China Natural Beauty and Minority Culture Tour
Discover the wonders of China's most captivating destinations on our 15-day Hong Kong, Guizhou, Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie, and Shenzhen tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity. Journey into the pristine landscapes of Guizhou and be awestruck by its picturesque villages and breathtaking natural beauty. Step back in time in the charming town of Fenghuang, with its well-preserved ancient architecture. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Visit the Ethnic Group Miao Village in Guizhou
Climb up the Famous Fanjing Mountain
Step Into the Rich History of Fenghuang Ancient City
Marvel at the Famous Hallelujah Mountain in the Movie "Avatar"
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
An amazing experience in Beijing !
We had a wonderful time visiting the Beijing Zoo and the Great Wall with our guide Paul! He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable and took exceptionally good care of us. We enjoyed conversing with him and learning about life in Beijing as well as the history of the Great Wall. He was also helpful in finding us food to fit my dietary needs which I appreciated. Everything about our trip has been smooth and we had such good fun. I would absolutely recommend China Highlights and Paul for their professionalism! more
Sep 2024, Ann-Marie M@E2527CAannmariem
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Family Fun Beijing!
Great experience with China Highlights!!! Great sightseeing, wonderful people! Thank-you Selinda (Tour guide) for a wonderful time! more
Sep 2024, DSD
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Guide Olivia
Olivia was an excellent and thoughtful guide. Would highly recommend. H as d an excellent trip to Beijing in September 2024 more
Sep 2024, RupertL
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Guiyang. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Explore the impressive Huangguoshu Waterfalls, one of China's largest waterfall groups. With 18 falls on the ground and 4 underground falls, they offer a magnificent sight. Nearby, the Tianxing Qiao Scenic Area features a stunning aquatic stone forest, combining stones, trees, and water for a captivating natural landscape.
Experience the traditional opera called Dixi or Ground Opera in Tianlong Village. Known as "the living fossil of ancient shows," this unique art form is performed during festivals and celebrations. Watch as performers place wooden objects on their foreheads to project their voices and engage the audience.
Visit the Maling Gorge/Stars Art Gallery, which is situated just 10 kilometers from Xingyi. This national scenic spot showcases a breathtaking gorge that will leave you in awe. When viewed from above, it appears as an endless chasm, earning its reputation as the spectacular crevice of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. As you explore, you'll be captivated by the stunning sight of numerous permanent and seasonal waterfalls, creating a truly enchanting view that is simply gorgeous.
Discover the magnificent Forest of 10,000 Peaks in Xingyi, a place that promises to captivate and enchant. This exquisite karst hill landscape bears a striking resemblance to the renowned beauty of Guilin, leaving no doubt that it is a destination worth exploring.
Delve into the rich tapestry of cultural traditions at the Guizhou Museum of Marriage Customs of Ethnic Minorities, the only museum of its kind in China. Immerse yourself in a captivating display of over 600 exhibits, including captivating pictures, evocative videos, remarkable ethnic wares, traditional costumes, and enchanting love tokens. Delight in the exploration of ethnic people's courtship rituals, the significance of love tokens, engagement ceremonies, mesmerizing wedding traditions, and the beauty of their marriages.
Journey to Aiyu Buyi Village and discover the intriguing heritage of the second-largest ethnic group in Guizhou, the Buyi people (with Miao being the largest). Having migrated to the Xingyi area approximately 200 B.C., the Buyi people have preserved their traditional way of life throughout the centuries. Marvel at their unique architectural style, as houses feature walls, door frames, and windows fashioned from single limestone slabs. The flat-tiled roofs skillfully collect water and provide natural air conditioning through evaporation, a testament to the Buyi people's ingenuity and bond with nature.
Venture to the awe-inspiring Dragon Palace, located just a short drive away. This remarkable site features a vast network of karst caves stretching for 15 kilometers, connecting over 90 caves across 20 hills.
Our adventure begins as we explore 840 meters of the stone tunnel, divided into six magnificent "halls." Marvel at the cave's towering 80-meter height and 50-meter width, adorned with stunning stalactite formations. To access this natural wonder, we'll enjoy a scenic 30-minute boat ride on Tianci Lake—truly an unforgettable experience.
Discover the 'Village of Ancient Papermaking' where wood is transformed into paper using ancient techniques. Learn the step-by-step process and create your own unique paper craft with the guidance of an experienced artisan.
Experience the warm welcome of Qingman Miao Village with block-way wine and explore their traditional wooden stilt houses. Witness traditional fabric dyeing using indigo.
Explore the enchanting Jidao long-skirt Miao village, tucked away in the picturesque province of Guizhou, China. This serene village is inhabited by the Miao people, who lead a simple life amidst lush, organically cultivated fields and towering pine forests. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture as you witness children playing and parents tending to their crops.
Next, embark on a short journey to Datang short-skirt Miao village, situated at the foothills of Leigong Mountain. Here, you'll encounter unique local customs and marvel at the iconic Miao women's short skirts. Don't miss the chance to explore their waterproof granaries, an integral part of their heritage.
Experience the ancient art of batik at Matang village (60 hours). Guizhou Batik designs, dating back 1,500 years, beautifully reflect Miao legends and traditions specific to the region. Matang village is renowned for its talented batik artisans. Step inside their dyehouse and witness the creation of stunning batik pieces. Engage in the process as you use melted wax and a special knife to create your own pattern on a white cloth. The cloth will then be dyed in an indigo vat for approximately three days. Finish off by boiling and washing away the wax, revealing your unique creation.
Explore the remarkable Green Dragon Cave, a fascinating complex with a rich history dating back 500 years to the Ming Dynasty. Despite enduring several instances of damage and subsequent repairs, this ancient site now spans an impressive area of 21,000 square kilometers. Divided into six distinct parts, including the cave itself, Zichan Academy, and Longevity Palace, Green Dragon Cave showcases a harmonious blend of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.
Discover the hidden gem of Zhengyuan Ancient Town, nestled along the riverbanks of Wuyang River. This picturesque old town boasts numerous well-preserved structures, including centuries-old buildings, traditional folk houses, and rustic piers. Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of this small, secluded town and take in its tranquil beauty.
Situated at the crossroads of Jiangkou, Yinjiang, and Songtao counties, Fanjing Mountain is a remarkable destination that captivates travelers with its mystical allure. The mountain boasts an array of fascinating Buddhist sites, which have earned it a prominent place among China's renowned peaks.
Prepare to be enthralled as you explore the hidden gems and sacred spaces that make Fanjing Mountain an unparalleled experience for US travelers in China.
Fenghuang Ancient City (also known as Phoenix City), a captivating destination that combines tranquility and liveliness. Nestled along the scenic Tuo River on the western border of Hunan province, this ancient city offers a serene atmosphere during the day and transforms into a vibrant world of lanterns at night.
Explore the nine famous attractions, including the Tuojiang River, Hongqiao Art Building, former residences of Shencongwen and Xiongxiling, the ancestral hall of Yang, Wanshou Palace, Chongde Hall, the Eastern Gate Tower, and the Museum of Ancient Town. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and rich cultural heritage of Fenghuang Ancient City for an unforgettable journey through time.
Today, our guide will lead you to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is a stunning natural attraction that has recently been developed into a wonderland for visitors. It offers a combination of majestic mountains, flowing streams, intriguing caves, towering cliffs, and lush forests. One of the highlights of this scenic area is the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Imagine the thrill of walking on this bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground! It's definitely an experience you wouldn't want to miss during your tour.
If walking on the glass bridge isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. We have an alternative route that allows you to still enjoy the attraction without stepping on the glass bridge. However, if you decide to take on the adventure, please note that for safety reasons, carrying a camera on the bridge is not allowed. You can, however, bring your cellphone or GoPro to capture those unforgettable moments.
Visit the Tianmen Mountain, the awe-inspiring heart of Zhangjiajie! As the highest peak in the area, this majestic mountain offers unrivaled views of ancient trees, stunning karst formations, and scenic roads carved into cliff sides. Hop on the world's longest cable car ride, a thrilling 30-minute journey from the city center, and ascend to the mountain's summit.
At 1430 meters above ground, you'll find the renowned Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a remarkable observation platform that extends from a sheer cliff. This narrow 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass walkway offers brave souls not only breathtaking views of the mountains below but also the exhilaration of treading nervously above such heights. Some have even likened this experience to the famous 'skywalk' at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
Don't miss the chance to explore this remarkable natural wonder in China. Savor the beauty and thrill of Tianmen Mountain, an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Soar to new heights on the Huangshi Fort Cable Car, reaching an altitude of 1200m. Behold awe-inspiring rock columns at Huangshizhai and take in breathtaking views of the forest's rugged landscape.
Escape the crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of Yangjiajie Cable Car. Admire typical Zhangjiajie pillars during the short ride, and revel in the unique natural rock walls at Yuanjiajie.
Uncover the allure of the recently discovered Yangjiajie Scenic Area. Ascend the steps and marvel at Tianbofu, Wulong Village, Skywalk, and Narrow Cliff. Please note that Tianbofu will be closed from Aug. 27th to Sep. 20th for maintenance.
Explore the captivating beauty of Yuanjiajie, located in northern Zhangjiajie National Park. This renowned area boasts top attractions such as Hallelujah Mountain, reminiscent of Avatar's floating rocks. Don't miss capturing the iconic 'First Bridge in the World' from the 'Viewing Bridge Platform.' Visit in the afternoon around 5:00 PM for the best photography opportunities and to avoid crowds. Tianzi Mountain and Yangjia Valley are also easily accessible from here.
Discover the tranquil Baofeng Lake, nestled in a mountainous basin. A shuttle bus will take you to the pier, where you'll enjoy a leisurely 30-minute boat ride. Admire the diverse hills, listen to traditional songs performed by local minorities, and bask in the serenity of this hidden gem.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Shenzhen Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-12