Chinese Culture & Minority Villages Tour - 13 Days

Highlights

• Snap pics at the best viewpoints in Hong Kong, like Victoria's Peak
• Cruise down the Li River alongside green rice paddies and karst towers
• Visit countryside ethnic villages to see traditional folk performances
• Witness China's iconic highlights, from the Terracotta Army to the Great Wall

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong, Tour the Kowloon Peninsula

Welcome to China! You'll arrive in Hong Kong, a special administrative region on the Kowloon Peninsula of this massive nation's southern coast. The city of Hong Kong is actually a great introduction to broader China, as its semiautonomous status (and history as a former British colony) means Westerners will experience less of a culture shock. Beyond that, Hong Kong is jam-packed with fun and excitement, which you'll experience shortly after arriving.

From the airport, transfer about an hour by train into the city and your hotel. After checking in, meet a guide and stretch your legs on a half-day tour of this dynamic city. Your first stop is Wong Tai Sin Temple, a famous Taoist temple in the central Kowloon City District. Established in 1921, it's dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a deity revered for his power to heal and grant wishes.

From there, continue to the ornate Nan Lian, a public garden located east of Kowloon in Diamond Hill. Spanning 8.6 acres (3.5 ha), it's designed in the style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), considered a golden age in Chinese history. You'll have a great time wandering its meandering paths and snapping pics of its golden pavilions, waterfalls, lotus ponds, and more. If there's time, finish the tour at the famous Bird Market, a narrow alleyway in Kowloon filled with shops selling diverse species of birds and insects.

Day 2: Hong Kong Sightseeing Tour

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll hit the streets of Hong Kong along with your expert local guide to experience the sights and flavors of this dynamic city. Start with a classic ride on the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for panoramic city views. Then, head to Repulse Bay, a wealthy suburb in the south of Hong Kong famous for its beautiful beaches.

From there, continue to Aberdeen Fishing Village (also known as Old Hong Kong), located on the island's south coast adjacent to a naturally sheltered harbor. One highlight is a famous floating seafood restaurant. Stop here to enjoy some of the city's freshest seafood dishes amid epic views of Victoria Harbour. An even more memorable experience involves a ride around the harbor in a traditional sampan (flat-bottomed wood boat), which is typically operated by elderly locals.

The last stop on the tour is the renowned Stanley Market. Located in a quaint village on Hong Kong's south coast, this commercial area is a huge hit with locals, expats, and tourists for its enormous selection of brand-name clothing, accessories, home furnishings, souvenirs, ornaments, and knickknacks of all kinds. An added bonus is that the market features a dizzying array of great eateries. 

Day 3: Train to Guilin, Visit Reed Flute Cave

Board your first high-speed train in China this morning for the ride 3.5 hours north to the countryside city of Guilin. During the journey, kick back and relax as Hong Kong's high-rises give way to verdant rice paddies backed by soaring mountains. Upon arrival in this major hub on the Li River, drop off your bags at your accommodation and set off on the next adventure—heading west of Guilin to discover the mystical Reed Flute Cave.

Step inside the caverns and marvel at towering stalagmites and dripping stalactites, which come alive in an array of colorful lights. These rock formations were created over millions of years and reach a whopping 1,640 feet (500 m) in depth. Venture deeper into the cave's hidden chambers to see rushing waterfalls and ink inscriptions dating back to the eighth century CE. As you exit, admire the reeds growing near the entrance (hence the name), then transfer back to Guilin in the afternoon.

Day 4: Day Trip to Longji Terraced Fields, Visit Ethnic Villages

Head into the Guilin countryside today on a full-day tour to experience the region's culture and natural beauty. Meet your driver after breakfast for the two-hour ride to the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the "Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces." They earned this nickname due to the terraced fields blanketing the green hills, which, when viewed from a distance, resemble the scales of a great dragon.

When you arrive, follow your guide on a 45-minute hike up a mountain (or opt for a shuttle ride). Waiting for you at the top is a magnificent viewpoint where you can marvel at panoramic vistas of rolling hills and rice paddies that change color with the seasons. The area is also home to 10 ethnic tribes, like the Zhuang and Yao people, and you'll visit villages of both of these groups.

One highlight you'll witness during this cultural exchange is the "Long Hair Show," where local Yao women showcase their hair that they only cut once in their lifetime, on their 18th birthday. With an average length of 7.5 feet (2.3 m), these women wash their hair in the river before intricately braiding it as part of this traditional show. At the end of the day, you'll return to your accommodation.

Day 5: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

This morning, take a cruise on one of China's most picturesque waterways, the Li River, all the way from Guilin to the resort town of Yangshuo. This is the best way to see the region's classic karst (limestone) formations, and you'll enjoy the gentle breeze as you visit famous landmarks, including the Nine-Horse Fresco and Yellow Cloth Shoal (depicted on the 20 yuan note). You'll also pass idyllic farms, villages, and fields as you marvel at the otherworldly towers dotting the landscape.

After around four hours, you'll disembark in the town of Yangshuo for a guided tour of the vibrant West Street. The oldest street in town, it dates back 1,400 years and is filled with local artisans by day and lively bars and restaurants by night. Purchase handwoven textiles or locally made pottery, stop in one of the many cafés, and wander the charming street lined with historic buildings.

Day 6: Train to Zhaoxing, Visit Zhaoxing Dong Village

Return to Guilin station this morning and board a train for the 50-minute ride northwest to the Congjiang Station, near Zhaoxing Village. Home to the Dong ethnic minority, this village is renowned for its well-preserved traditional architecture, which includes stately drum towers, historic wooden houses, and beautiful wind and rain bridges. After checking into your accommodation, you'll head out for a half-day tour to discover the rich culture of the Dong people. You and your guide will start at the village gate, where you can hike up to an observation deck for panoramic village views.

To learn more about the town's heritage, visit the Zhaoxing Dong Culture Museum. It offers valuable insights into this culture. Among other things, it features exhibits showcasing traditional textiles and detailed displays of traditional Dong architecture. These include models and photographs of iconic structures such as the drum towers and bridges. Afterward, you can witness a traditional folk performance, like the Grand Song of the Dong People. It's a polyphonic musical tradition passed down through generations for over 2,500 years.

Day 7: Day Trip to Ethnic Minorities Near Zhaoxing

This morning, leave Zhaoxing on a full-day tour of some of the region's lesser-known minority villages. Along with your driver, travel about 1.5 hours to Biasha Miao, known as "the Last Gunslinger Village in China." Interestingly, this is the only place in China where people can legally own guns. Legend has it that the Biasha people are descendants of a famous warrior in Chinese mythology, hence the traditional warrior dress of the Biasha men (they also carry swords and firelock muskets). While here, enjoy a Biasha folk performance that features a one-of-a-kind haircut ritual—done with a sickle!

After spending time in Biasha Miao, take a short drive to Zhanli Dong, a village known for its fertility culture and traditional Dong buildings that blend harmoniously with the surrounding forest. As for the fertility aspect, this village has a 600-year-old tradition of using a kind of "changing flower plant" to make herbal medicines for family planning purposes. According to the myth, this unique plant can alter a baby's sex, and the legend is it ensures each family in the village has one son and one daughter. As a result, for centuries, Zhanli has sustained zero population growth.

If time permits and you'd like to explore further, you can visit the charming Xiaohuang Dong. This village is renowned as a "village of song" for its Dong Grand Song (Kam Grand Choir), a UNESCO-recognized form of polyphonic singing. The village's residents, including children, are skilled in this ancient musical art, which is often performed spontaneously.

Day 8: Train to Xi'an, Tour the Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, transfer to the station, where you'll board a train for the 3.5-hour ride north to Xi'an. Located in Shaanxi province, this well-preserved ancient city was once the starting point of the famed Silk Road and the capital of several of China's most significant dynasties. Upon arrival, meet your driver outside the train station and transfer to your hotel for check in and to freshen up.

Later, meet a guide for a two-hour tour of Xi'an's historic Muslim Quarter. Located in the city center, the old buildings lining this neighborhood's narrow streets are home to Xi'an's Muslim, or Hui, community. Islam was first introduced by Arab merchants during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), and today, the quarter is a popular area with many shops, restaurants, and street food vendors. Make sure to sample the typical halal food of the district, like yangrou paomo (lamb stew) and roujiamo (lamb burgers). 

Day 9: Discover the Terracotta Army, Calligraphy Workshop

A car will meet you in the morning at your hotel for the one-hour drive east of Xi'an to Mount Li, home to the Terracotta Army Museum and the famous warrior sculptures. This massive collection of incredibly detailed, life-size clay sculptures depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first emperor of China, reigning from 221 to 210 BCE. 

This enormous site covers approximately 38 square miles (98 sq km), and its discovery in 1974 represents one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. The terracotta warrior sculptures were created to be symbolic guardians of Qin's burial tomb and thus protect his spirit in the afterlife. Touring the massive excavation pits, you'll see various warriors, chariots, and cavalry figures.

After a few hours discovering the secrets of the army, you'll head back to Xi'an. Spend the remainder of the afternoon immersing yourself in the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy, which dates back to the fourth century. During this workshop, learn about different calligraphy styles, such as kaishu, xingshu, and caoshu, as you familiarize yourself with the four items typically used in this discipline: the brush pen, paper, ink, and ink stone. By the end of the class, you'll have created your own artwork with the help of a local expert, which you can take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Day 10: Xi'an Ancient City Tour, Fly to Beijing

It's your final morning in Xi'an, but more adventures are in store. After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour to discover this ancient city's famous sites. You'll begin at the Fortifications of Xi'an. These gray stone walls were commissioned in the late 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, to protect the city. They run 8.7 miles (14 km) around the historic Old Town in a rectangular pattern and are the most well-preserved ancient walls in China. 

While here, you can rent a bicycle or walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the Old Town and surrounding areas. After exploring the fortifications, see the ancient artifacts in the historic 12th-century Drum Tower. During the visit, you'll enjoy a performance of the bian zhong, a traditional Chinese chime bell. Then, in the early afternoon, you'll transfer to the airport and board a two-hour flight to Beijing, China's capital. At the terminal, a driver will pick you up for the ride into the city and your hotel.

Day 11: Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven Tour

In the morning, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to embark on a grand tour of Beijing, beginning at the famous Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square. This massive public space, dating to the 15th century, is surrounded by government buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. 

Walk through the square to the enormous portrait of Chairman Mao at Tiananmen Gate, which is the entrance to the Forbidden City, constructed in 1415 CE during the Ming Dynasty. Tour this vast, UNESCO-listed complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace from 1420 to 1912. For several hours, you'll wander among the 980 buildings spread across 180 acres (72 ha) and visit the Imperial Garden, former living quarters, and galleries featuring ancient imperial artifacts.

Later, you'll head over to the Temple of Heaven, a historic 13th-century complex comprising several buildings in central Beijing. The temple sits on 670 acres (271 ha) and was the principal imperial temple where emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties up until 1900 CE prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and other iconic buildings, including the Circular Mound Altar, the site of winter solstice ceremonies, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. This circular building housed the stone tablets used in the harvest prayer ceremonies.

Day 12: Day Trip to the Great Wall & Changling Tomb

It's another early start as your grand Chinese adventure culminates with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. First constructed in the sixth-century before being rebuilt in 1368 CE by the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, this ancient fortification is separated into various sections open to visitors. You'll be visiting Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Wall.

Travel with your driver/guide 40 miles (64 km) north of Beijing. When you arrive, take the cable car to the top of the wall and walk along the cobblestones, peering out through the battlements at the far-reaching views. Enjoy a moderate hike along the wall for two to six hours, depending on your chosen route. This section of wall stretches for 13 miles (22 km), with 22 stone watchtowers sitting atop steep hills blanketed in rich green pines and cypress trees. Take your time and soak in the views, which are nothing short of spectacular on a clear day.

Later, you'll transfer just north of Beijing and visit the Changling Tomb, which is the final resting place of Emperor Zhu Di (1360-1424) and his Empress Xu Shi. Among the 13 mausoleums located near Tianshou Mountain, this one stands out as the largest Ming tomb. The Ling'en Hall (Hall of Eminent Favor), made from rare Phoebe nanmu hardwood, is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional preservation.

Day 13: Depart Beijing

You've hit the highlights of China from Hong Kong to Beijing; now it's time to take the memories and head home. Meet your driver in the morning for the transfer to the airport, where you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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