Thanks to this journey through the provinces of South-West China, which is in Guangdong, in Guangxi, in Guizhou and in Yunnan, you will discover the wealth of this part of the Middle Empire.
Day 1: From Canton on the way to Guilin
Day 2: The Dong Architecture in Sanjiang
Day 3: Zhaoxing, where hospitality is not an empty word
Day 4: Kaili, the entrance door of the Miao
Day 5: Guiyang, discovering traditional markets
Day 6: Kunming and its minorities in traditional costumes
Day 7: The Dai, the first inhabitants of Xishuangbanna
Day 8: the Bai, guarantors of tradition
Day 9: Lijiang, UNESCO and traditional crafts
Day 10: Zhongdian, the doors of Tibet
©Jérôme Bouchaud
After some rest in Canton and a long walk on Shamian Island, take the night train towards Guilin in the adjoining province. Don't forget to pass through Yangshuo, this pleasant holiday resort edged with rocky peaks and rustic villages, not far from Guilin.
©François JANNE DOTHEE
Go up north of Guangxi to explore the surroundings of Sanjiang, where you can admire the ingenuity and aesthetics of Dong architecture, especially in the village of Chengyang.
Go to Guizhou's province to visit Zhaoxing. This small village of 2,000 inhabitants, frozen in time, will make you discover Dong traditions and hospitality.
Head to Kaili, a perfect stopover for visiting the surrounding villages. Museums will also immerse you in the traditions of the Miao and the Ge.
Visit Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou. Stroll on the markets and along the banks, in the sight of Mao's huge statue.
©Agence de Promotion de Madère
Towards Yunnan and Kunming, the city of "eternal spring". It has nearly twenty national minorities. You may have the opportunity to see some of them with their traditional costumes.
From Kunming, head for the South in the Xishuangbanna region, a true tropical paradise with archaeological sites depicting the Dai culture.
©Alamer - Iconotec
Go to Dali, on the shores of Lake Erhai. The rice fields where you always plough with buffalo stretch between the city and the lake. In Dali, Bai people prevail.
©Author's Image
A little further north of Yunnan, the old city of Lijiang is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around a creek, it attracts millions of tourists every year. After walking, go to the market square to buy some souvenirs of local crafts.
©Author's Image
To conclude your stay on a sweet note, head to Tiger Leaping Gorge and then Zhongdian (Shangri-La) for an incursion into Tibetan Yunnan. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and visit the monasteries of the city.
Each Travel Idea is customizable according to your wishes
