From Bai people’s tie-dye in Dali Yunnan, Dong folk songs in Zhaoxing Guizhou, to Zhuang terraced fields in Longsheng Guangxi, this 9-day cross-province route gathers authentic cultural experiences of Yi, Bai, Naxi, Dong and Zhuang ethnic groups. You can make intangible cultural heritage crafts by yourself, listen to time-honored folk ballads and wander around traditional villages, getting close to the most vibrant local culture in southwest China.
Route Planning
Days 1-3: Dali to Lijiang, Yunnan Province
Arrive in Kunming then take high-speed train to Dali. Spend three days exploring authentic Bai and Naxi cultures. Visit local tie-dye workshops in Xizhou Town of Dali, learn to write ancient Dongba hieroglyphs in Lijiang Ancient Town, and wander around Shuhe Ancient Town to appreciate traditional Naxi leather craftsmanship.
Days 4-6: Zhaoxing Dong Village, Guizhou Province
Ride high-speed train from Kunming to Guiyang, then head to Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping County, Qiandongnan, China’s largest Dong settlement. Spend three days touring its five iconic drum towers, try indigo fabric dyeing, and enjoy pure multi-part Dong folk songs performed at the drum tower square every night.
Days 7-9: Longsheng County, Guilin City, Guangxi
Take high-speed train from Congjiang Station in Guizhou to Guilin, then travel onward to Longsheng. Experience daily life in traditional stilt houses of ancient Zhuang villages at Longji Rice Terraces, visit Huangluo Yao Village known as the world’s longest-hair village, and learn traditional Zhuang brocade weaving from local elder ladies. Finally head back to Guilin to wrap up the whole trip.
Immersive Ethnic Cultural Experience
Practical Travel Guide
Experience Bai ethnic tie-dye in Dali. Follow intangible heritage craftsmen through the whole process, craft your own unique blue-and-white artwork with natural indigo dye, and embrace local traditional aesthetics.
In Lijiang, learn to write ancient Dongba characters and try time-honored traditional papermaking to make handmade blessing cards.
Head to Zhaoxing Dong Village to enjoy authentic Dong folk songs, pure and heavenly tunes. You can also pound glutinous rice cakes by hand to feel the real daily Dong lifestyle.
Visit Longji Rice Terraces, take part in farm work in person, experience the thousand-year-old terrace farming culture, learn local Zhuang folk songs and taste authentic local oil tea.
Travel to Huangluo Yao Village to watch the classic long-hair dressing show, and learn about the unique hair care customs and charming ethnic traditions of the Red Yao people.
Practical Travel Guide
You can fly internationally directly to Kunming Changshui Airport or Guilin Liangjiang Airport. Take high-speed trains for inter-province trips. It takes around two hours from Yunnan to Guizhou, and just one and a half hours from Guizhou to Guangxi. You can easily get around scenic spots by tourist shuttle buses or chartered cars.
The best travel seasons are March to May and September to November. The terraces glisten with water in spring and are covered with golden rice fields in autumn, offering stunning views. Try to avoid the hot and rainy summer days.
This route is perfect for overseas travelers who love in-depth tours, intangible cultural heritage, photography and ethnic customs. Slow down your pace and stay longer in local villages for a genuine experience.
Learn about local etiquette in advance and ask for permission before taking photos of locals. Temperatures vary greatly in mountain areas, so pack warm clothes and non-slip shoes. Always respect local traditions and beliefs.
This 9-day journey is far more than just sightseeing. It’s an immersive cultural journey. Try hand-dyeing Dong cloth, enjoy melodious Dong folk songs in drum towers, and admire stunning sunrise over terraced fields. You’ll truly feel that the traditional cultures of southwest ethnic groups are still alive and well, preserved in folk melodies, traditional crafts and everyday local life.
