Qiandongnan Off-the-Beaten-Path Village Checklist

6-Day In-Depth Tour of Qiannan & Qiandongnan, Guizhou｜Experience Life as a "Mountain Villager" in Ethnic Minority Villages🏞️

This itinerary focuses on an immersive experience of Guizhou's ethnic minority cultures. The route has been personally tested to be reasonable and reliable, with each ethnic village offering unique charm. Don’t just stick to Qianhu Miao Village!

📌 Itinerary:
Day 1 Guiyang - Zhenyuan Ancient Town
【Zhenyuan Ancient Town】The Wuyang River flows through the town, and the Qinglong Cave ancient buildings are built along the mountain. The night view is stunning.
Recommended accommodation: Zhenyuan Biaoju · Daheguan Inn (inside the ancient town, river view from the window)

Day 2 Zhenyuan - Xijiang
【Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village】Although commercialized, its scale is impressive. It’s recommended to stay at a mid-mountain guesthouse for the best views.
Must-try food: Anong Miao-style sour fish soup (near the Wind and Rain Bridge on the old street)

Day 3 Xijiang - Zhaoxing
【Zhaoxing Dong Village】More authentic than Xijiang, with five magnificent drum towers. In the afternoon, you can hike to Tang’an Dong Village.
Handicraft experience: Dong ethnic tie-dye workshop (main street towards Lituan Drum Tower)

Day 4 Zhaoxing - Libo
【Libo Xiaoqikong】The "Earth’s Green Gem" lives up to its name. Remember to wear shoes suitable for wading.
Hidden activity: Yuan Yang Lake boating experience (extra charge inside the scenic area but worth it)

Day 5 Libo - Danzhai
【Danzhai Wanda Town】Rich in intangible cultural heritage experiences, recommended are traditional papermaking and Miao wax dyeing.
Must-visit: Jinjih Square for Miao song and dance performances (daily at 10 AM / 3 PM)

Day 6 Danzhai - Return to Guiyang

🥘 Food Highlights:
✔️ Sour fish soup (make sure it uses red sour soup)
✔️ Glutinous rice (most authentic sold by the old lady at Zhaoxing market entrance)
✔️ Beef noodles (Guiyang Huaxi Beef Noodles main store)
✔️ Siwa rolls (Guiyang’s most famous Silk Love)
✔️ Roasted fragrant pork (a must-try at Dong village night market)

💡 Practical Tips:
1. Guizhou’s attractions are scattered; car rental is recommended. Mountain roads are not for beginners.
2. Remember to bargain for ethnic costumes photo shoots, usually 80-100 RMB per set.
3. Large temperature differences between morning and evening; bring a jacket even in July-August.
4. Enter Libo Xiaoqikong from the west gate and exit from the east gate for a downhill route that saves energy.
5. When drinking in villages, observe the "High Mountain Flowing Water" toast etiquette and drink responsibly.

The biggest surprise this trip was the off-the-beaten-path Zhaoxing Dong Village. Waking up to Dong folk songs at dawn and watching the sunset by the terraced fields in the evening truly captures the poetic life of "mountain ethnic groups"🌄

Tang’an Dong Village Zhenyuan Ancient Town Yuan Yang Lake Zhaoxing Scenic Area