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6-Day Guizhou Minorities & Villages Photography Tour

The photography tour offers an opportunity to explore the rugged and arid northwest region of China, where you can capture stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the historic Silk Road.

  • Capture stunning images of the rainbow mountains and Danxia landforms in Zhangye

  • Witness the rugged and untamed Jiayuguan Pass

  • Appreciate the ancient grottoes of Dunhuang

  • Photograph the breathtaking desert landscapes during sunrise and sunset

Destinations

Guiyang - Kaili - Xijiang-Zhaoxing - Guilin

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Fitness level

Easy

Drone friendly

Yes

Tour type

Private

Dates

May to October

A photo escape like no other

The itinerary has been crafted by a photography specialist to inspire your next escape. You have the flexibility to personalize it according to your preferences and style, allowing you to capture the scenery and locals on your own conditions and departing at your convenience.

Photo Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Guiyang - Qingyan Old Town - Kaili

Upon your arrival in Guiyang, your local guide and driver will meet you at the airport or railway station. From there, you will head to Kaili, the capital city of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.

 

If time allows, your first stop will be Qingyan Ancient Town. This town, over 600 years old, served as a courier station and military fortress. It still preserves exquisite ancient dwellings, temples, city walls, gateways, and more.

Capture photos of the symbolic Stone Archway and Dingguang Gateway, and admire the remarkable wood carvings at Shoufo Temple and stone carvings at Ciyun Temple, which are rarely found in Guizhou.

You will spend the night in Kaili City.

Day 2: Kaili - Xijiang Miao Village

After breakfast, drive to Matang Gejia Village, a primitive Miao village with over 400 Gejia people. Here, you can photograph the unique Gejia batik patterns and embroidery, as well as the excellent craftsmanship of the villagers. Capture street scenes and people's daily lives.

Next, visit Langde Upper Miao Village, known as "the Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art." Enjoy a traditional welcome ceremony and experience singing and dancing performances at the Lusheng Ground. This village offers a peaceful atmosphere, friendly villagers, and rich cultural heritage.

Continue your journey to Xijiang Miao Village, the largest Miao village in China. With 10 villages spread over 50 square kilometers, this "living museum" vividly presents Miao ethnic culture. Take advantage of numerous opportunities for photography, capturing the diversity of minority people and tribes.

In the evening, take a shuttle bus to the viewing platform and capture a panoramic night view of the beautiful Xijiang. The twinkling lights from different houses create a captivating scene.

Finally, have a restful sleep in Xijiang for the night.

Day 3: Xijiang Miao Village - Rongjiang

In the morning, explore the village and visit the Miao Nationality Museum. This museum has eleven exhibition halls showcasing cultural artifacts, traditional dress, architectural marvels, and works of art.

Head to the viewing platform to capture a daytime panorama of the village.

Next, visit Xinqiao Miao Village in Datang Town. Known as "the First Village with Short Skirt Miao," you'll see local women wearing colorful pleated skirts. Don't miss the 47 wooden granaries on water, which protect against fire while raising ducks and geese in the ponds.

Make a short visit to Zenlei Shui Village and Baibei Miao Village on the way to Rongjiang County. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the traditional wooden houses and layered rice terraces in Zenlei Shui Village. In Baibei Miao Village, witness the exquisite traditional "hundred-bird dress" and explore the mysterious Miao King's tomb.

Finally, stay overnight in Rongjiang County.

Day 4: Rongjiang - Jiabang Rice Terrace

Begin your journey by heading to Dali Dong Village in Rongjiang County. This village is known for its wooden buildings, with the most common being quadrangle dwellings. Visit the Yang Family Quadrangle Courtyard, capture the beauty of the houses and the drum tower in the village.

Next, drive to Jiabang Rice Terraces. These terraces, cultivated by the Miao people, are considered some of the most beautiful and mysterious in China. Start your visit at Dangniu Rice Terrace, where you can witness layers of terraces stretching from the valley to the hill. Take a short walk to Jiaya Rice Terrace, known for its beautiful curves. Continue for 2 kilometers to Jiache Village, where you can enjoy the best panoramic view from the viewing platform. Lastly, visit the magnificent Yangsongling Rice Terrace to see the unique screw-shaped terraces.

For the best photography opportunities, visit during April to early May to capture the mirror-like irrigated terraces and scenes of rice transplanting. Alternatively, late September to early October is ideal for capturing the golden hues and scenes of harvest.

Day 5: Jiabang Rice Terrace - Congjiang - Zhaoxing

Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise session at Jiabang Rice Terraces. As the clouds and mist rise above the river and fields, the terraces transform into a magical fairyland.

Afterwards, drive to Biasha Miao Village, known as "the Last Gunslinger Village in China." It's the only place where residents are legally allowed to own and carry guns. Capture the welcome ceremony and a traditional haircut performed live with a sickle.

In the afternoon, visit Huanggang Dong Village, considered one of the most beautiful and traditional Dong villages in Guizhou. Tucked away in the mountains, this village has preserved the authentic Dong culture. Explore the local life and photograph the unique architecture, including the five drum towers where elders gather to chat or weave cloth.

Finally, head to Zhaoxing Dong Village and spend the night there.

Day 6: Zhaoxing - Guilin Departure

After breakfast, you will visit Zhaoxing Dong Village, the largest Dong village in Guizhou. This village is known for its beauty and has been recognized as one of the six most beautiful countryside areas in China. 

In Zhaoxing Village, you will find five drum towers, five Wind and Rain Bridges, and five stages. To start your exploration, head to the village gate and climb up to the viewing platform. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village and admire the five beautiful drum towers.

Next, visit the Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum to learn more about the Dong people and their culture in detail.

At noon, you can travel to Guilin, which offers more convenient transportation options. From Guilin, you can fly to various cities or take high-speed trains to different destinations.

Alternatively, you have the option to spend a few days exploring the stunning landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, which are considered some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Trip Notes

01. Camera and lens suggestions

  • My recommendation to customers is to carry two cameras while photographing, as it saves time in changing lenses, especially during sunrise and sunset when the scenery changes rapidly. This ensures that you don't miss any beautiful moments.

  • For landscape photography, it's best to bring a wide-angle and zoom lens, such as 24-70mm and 70-200mm.

  • Additionally, a tripod is essential in low-light conditions, such as at dawn and dusk.

02. Drone photography

Drone photography in Yangshuo and Longji rice terraces is a must-try experience as the stunning mountain views are best captured from above. A drone can capture breathtaking aerial shots that are otherwise impossible to reach.

 

Moreover, there are no special restrictions for drone flying in Guilin and its surrounding areas.

03. Guilin extension ideas

Guilin, being in close proximity to Guizhou, serves as an excellent option for extending your Guizhou photo tour. You can consider spending 2 or 3 days in Guilin and Yangshuo to further enhance your experience.

  • Xianggong Hill sunrise + Yangshuo village sunset

  • Cormorant fishermen at sunrise + Landscape sunset

  • Countryside scenery with buffalo farmer + ancient town & people portrait

What's Included

  • Photography guiding

  • All transportation in the itinerary

  • Accomordation ( 5 star or local best hotels) for 5 nights, breakfast each morning at your hotel

  • Personal processing instructions

  • Fresh Coffee if outdoor in early morning

  • Airport/train station pick up and transfer in Guiyang and Guilin

  • 24/7 in-destination support from our local office

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Photography Begins Here

All you need to do is provide us with your requirements, and we will connect you with an experienced local photography guide.

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