Whispers of the Ancients:
Guizhou Craft Journey
Immerse in Guizhou's Timeless Handicrafts, Embrace Passionate Cultures, and Be Captivated by Unforgettable Beauty.
Participants Max
8
Duration
7 days and 6 nights
Tours in 2024
24th of Aug - 29th of Aug
7th of Sep - 12th of Sep
Trip Highlights
Markets We Will Visit
01
Shidong Market
A vibrant hub along the Qingshui River, Shidong Market is famous for its festivals and rich cultural heritage. With stalls from old streets to the river beach, it offers authentic, fresh goods and colorful ethnic attire.
02
Indigo Dye Market
In Taijiang, visit the weekly indigo dye market. Learn from heritage inheritors about indigo paste, a natural dye made from Banlangen, crucial for traditional fabric dyeing in Southeast Guizhou.
03
Kaili embroidery Market
Kaili's 3600-square-meter market is filled with embroidery, batik, and ethnic costumes. Guided by "Oriental Miao Embroidery Granny" Pan Yuzhen, explore the largest embroidery market, uncovering the history and stories behind each piece.
Villages We Will Visit
Untouched by commercial development, offering an authentic cultural experience
01
Xiaohuang Village
Xiaohuang Village is the birthplace of Dong Grand Songs. These polyphonic songs, performed without accompaniment or conductor. They are traditionally sung during significant events and to welcome guests, reflecting the natural harmony and cultural depth of the Dong people.
02
Yaxian Village
In Yaxian Village, we will explore the art of Dong fabric production, known for its intricate processes. This includes understanding the unique methods of dyeing and weaving that have been preserved through generations.
03
Zengchong Village
Zengchong Village is renowned for its ancient drum towers. Here, you can appreciate the historical architecture that dates back to the Qing Dynasty, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Dong people.
About Miao Embroidery
01
The history book worn on the body
Miao embroidery uses needles as pens and threads as ink to depict migrations, legends, nature, and daily life. Techniques include flat embroidery, pick weaving, applique, and more, showcasing the diverse stitching methods unique to the Miao people.
02
Tin Embroidery
Tin embroidery, practiced by the Miao people in Jianhe, is the world's only metal embroidery technique. Using fine tin threads, this unique craft creates stunning, shimmering patterns that highlight the exceptional skill and creativity of its artisans.
03
The Miao Embroidery Museum
The Miao Embroidery Museum in Taijiang houses a stunning collection of costumes and embroidery pieces, providing a captivating glimpse into the artistry and history of the Miao people.
About Dong Fabric
01
Craftsmanship
Known as the "Hermès of fabrics," Dong fabric is renowned for its intricate and unique craftsmanship.
02
Processes
The indigo dye is derived from 24 solar terms and the fabric is woven through 72 processes.
03
Perfection
It is then beaten thousands of times and treated with cowhide juice, egg whites, and sorghum to achieve perfection.
Local Foods
If you have any special dietary requirements, please contact us in advance.
01
Kaili's Sour Soup
Kaili's sour soup is a unique dish created in response to the region's historical salt scarcity. Nestled in the mountains, the locals developed this soup using sour flavors to substitute for salt, resulting in a tangy and savory broth. This flavorful dish has become a beloved specialty in Kaili.
02
Rongjiang's Niubie
Niubie from Rongjiang is an adventurous culinary experience. Made from the juice extracted from undigested grass in a cow's stomach, this dish is unique to the region. Though it sounds unusual, the taste is surprisingly addictive and offers a memorable gastronomic journey.
03
Rice Flower Fish
Rice Flower Fish is a delicacy that grows in the rice fields. The fish, with edible scales, thrive in an ingenious farming method where they feed on rice flower and fertilize the fields. This results in tender, flavorful fish that highlight the resourcefulness and culinary traditions of the local people.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival in Guiyang
Arrive in Guiyang. We recommend flying directly into Guiyang Longdongbao Airport. Alternatively, you can fly into major cities like Beijing or Shanghai and take a connecting flight to Guiyang. We will pick you up at Guiyang Longdongbao Airport.
Before we embark on our amazing cultural adventure in the mountains of Guizhou province, let's enjoy a welcome dinner featuring signature dishes from traditional Guiyang cuisine.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Guiyang
Please Note: We will arrange two airport pick-ups during the day for tour participants: one at midday and one in the evening. If your flight arrives very early or very late, please let us know in advance, and we will make arrangements accordingly. In this instance, you may be expected to pay extra for a personal pick-up service or for a taxi to our hotel.
Day 2: Immersion in Miao Culture
Depart from Guangzhou and travel to Southeast Guizhou, arriving in Taijiang, known as the "First County of Miao People."
Cultural Highlights:
Immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the dye market with our local experts. Explore the Miao Embroidery Museum to admire traditional costumes and the intricate embroidery techniques of Taijiang's nine Miao branches. Enjoy a welcome lunch with traditional Miao songs, featuring dishes like sour soup hotpot, rice flower fish, blood duck, and spicy beef.
After lunch, participate in a cultural sharing session led by a Miao embroidery master and engage in a Miao embroidery class to learn braid embroidery and frame your own work. Conclude the day with a dinner hosted by a local family, where you will enjoy unique honeycomb wine.
Accommodation:
Best four-star hotel in Taijiang.
Meals Included:
Lunch and dinner.
Travel Time:
3 hours.
Day 3:
Market Exploration and Craft Continuation
Depart from Taijiang and travel to Shidong Ancient Town. Join our local expert at one of Guizhou's largest markets.
Explore the bustling Shidong market, renowned for its traditional crafts and local produce. Learn from our local expert as they guide you through the market, sharing insights into the various traditional goods on offer. Enjoy the unique experience of a long table banquet, a traditional communal meal that fosters a sense of community and celebration.
Accommodation:
Four-star hotel in Kaili.
Meals Included:
Breakfast and lunch.
Travel Time:
3 hours.
Day 4:
Cultural Market and Exhibition Tour
Visit the embroidery market in Kaili, guided by our local expert, to learn about traditional Miao embroidery and other crafts. Enjoy a lunch featuring Kaili's renowned sour soup beef.
Explore exhibitions of ethnic weaving, dyeing, and embroidery, and visit a collector’s warehouse with over 100,000 items.
Travel to Rongjiang. Enjoy a dinner at the ancient pier of Rongjiang, featuring the "Eighteen Dishes of Rongjiang."
Accommodation:
Homestay in the Dong village.
Meals Included:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Travel Time:
3 hours.
Day 5:
Dong Cultural Exploration
Visit remote Dong villages and experience daily life in a village known for the Grand Song of the Dong. Enjoy a country walk, explore a village with a national treasure Wind and Rain Bridge, and see Qing Dynasty flower bridges and drum towers. Listen to cow leg fiddles and love songs, and visit local weavers. Have lunch at a weaver's home.
In the afternoon, take a Dong fabric making class. With guidance from our Dong fabric expert and local artisans, create your own traditional Dong fabric.
Dinner will be a home-cooked Dong meal with home-grown rice and fresh vegetables.
Accommodation: Homestay in the Dong village
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Travel time: 2 hours.
Day 6:
Fabric Mastery Recap and Farewell
Begin the day with the process of making Dong bright cloth, starting with indigo dyeing. Villagers use freshly gathered indigo plants to create dye vats, repeatedly dyeing and sun-drying the fabric. Afterward, continue with techniques such as applying egg whites, coating with cowhide, pounding, and steaming.
In the evening, enjoy a performance of the Grand Song of the Dong, followed by a bonfire party and a farewell ceremony.
Accommodation: Dong village homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
Day 7: Onward Journey
In the morning, we will escort you to the train station for your journey back to Guiyang. The train ride will take approximately 3.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Guiyang, we will arrange transfers to the airport, ensuring you have plenty of time to catch your flight. Please schedule your flights for after 12:00 PM to allow sufficient time for travel and check-in.
If your flight is in the afternoon, please let us know, and we can arrange some additional sightseeing in Guiyang for you.
This final day ensures a smooth transition as you conclude your journey, reflecting on the rich experiences and cultural insights gained during your time with us.
Meals: Breakfast included.
Accommodation: Not provided.
Course Experts
Prices and What's Included
Cost per person（Summer Special）:
- $1,299 for 5-8 people in one group
- $1,499 for 3-5 people in one group
- $1,699 for 2-3 people in one group
Single Supplement:
Single Supplement: $200 (If you are the last person joining the tour or if there is no one in the group you can share with, you may need to pay for the single supplement. We will advise you if this is the case when you enquire about the tour.)
What's Included:
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6 nights of shared accommodation (based on 2 people per room at hotels or homestays)
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All transportation costs (high-speed trains, private mini coach in Guizhou, and within Guiyang upon arrival and departure)
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Meals as shown in the itinerary
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All course fees and materials
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Cultural activities: Market tour, traditional long table feast, Dong fabric making class, Grand Song performance, and bonfire night
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Village and cultural introduction materials sent to you before the trip
What's Not Included:
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Flights
-
Visa
-
Travel insurance
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Additional materials cost beyond initial allocation
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Optional activities
If you like the look of this tour but would prefer to take it privately, we can tailor it to your specifications and design a bespoke tour for you or your group.
How to Sign Up for This Tour
Step 1: Contact us directly to discuss the tour in more detail.
Step 2: Book online and pay the $100 deposit. If you have an exclusive discount code, please enter it into the Enquiry box.
Step 3: We will send you an invoice confirming your booking. Once you receive the invoice, you have 30 days to pay an additional $500, which will secure your place on the tour.
Step 4: Please note that the final cost of the tour will be based on the number of participants and will be split into two payments. The first payment must be made within 3 months of the tour’s start date and is based on the minimum price of the tour minus your $600 deposit. The remaining balance is due one month before the tour begins. During this time, we will advise you on how to apply for your visa and keep you updated on the tour’s subscription status.
Step 5: Once you have made the final payment, we will send you our exclusive tour e-book, containing a detailed itinerary and in-depth information on the areas we’ll be visiting.
Step 6: Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure!
We are happy to answer any questions you may have and will always keep you up to date on the progress of the tour subscription.
Guizhou
Craft
Journey
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