9-Day Tour in Guizhou, China: Culinary and Cultural Pleasures

Upon your arrival, take in the sights of Guiyang on a scenic 30-minute drive to Jiaxiu Tower, a must-see attraction. This tower, which dates back centuries, gracefully overlooks the Nanming River and provides breathtaking views of the city's classic architecture and modern urban attractiveness, as well as a window into the city's illustrious past.

Indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at Bao Zheng Restaurant, a popular local favorite, while the sun sets. Guiyang is known for its fragrant Maotai fried rice, colorful veggie wrappers (Si Wa Wa), floral jelly, and smokey BBQ on bamboo skewers, among other trademark flavors. Here you can sample all of them. The locals rave about this feast, and you'll see why.

Spend the night at the Novotel Guiyang Hotel (or an equally pleasant alternative) to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for your next adventure.

The best place to see cherry blossoms in the world is in Pingba Cherry Blossom Park, so get up early and take a beautiful 1.5-hour journey there. As you enter this whimsical garden, you will be greeted by an ethereal scene reminiscent of a painting, with its infinite waves of white and pink flowers. Take a leisurely stroll beneath the delicate petals, inhale the delightful aroma, and record the ideal moment of spring.

In the afternoon, go on a time machine tour of Tianlong Ancient Town. The residents here still wear traditional dress and cling on to ancient traditions; this hidden gem is one of the few remaining strongholds of the Ming Dynasty's Tunpu culture. Take a stroll through the town's famous Dixi opera, a one-of-a-kind masked theater that has been performed for generations, and marvel at the well-preserved wooden architecture. The stone lanes that wind through the village date back centuries.

Take it easy on the 1-hour journey to the Huangguoshu Scenic Area as the sun goes down. After a long day of sightseeing, you'll be ready to sleep it off at the Huangguoshu Hotel (or a comparable comfortable place to stay) the next day.

Start your day at China's Huangguoshu Grand Waterfall, Asia's largest. Watch the thunderous waterfall crash into a lush pool below, sending chills down your spine. The secret Water Curtain Cave journey takes you behind the thundering falls for a spectacular perspective.

Bamboo Chicken Stew will bring you down after a thrilling morning. In a hollow bamboo tube, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection with deep, earthy flavors from Guizhou's countryside.

Qingyan, a well-preserved Ming Dynasty village, is two hours away. Cobblestones, centuries-old temples, and ancient walls dot the town. Walk through its evocative lanes, explore old courtyard residences, and have sticky rice cakes, rose-flavored sweets, and Qingyan tofu.

Foodies should visit Guiyang Qingyun Market before dinner. Hot grills, fragrant spices, and a wide variety of snacks—from spicy grilled fish to crispy rice crusts—pack this busy street, guaranteeing a gourmet journey.

After your day, unwind in the Guiyang Novotel Hotel (or similar) and recall the sights, sounds, and tastes of your trip.

In the morning, embark on a three-hour journey to the stunning Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, a World Natural Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO and often referred China as "Little Jiuzhaigou" due to its verdant forests, picturesque stone bridges, and turquoise lakes. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through this verdant wonderland, where every bend gives the impression of being in a surreal dream.

Proceed to Libo County and check into your accommodation in the afternoon after a 45-minute trip. Indulge in a genuine regional experience as the sun sets on Libo's world-renowned food strip, which was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary A Bite of China.

Overnight at Jia Hua Hotel Libo, or a similar comfortable stay.

Drive to Kaili, the cultural center of Guizhou's Miao communities, for three hours after breakfast. Visit the well-known Lianghuanzhai Restaurant for lunch; it's well-known for serving real Miao food. The main course, Sour Soup Fish, is a tangy, flavorful specialty that is comfortable and unforgettable. Don't miss it!

The largest Miao village in China, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, is 40 minutes away by car in the afternoon. Take a walk down cobblestone streets, discover wooden stilt cottages tucked away in the hills, and become fully immersed in many ethnic customs.

Attend a joyous Miao long-table feast in the evening, complete with customary entertainment and the village's distinctive "flowing rice wine" greeting. Enjoy the enchanted glow of the village lights reflected around the valley as you close out the evening.

Spend the night at the quaint Sanchunli Boutique Inn or any comparable lodging.

Begin your day with a leisurely 40-minute trip to Langde Miao Village. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with the world-renowned "12 Toasts of Welcome" ceremony—a deeply moving Miao tradition replete with song, dancing, and an abundance of rice wine! Experience the village's colorful culture firsthand through performances.

For lunch, savor the flavorful Sour Soup Black Pork, a local specialty that perfectly balances tangy and savory notes.

Get in a delightful boutique hotel in the scenic Terrace Miao Village after a 30-minute trip in the afternoon. Take a trip down memory lane with a Miao-style photograph, complete with elaborate ethnic garb. Finally, go to a private teahouse for an afternoon of tranquility while taking in the calm mountain views.

Overnight at Boutique Terrace Miao Guesthouse, where tradition meets comfort.

Drive 2.5 hours to Zhenyuan Ancient Town in the morning, a riverside treasure rich in history and surrounded by foggy mountains.

After lunch, see the breathtaking Qinglong Cave Ancient Architectural Complex, where temples, pavilions, and caverns are expertly integrated into the cliffs—an amazing mix of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian influences.

When night falls, take a lovely boat trip down the Wuyang River. See how lantern lights dance on the water as the old stone bridges and houses of the town softly glow beneath the night sky. End the evening with a warm private meal including local Zhenyuan delicacies.

Overnight at Zhenyuan Fucheng Hotel, or a similar riverside retreat.

Drive 2.5 hours to the breathtaking Mount Fanjing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual refuge, starting in the morning. Its unearthly rock formations, unusual plant and animal species, and broad panoramic vistas make it a heaven for both pilgrims and wildlife enthusiasts. The trip to the highland temples is really unique whether you walk or ride the cable car.

When night falls, treat yourself to a substantial dinner at a nearby Tujia restaurant where you will taste tasty Tujia-style dishes that capture the strong, rustic character of the area.

Overnight at Haoyue Hotel, or a similar comfortable stay nestled near the mountains.

Take a 3.5-hour drive to Guiyang Airport for your departure. End of the journey.

• Seniors aged 70 or above are eligible for a $70 discount on entrance fees.
• The tour offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and authentic Guizhou culinary experiences, making it ideal for food lovers and cultural explorers.