Sample Itineraries
Southwest Village Traditions: 8 Days, Xijiang + Zhaoxing + Guilin
Miao stilted wooden houses, Dong drum towers and the karst river country of Guilin, linked by mountain rail and road.
- Duration
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Xijiang → Zhaoxing → Guilin
- Best for
- Curious travellers drawn to village life and crafts
Who this route is for
This route suits travellers who want to explore ethnic village architecture, textile traditions and karst scenery at an unhurried pace. Stays in Xijiang and Zhaoxing provide quiet mornings before day visitors arrive, while high-speed rail makes the onward journey into Guilin straightforward. The pace is moderate, balancing scenic countryside walking with steady transit through mountain valleys.
Reference prices
Price checked: 26 October 2026
- Independent
- From $2,200per person
- Private Guided
- From $3,400per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Xijiang3 nights
- 2. Zhaoxing2 nights
- 3. Guilin2 nights
Private car
High-speed rail
Day by day
01
Arrival and journey into the Miao hills
Xijiang
Morning
Arrive at Guiyang Longdongbao airport, allowing ample time to transfer across the city to Guiyang North railway station for the high-speed train to Kaili South.
Afternoon
Continue by road into the hills toward Xijiang Miao village, checking into your guesthouse as the afternoon winds down.
Evening
Head to an upper viewing terrace at dusk to watch the lanterns and village lights glow across the valley.
02
Hillside paths and Miao heritage
Xijiang
Morning
Walk through the stilted wooden houses up towards the ridge lookout while the stone lanes remain quiet.
Afternoon
Visit the Miao Museum in the lower village to examine traditional silver headdresses and local embroidery.
Evening
Join a communal long-table dinner in the village if offered, sampling sour soup fish and mountain greens.
03
Traditional crafts in the river valleys
Xijiang
Morning
Take a day excursion to Shiqiao village to learn about traditional bark paper making using timber frames.
Afternoon
Explore the village workshops and local dye crafts before driving back to Xijiang.
Evening
Have an unhurried dinner back in Xijiang, then stroll across the covered wooden bridges.
04
Overland journey into Dong country
Zhaoxing
Morning
Depart Xijiang by car along the expressway across the hills toward Zhaoxing Dong village, keeping the mountain drive unhurried.
Afternoon
Arrive in Zhaoxing Dong village and take an introductory stroll around the clan drum towers.
Evening
Spend a quiet evening beside the stream trying local sticky rice specialities after the road journey.
05
Terraces, drum towers and polyphonic song
Zhaoxing
Morning
Walk up to Tang'an Dong village to look out over the terraced rice paddies sculpted into the mountain slopes.
Afternoon
Return to Zhaoxing to examine the timber carpentry of the wind-and-rain bridges and clan meeting halls.
Evening
Gather near the central drum tower to hear a Dong grand song choir performance if an evening recital is staged.
06
High-speed rail into Guilin
Guilin
Morning
Take a short road transfer to nearby Congjiang station for the direct high-speed train along the Guiyang-Guangzhou line to Guilin West.
Afternoon
Check in at your hotel in Guilin and enjoy a restful afternoon walk along the central waterfront.
Evening
Stroll beside the Two Rivers and Four Lakes promenade as the illuminated pagodas reflect across the water.
07
Karst scenery on the Li River
Guilin
Morning
Drive out to the river pier outside central Guilin to board a cruise boat downstream towards Yangshuo, flanked by karst peaks.
Afternoon
Disembark and return to Guilin by road, keeping the later afternoon open to rest or explore a local tea shop.
Evening
Keep dinner easy with rice noodles and local dishes at an unpretentious city restaurant.
08
Elephant Trunk Hill and departure
Guilin
Morning
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill on the riverbank if your departure schedule allows unhurried sightseeing.
Afternoon
Head to Guilin Liangjiang airport or Guilin West railway station for your onward travel.
Evening
Board your evening flight or connection home.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $2,200
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $3,400
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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