrace Deep Hike & Return
Wake early to experience the magical terrace morning mist—breathtaking mirror-like water in spring, lush green rice in summer, and golden harvest hues in autumn. After breakfast, embark on a guided hike through Ping'an Village, the oldest and most traditional settlement in the area. Visit the iconic Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon and Nine Dragons & Five Tigers viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective on the terraces' intricate lines and dramatic topography. Walk along narrow field paths to get up close to the farmland and learn about ancient farming techniques passed down through generations. Participate in a Zhuang weaving workshop with English guidance to create a small souvenir. The afternoon is free for relaxed exploration, photography, or simply enjoying the peaceful mountain atmosphere before returning to Guilin. Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxed rest; optionally visit Reed Flute Cave, known as "the Palace of Natural Arts," with stunning illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.
Day 6: Guilin → Guiyang · Mountain City Culture
Take a high-speed train from Guilin West Station to Guiyang North/East Station. In the afternoon, visit Jiaxiu Pavilion, a graceful Ming-dynasty tower linked by Floating Jade Bridge over Hanbi Pond. Explore Qianling Mountain Park, where you can see wild macaques and overlook the city. In the evening, wander Minsheng Road / Shaanxi Road Night Market, tasting local specialties like blood-and-intestine noodles, silk dolls, and stuffed tofu balls. Enjoy the layered night views of Guiyang, the "mountain city".
Day 7: Guiyang → Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village · Thousand Lights of Miao Land
Travel by high-speed train from Guiyang North to Kaili South, then transfer by official shuttle bus to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village—the world's largest Miao settlement. Enter the village. Spend the afternoon exploring ancient streets, trying batik or silver jewelry making, and renting traditional Miao costumes for photos. In the evening, head to the viewing platform for panoramic sunset views over the village; after dark, witness the famous "thousand lights"—thousands of stilted houses twinkling on the hillside. Dinner features a Miao long-table feast with sour fish, cured meat, and sticky rice, accompanied by traditional toast songs.
Day 8: Xijiang → Zhaoxing Dong Village · Dong Drum Tower Cluster
Take a shuttle bus back to Kaili South, then a high-speed train to Congjiang, followed by a short taxi ride to Zhaoxing Dong Village—China's largest Dong village. Explore Zhaoxing, featuring five ancient drum towers (including Zhituan and Xintuan), iconic wind-and-rain bridges, and traditional Dong wooden houses. Enjoy Dong Grand Chorus, a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage of unaccompanied polyphonic singing. In the evening, take a gentle hike to Tang'an Terraces, where terraces blend harmoniously with the Dong village. Dinner highlights include Dong-style sour fish and glutinous rice wrapped in barbecue.
Day 9: Zhaoxing → Guiyang · Farewell & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Zhaoxing, with free time to shop for souvenirs such as Dong cloth, silver jewelry, and local tea. Take a high-speed train from Congjiang Station back to Guiyang North. In the afternoon, your PandaStudyTour guide will arrange a timely transfer to the airport or railway station for your departure, concluding your 9-day cross-province journey through the best of Guangxi and Guizhou's natural beauty and diverse ethnic cultures.
Important Notes
This is more than a trip—it is a journey into the heart of southwest China, curated with care by PandaStudyTour to create memories that last a lifetime.
