A 17 Days Minority Tour Through Southern China's Breathtaking Landscapes and Rich Ethnic Diversity
- tourmaster
- Jun 4
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Beijing(3N)-Zhangjiajie (3N)-Fenghuang(1N)-Fanjing Shan(1N)-Zhenyuan(1N)-Sisters' Meals Festival-Kaili(1N)-Congjiang-Zhaoxing(1N)-Guilin(1N)-Longsheng-Yangshuo(2N)-Shenzhen(1N)
This tour is centered around the breathtaking landscapes and diverse minority cultures in southern and western China. It features Zhangjiajie, known for its distinctive sandstone pillar formations, and Fanjingshan, which boasts stunning scenery and a wealth of biodiversity. Additionally, the tour will introduce you to over 10 ethnic minorities, including the Miao, Tujia, Dong, Yi, Gelao, Bai, Shui, Hui, Zhuang, Yao, and more. The highlight of the tour is the Sisters' Meal Festival in the Kaili area, an annual event in April that is the grandest celebration of the Miao ethnic group.
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Upon arrival of Beijing, you will meet with our private guide and be transferred to hotel for check-in. After that, you can choose to explore the fascinating capital city by your own, or enjoy a good rest at hotel after a long-time flight journey.
Day 2: Beijing
The second day in Beijing will take you to experience the charm of this ancient capital city. We start with Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, by walking from the south to the north side to closely feel the symbolic heart of Beijing. Crossing the road by underground passage, we stroll into Forbidden City, a grand and ancient architectural complex that once served as the imperial palace for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. Walking through its vast halls and courtyards, you can marvel at the intricate details of the buildings, the rich history that permeates every brick and beam, and the sense of awe that comes from standing in a place where centuries of Chinese history unfolded. Going out from the north gate of Forbidden City, we continue to Coal Hill, on top of which you will have a stunning panoramic view of the palace complex. Walking through Yan Dai Xie Jie, a bustling street with various shops, we go to Houhai, originally served as a royal lake and now a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of culture and relaxation. After a short stay at Bell and Drum Tower Square, we will take a rickshaw to shuttle between the old Hutongs, including a visit of local family living there.
Day 3: Beijing
In the morning, we will drive to visit Great Wall at the Mutianyu Section, less crowded yet equally majestic part of this iconic landmark. You will ride a cable car up to the highest watchtower, then take a hike along the flagstones of hundreds of years old to admire the natural scenery and experience the historical significance. The next must-see spot is Summer Palace. With its beautiful lakes, gardens, and pavilions, it is a perfect example of Chinese landscape gardening. The last stop of today goes to 798 Art Zone, a renowned cultural and artistic hub, where you will find various art forms like painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art, and all kinds of nice shops.
Day 4: Flight to Zhangjiajie
Our last day in Beijing will go to visit The Temple of Heaven, which was served as the sacred place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the heavens and prayed for good harvests, now it has become a popular park for locals and tourists to do more exercises or have a relax, like practicing Taichi, singing, dancing, playing poker, strolling with a bird and so on. Before leaving from Beijing, we will take a visit of Panjiayuan Market, a sprawling marketplace in Beijing renowned for its vast collection of antiques, cultural artifacts, and second-hand goods. In the evening, we will take a flight to Zhangjiajie.
Day 5: Zhangjiajie
We will take a full day tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: From the entrance we first take tourist shuttle to enter the forest park, take Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie, visit “the First Bridge under heaven”, “Vertigo Platform”, “the Pillar of South Heaven “and so on; Then take battery car to Tianzi Mountain and visit Helong Park, Yubi Peak, Fairies Spreading Flowers and other sites. Going down by cable car, we will take tourist shuttle to Golden Whip Stream for a light and relaxing walking along the river.
Day 6: Zhangjiajie
In the morning, we drive to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a vast area filled with stunning landscapes, including deep gorges, towering cliffs, and lush forests, and the Glass Bridge. The bridge spans 430 meters (1,410 feet) in length and is suspended 300 meters (980 feet) above the ground, making it one of the longest and highest glass-bottom bridges in the world. In the afternoon, we will visit Baofeng Lake by taking cruise boat to enjoy its picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and local minority customs.
Day 7: Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang
The last day in Zhangjiajie will take you to Tianmen Mountain, also known as "Heaven's Gate Mountain". From the station located in the city center, we will take a long cable car for nearly half an hour up to the mountain, walk along glass plank road, take elevator to Tianmen Cave, and go down by tourist shuttle through the road of 99 bends. After some relaxing time in coffee shop, massage shop or pedestrian street after several days’ walking in mountains and valleys, we will take high-speed train to Fenghuang. Upan arrival of Fenghuang and meet with the guide, we will take Maglev Sightseeing Express Train to Fenghuang Old City; The train's large panoramic windows allow visitors to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the gentle rivers, making it an unforgettable travel experience.
Day 8: From Fenghuang to Fanjing Shan
Exploring Fenghuang Ancient City is like stepping back in time, with its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and rich ethnic culture. Whether you’re strolling along the riverside, crossing the iconic Red Stone Bridge, or visiting the historic sites, the city offers a unique blend of tranquility and vibrant local life. You may have visited the Great Wall in Beijing, but have you heard of the Southern Great Wall in the mountains west of Fenghuang? Let's climb this historic mountain fortress and take in the breathtaking views. After that, we continue drive to Fangjing Shan and overnight at a boutique guesthouse at its food.
Day 9: Zhenyuan
Enjoy a full day exploring Fanjingshan, known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Start your tour by taking a shuttle bus to the cable car station, then ride the cable car to the mountain top for breathtaking views. Highlights include the iconic Mushroom Stone, a natural wonder shaped like a giant mushroom that has stood for over a billion years. Continue to the Old Golden Summit and the Red Cloud Golden Summit, where you can visit ancient temples and enjoy panoramic vistas. Hiking trails offer a closer look at the unique rock formations and lush forests, while the cable car provides an easier option for those who prefer less strenuous exploration. Drive to Zhenyuan Ancient Town and
Day 10: Sisters’ Meal Festival
In the morning we explore ancient temples, traditional courtyard houses, and enjoy scenic views from the riverside, then we drive to a local town to join in the Sisters’ Meal Festival. It is considered the oldest "Valentine's Day" in Asia, celebrated by the Miao ethnic people in Guizhou Province. During the festival, Miao girls prepare colorful glutinous rice, known as "sisters' rice," dyed with natural pigments from wildflowers and leaves. They dress in elaborate traditional costumes adorned with silver ornaments and gather by the riverside to sing, dance, and present the rice to young men as a way of expressing their feelings. The festival also features activities like bullfighting, horse racing, and traditional Miao performances.
Day 11: Kaili
Given the grand scale and rich activities of the festival, one day is definitely not enough to fully experience it. Therefore, we'll stay for an additional half day to make the most of our visit. After bidding farewell to the Miao “sisters,” we’ll head to Kaili and visit the unique Matang Gejia Ethnic Village. This village is home to over 400 members of the Gejia ethnic group, who are known for their distinctive customs, traditional attire, and exceptional batik craftsmanship
Day 12: Basha Village and Zhaoxing
Langde Miao Village is a well-preserved traditional Miao ethnic village known for its authentic Miao culture, ancient architecture, and warm hospitality. You can experience traditional Miao customs, watch local performances, and explore the village's unique stilted houses and drum towers. Continue to Congjiang and visit Basha Village, where you will experience the Welcome Ceremony with Guns, where villagers greet guests with traditional music instrument – Lusheng and a ceremonial gunshot. The village is also known for its Coming-of-Age Ceremony, where young boys undergo a hair-shaving ritual and receive their first rifle, symbolizing their transition to adulthood. In the late afternoon, we will drive to Zhaoxing for overnight. Zhaoxing Dong Village, nestled in Guizhou's lush mountains, is the largest Dong ethnic settlement in China, famed for its iconic drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges, and vibrant traditional festivals.
Day 13: High-speed Train to Guilin
In the morning we go to visit Tang'an Village, a hidden UNESCO-listed gem perched above breathtaking terraced fields, where ancient wooden stilt houses and drum towers harmonize with the rhythmic beauty of layered rice paddies—offering both cultural immersion and stunning landscape photography. Transfer to railway station and take high-speed train to Guilin. First visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, known for its distinctive shape resembling an elephant drinking from the river. Then, enjoy a walking tour along the picturesque Li River, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding karst landscapes. Finally, take a leisurely stroll around the serene Shanhu Lake, where you can admire the lake's stunning beauty and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 14: Longsheng Terrace Fields
Longji Rice Terraces, carved into the mountainsides, are a spectacular sight with cascading fields that shimmer like silver ribbons. Created by the Yao people over generations, these terraces showcase their farming wisdom and cultural heritage. Land transfer to Yangshuo and check in hotel.
Day 15: Yangshuo
We start with bamboo rafting to Fuli, taking in the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, visit the charming Fuli old town, which is famous for its traditional fan-making skills. Then go on a bicycle tour to nearby villages, with stops at Banyan Tree and Moon Hill. Finally, explore the bustling West Street, which offers a lively atmosphere and vibrant night life.
Day 16: Guilin to Shenzhen
We will spend the morning at local market and Yangshuo Park to get an up-close look at the daily life of the locals. On the way back to Guilin, we make a stop at Xianggong Hill, renowned for its panoramic sunrise views over the dramatic karst peaks and the serene Li River, offering photographers and travelers a breathtaking vista of Guilin's iconic landscape. Transfer to take high-speed train to Shenzhen. Shenzhen is a vibrant and innovative metropolis in southern China, renowned for its rapid development, cutting-edge technology, and modern skyline. It is a global hub for technology and finance, while also offering beautiful natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and a dynamic urban lifestyle.
Day 17: Departure from Shenzhen
We start by exploring Window of the World, a theme park that offers miniature replicas of famous landmarks from around the globe. From there, head to The Mixc, a bustling commercial center where you can marvel at the city's impressive skyscrapers. Continue to Shenzhen Bay, where you can enjoy stunning views of the bay area and the vibrant skyline. Finally, stroll through Dongmen Old Street, a historic pedestrian zone filled with traditional shops, street food, and a lively atmosphere.
According to the flight time, you will be transferred to airport and take departure flight back to home.
