Uncover the hidden wonders and ancient traditions of Southwest China. Guizhou is a land where dramatic karst landscapes meet vibrant ethnic heritage, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure. This 5-day curated private journey takes you deep into the heart of the province, from the surreal peak forests of Xingyi to the thundering cascades of Huangguoshu.
Your exploration begins with the mystical Getu River, where you will witness ancient cliff-climbing traditions and visit Zhongdong, Asia's last cave-dwelling village. You will wander through the "Ten Thousand Peak Forest" at Wanfenglin, marvel at the rift valley of Malinghe Canyon, and stand in awe before the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall.
Beyond the natural scenery, you will immerse yourself in the history of the 24-Bend Road and the unique Ming Dynasty culture of Tianlong Tunbao. With the flexibility of a private tour, expert local guides, and seamless logistics, this journey is designed for travelers who seek both profound cultural insights and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the secret garden of China with us and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ziyun - Xingyi - Guiyang 
Departure:
Available All Year Round 
Category:
China tours, Guizhou tours 
Theme:
Culture, History, Nature 
Suitable:
Families, Couples, Solo Adventurers, and Seniors
Private TourYour private guide and driver will meet you at your Guiyang hotel lobby in the morning to commence your Guizhou adventure. The first destination is Getu River National Park, a world-renowned site famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes and mystical river systems. The drive from Guiyang to the park takes approximately 3.5 hours, offering plenty of time to enjoy the changing mountain scenery along the way.
During your visit to Getu River National Park, you will immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty that has made this area a global destination for explorers. You will board a boat to travel downstream through massive limestone arches and hidden caverns. The highlight of the afternoon is witnessing a local Miao villager, known as a "Spiderman," scale vertical rock faces reaching up to 100 meters high without any harness or safety gear. This incredible demonstration is a tradition passed down through generations and showcases decades of rock-climbing expertise.
Following the exploration of the caves and scenic viewpoints within the park, you will be transferred to Ziyun for your overnight stay, which is about a 1-hour drive away. After checking into your hotel, you will have the evening at leisure to relax. While dinner is not included in the tour, your guide will be happy to assist you with local food choices and help you order some of the region's authentic specialties.
Tip: Getu River is a photographer's paradise. If the weather is right, the "Light of God" (sunlight piercing through the caves) is best captured in late morning or early afternoon. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there are several stairs and boat transfers!
This morning, you will return to Getu River National Park for a truly unique cultural immersion. You will embark on a 2-hour hike to reach the Zhongdong Miao Ethnic Minority Village, situated deep within the park at an elevation of 1,800 meters. This extraordinary community is famous for being the last year-round cave-dwelling tribe in Asia, with the entire village located inside a massive natural limestone cavern. Although the government has built a modern village at the base of the hill in recent years, many of the 18 households still choose to reside within the cave, preserving their traditional way of life.
After spending time exploring the cave village and learning about the daily lives of the Miao people, you will depart from Getu River National Park. Your journey continues with a private transfer to Xingyi, located in southwestern Guizhou near the border of Yunnan Province. The drive takes approximately 3 hours and offers a transition into the spectacular "Ten Thousand Peaks" region. Upon arrival in Xingyi, you will check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure, perhaps exploring the local night markets or sampling the city's famous street food.
Note: The hike to Zhongdong involves uneven stone steps. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots and bringing a light daypack for water and snacks.
In the morning, you will depart from your hotel to visit the breathtaking Wanfenglin Scenic Area. Known as the "Ten Thousand Peak Forest," this destination earns its name from the thousands of karst formations that stretch as far as the eye can see. Beyond the iconic peaks, the area is a harmonious tapestry of surrounding mountains, cascading waterfalls, traditional villages, and lush fields, offering some of the most beautiful rural scenery in China. You are welcome to explore the scenic trails on foot or opt for an electric shuttle for a more relaxed pace.
Following your visit to Wanfenglin, you will stop for lunch before traveling to the Malinghe Canyon Scenic Area. As a tributary of the Nanpan River, the Maling River has carved a spectacular deep rift through the landscape with towering cliffs rising on either side. In the afternoon, you will explore the canyon's unique fissure landscapes and visit the Tianxing Gallery, the most famous scenic spot in the park. This area features incredible calcium tapestries on the canyon walls and is conveniently accessed by an elevator.
In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Xingyi for dinner. Your guide will be on hand to suggest dining options that suit your personal preferences. After enjoying a local meal, the remainder of the evening is yours to spend at leisure, allowing you to soak in the relaxed atmosphere of this southwestern frontier city.
Local Insight: Malinghe Canyon is best visited after a rain or during the summer/autumn months when the waterfalls are at their most powerful. Don't forget a waterproof jacket or a small umbrella, as you will likely get some refreshing mist from the falls!
After meeting your guide and driver, you will depart from Xingyi and transfer toward Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in China and one of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world. Along the way, you will stop at the iconic 24-Bend Road located in Qinglong. This spectacular zig-zag mountain pass served as a vital lifeline during World War 2, connecting the Old Burma Road with Chongqing, which served as the wartime capital. You will have the opportunity to overlook the winding road from a prime viewpoint, capturing the history and scale of this engineering feat.
Upon arriving in the Huangguoshu area, your first stop will be the Tianxing Scenic Area. This site is a natural masterpiece featuring unique stone formations in various shapes, all nestled within a lush, ancient forest. It serves as a tranquil and scenic introduction to the region's karst beauty, located just a short distance from the main falls.
In the afternoon, you will proceed to the Huangguoshu Waterfalls. Standing 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide, these falls are the largest in Asia and offer a truly sensory experience. Beyond the thundering main drop, the area is surrounded by mist-covered mountains and emerald springs. A unique highlight of this visit is the Water Curtain Cave (Shuilian Dong) located directly behind the falling water, allowing you to view the cataract from the inside out. After exploring the various cascades throughout the park, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Huangguoshu area to enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure.
Pro Tip: When visiting the Water Curtain Cave behind the waterfall, it's best to wear a light raincoat or a poncho (available locally) as the mist can be quite heavy. Also, the stone steps inside the cave can be slippery—take your time and enjoy the view!
Your final day of exploration begins with a departure from Huangguoshu toward Tianlong Tunbao, an extraordinary traditional village that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Located conveniently between Huangguoshu and Guiyang, this village is often described as a "living fossil" of ancient Han culture. Visiting Tianlong Tunbao is like stepping back in time, as the descendants of the original Ming soldiers still dress in the traditional blue robes of that era, speak an archaic dialect, and maintain unique customs that have been preserved for over six centuries.
During your visit, you will explore the village's distinctive architecture, characterized by sturdy stone houses and narrow alleys. You will also have the opportunity to witness a performance of Di Opera, a traditional form of masked theater known as "ground opera" because it is performed in open spaces rather than on a formal stage. This experience offers a fascinating cultural contrast to the ethnic minority villages visited earlier in the tour.
After a local lunch, you will be transferred back to Guiyang. Depending on your travel plans, your driver will drop you off at your Guiyang hotel, the Guiyang Airport, or the Guiyang Railway Station. This marks the conclusion of your 5-day journey through the natural wonders and hidden cultures of Guizhou. END OF TOUR.
Local Tip: Tianlong Tunbao is famous for its local tea culture. Take a moment to sit in a traditional courtyard and try some "Post Station Tea". It's a great way to soak in the local atmosphere before heading back to the bustling city.
If you are looking to extend your adventure, feel free to explore our diverse range of China tours to discover more of this incredible country.
1. Flexibility: Itineraries and schedules may be adjusted based on local conditions to ensure the best possible experience. We appreciate your understanding. In the event of force majeure or sudden policy adjustments—such as ticket unavailability at certain attractions—our agency will either issue a full refund for the admission tickets or arrange an alternative attraction of equal value.
2. Special Dietary Needs: Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan) or food allergies. We will coordinate with our restaurants and guides to cater to your needs.
3. Hotel Hours: Standard check-in is after 14:00, and check-out is before 12:00. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge.
4. Price Inclusions: Our comprehensive tour package includes hand-picked hotel stays as specified in the itinerary, alongside private transfers in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated professional driver. Throughout your journey, expert, English-speaking local guides will provide insightful commentary, and all admission tickets for scheduled sightseeing spots and activities are fully covered. Additionally, the price encompasses daily breakfasts at your hotels, specially arranged lunches on all guided touring days, and all applicable local governmental taxes and service charges.
5. Price Exclusions: Please note that the tour price excludes international airfare, unmentioned domestic flights, visa processing fees, stamping fees, and related embassy charges. It also does not cover personal travel insurance, laundry, telephone calls, or other expenses of a personal nature, as well as any meals, snacks, beverages, activities, or services not explicitly stated in the tour program. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel porters, and restaurant staff are left to your discretion. Furthermore, tour prices are based on twin-sharing occupancy; if you are traveling solo, we will arrange for you to share a twin room with another traveler of the same sex in most cases, but should you prefer a private room, a Single Room Supplement will apply based on your specific travel dates.
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