Guizhou Travel Guide: Waterfalls and Miao Villages

Highlights most tours include

• Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of the largest waterfalls in Asia, with a path through the Water Curtain Cave behind the falls
• Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, a hillside village of wooden houses that glows with lights after dark
• Libo Xiaoqikong, a forested karst valley of lakes, streams and small waterfalls, part of the UNESCO South China Karst site
• Fanjingshan, a UNESCO-listed mountain known for the tall Mushroom Rock and its temples above the clouds
• Zhenyuan Ancient Town, an old riverside town with stone lanes and temples built into the cliffs

When to go

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable months for walking and sightseeing.

Summer brings the most rain, so the waterfalls are at their fullest, and Guizhou's highland climate keeps it milder than much of southern China. Winters are cool and damp, and Fanjingshan can be icy.

Miao and Dong culture

Guizhou is home to many of China's ethnic minorities. In Miao villages you may see silver headdresses and embroidered costumes at welcome ceremonies and performances, and the Dong are known for their wooden drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges.

Ask before photographing people up close, and follow your guide's lead at village ceremonies such as the welcome toast.

Food to try

• Sour soup fish (suan tang yu), Guizhou's best-known dish, in a tangy red or white sour broth
• Spicy and sour flavours run through much of the local cooking; tell your guide if you prefer milder food
• Rice noodles and the street-food snacks of Guiyang's night markets

How to prepare

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip: the waterfall and karst paths have many steps and can be wet.
• A light rain jacket in every season.
• Your passport each day for attraction entry.
• Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.