This morning, head out to Chong’an, which is famed for its bridges and colorful local market. Visit the old town, well-known for incense making. Even the old millstones in the middle of the river are still used. After, take a short drive to Wangba Ge Jia village. Folklore suggests that the Ge Jia descended from a legendary Han general who was exiled for marrying a Miao woman, which is said to explain why their traditional dress resembles military garb. The tribes are also known for their batik designs.

Continue on to enjoy a farmers’ lunch in Shiqiao Miao village, which remains one of the few places that maintains the ancient art of paper production, an art form whose history can be traced back 1,000 years. Learn about the 14 different stages that the roots and bark of the Paulownia tree need to go through to produce this beautiful paper, which is used today for brightly colored paper lanterns. End the afternoon at Qingman Middle Skirt or Silk Felt Embroidery Miao village, where the spectacular embroidery skills of the village girls are famed throughout the region. Return to Kaili.

Activity: 1-2 hrs hiking in the village

Begin the day with a drive to Leishan (36km – 1 hr). With small Miao communities, Leishan County is regarded as the center of Miao culture. En route, stop to visit some special local villages, including the peaceful Jidao Miao village on the Bala River and the Langde Miao village, inhabited by the long skirt Miao.

In the afternoon, visit Paika Miao village, which is known for the production of the lusheng bamboo pipe, a handcrafted reed instrument which can sometimes stretch over three meters in length. Continue to visit more of the interesting villages in the area, including the Datang short skirt Miao village to admire their rice barns built over the water. Our homestay is located in a stunning valley with incredible views where you will be greeted by the warm Miao hospitality.

This morning, drive to Rongjiang (130km – 3 hrs). En route, stop at Xinghua Shui village and board a local ferry to visit the picturesque Bameng Shui village. Time permitting, hike to Baibei Miao village (5km – 1.5 hrs), visiting local families and meet the children at the local primary school. Located on a hillside of the ‘Moon Mountains’, this village is considered one of the most ancient Miao villages in the region. Baibei women are skilled at weaving and batik, and known for their ‘hundred birds’ dress, painstakingly embroidered with bird figures and trimmed with feathers.

After lunch in Rongjiang town, explore the nearby Dong villages. The Dong people are known for their music and unique architecture – especially their symbolic drum towers, wind and rain bridges and opera stages. Dali Dong Villages are listed UNESCO Culture Heritage Sites. Apart from their remarkable drum towers and old wooden structures, these villages provide an important opportunity to experience an untouched way of life that is fast disappearing. Visit Sanbao Dong village, famed for its ancient drum towers which, according to Dong legend, were built to represent the Cedar King and the ancient banyan trees that flourish along the Chejiang River. Then, drive along the river arriving to Dali Dong village. At this peaceful village, stroll along the stone-paved streets and visit a historic courtyard home. Return to Rongjiang via Sanbao Dong Village in the late afternoon.

Activity: 2-3 hrs hiking

After breakfast, drive to Congjiang (70km – 1.5 hrs). Head to Biasha Miao village, which is home to the last gunmen Miao tribe in China. Explore rural life at Biasha and visit the local primary school. Little affected by the modern world, Biasha Miao people still live in accordance with the ancient way, preserving their unique style of clothing, hairstyles and mysterious traditions. Still to this today, the Baisha Miao cling to traditions of old, with the men still shaving their heads with a sickle.

Afterwards, continue to visit Gaozeng Dong village. Explore its long history, traditional architecture and the picturesque surroundings, and watch a traditional song and dance performance. Gaozeng Dong village locals are talented folk song chorus singers.

Continue the drive to Zhaoxing Dong village (50km – 1 hr), the largest Dong village in China. Spend the rest of the afternoon meeting locals and learning the Dong’s traditions and about their architecture style.