Tracing the Ancient Tea-Horse Road — Where Craftsmanship and Culture Meet

Tracing the Ancient Tea-Horse Road — Where Craftsmanship and Culture Meet

Follow the winding trails of the ancient Tea-Horse Road, where the fragrance of fresh leaves blends with the spirit of mountain villages. From handcrafting batik and silver jewelry to roasting tea over charcoal and listening to Dong songs by the riverside.

Follow the winding trails of the ancient Tea-Horse Road, where the fragrance of fresh leaves blends with the spirit of mountain villages. From handcrafting batik and silver jewelry to roasting tea over charcoal and listening to Dong songs by the riverside.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 — Guiyang | The Beginning of the Tea Road

Morning / Afternoon:

Arrive in Guiyang, gateway to the Tea-Horse Road. Visit Longjing Bouyei Ethnic Village, meet local artisans, and join hands-on workshops in silver jewelry making and batik dyeing.

Evening:

Welcome dinner featuring Bouyei fusion cuisine.

Accommodation: Xunmei Qingyin Boutique Lodge

Morning:

Drive to Meitan (2-hour highway). Walk through vast green tea fields and pick spring buds of Mingqian green tea.

Afternoon:

Join a charcoal-roasting workshop and craft your own personal tea cake with local masters.

Meals:

Breakfast – Buffet | Lunch – Tea Aroma Banquet | Dinner – Northern Guizhou Cuisine

Accommodation: Lanxin Tea Manor, Meitan

Morning:

Drive to Zhenyuan (3 hours). Begin with Gaogu River Rafting, floating through serene valleys.

Afternoon:

Explore Zhenyuan Ancient Town, known as “Poem on the Wuyang River,” and visit Qinglong Cave Temple Complex built into the cliffs.

Meals:

Breakfast – Buffet | Lunch – Zhenyuan Local Cuisine | Dinner – Riverside Banquet

Accommodation: Xunmei Riverside Courtyard (Ming & Qing-Style Villa)

Morning:

Travel to Leishan (2-hour highway). Visit Langde Miao Village, a picturesque settlement known for Miao singing and dancing, costume dressing, and cultural performances.

Afternoon:

Take a countryside walk through rice terraces and bamboo groves to Longtang Village.

Meals:

Breakfast – Buffet | Lunch – Langde Long Table Feast | Dinner – Longtang Private Chef

Accommodation: Longtang Mountain House (Terraced Stilt Lodge)

Morning:

Head to Danzhai (1-hour highway). Visit Paimo Village, China’s “First Village of Batik,” to learn traditional wax-resist dyeing techniques.

Afternoon:

Explore Shiqiao Village, try ancient papermaking and ginkgo leaf embossing at local workshops.

Meals:

Breakfast – Buffet | Lunch – Herbal Hotpot | Dinner – Jinhua Lakeside Restaurant

Accommodation: Wanda Jinhua Hotel, Danzhai

Morning:

Drive to Rongjiang (2 hours). Visit Dali Dong Village and Sanbao Dong Village for batik workshops and Dong Grand Song performances.

Afternoon:

Experience the vibrant “Village Super Football Field”, where ethnic culture meets modern sports — join locals for cheering, food, and spontaneous celebrations.

Meals:

Breakfast – Buffet | Lunch – Dong-style Cuisine | Dinner – Drum Tower Firepit Banquet

Accommodation: Milan Folk Hotel, Rongjiang

Morning:

Drive to Congjiang (1 hour), then continue to Guiyang (3 hours later).

Visit Basha Miao Village, home of the “Last Gunmen Tribe,” to explore tree burial traditions and millennium rice-terrace farming.

Afternoon:

Stop at Zhanli Dong Village to experience local customs and architecture.

Meals:

Breakfast – Buffet | Lunch – Basha Miao Private Kitchen | Dinner – Colorful Guizhou Cuisine

Accommodation: Anantara Hotel, Guiyang

Morning:

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to Guiyang Airport for departure.

Souvenir: Handmade tea cake + silk scarf featuring intangible cultural heritage motifs.

Why Choose This Tour

Walk the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

From tea-picking to charcoal roasting, trace the historic trade routes that once connected Guizhou to the world.

Meet the Masters of Craft

Learn batik dyeing, silverwork, and papermaking in authentic family workshops guided by national heritage artisans.

Embrace Ethnic Harmony

Dance, sing, and share meals with Bouyei, Miao, and Dong villagers amid terraced fields and mountain rivers.

Discover Living Landscapes

From Meitan’s green tea seas to the poetic Wuyang River, experience Guizhou’s perfect balance of nature and artistry.

Price Includes & Excludes

✅ Included ❌ Not Included
All first-entry tickets for listed attractions Personal expenses during free time
Accommodation in 4–5 star hotels Single room supplement and extra nights
Daily breakfast and select meals Unspecified meals or attractions
Professional local guide service
Private coach & airport transfers
Liability insurance & travel accident insurance