The top travel destination this summer simply has to be Guizhou!
Although Guizhou has always garnered attention each year with its stunning scenery, world-class bridges, and countless delicacies, I didn’t expect it to surprise us this year with something as exciting as the “Village Super League.”
@RongjiangAnnouncement
From initially dismissing the “Guizhou Village Super League” a few months back, to being astonished by “headers,” “ground sweeps,” and “world-class goals,” and now seeing the world rally behind it… I have to say, the times we were disappointed by the national team were momentarily healed by the Village Super League.
@RongjiangAnnouncement
The “Village Super League” is undoubtedly spectacular, but since we’re traveling all the way there, we can’t just watch the matches.
Rongjiang County, where the Village Super League is held, boasts breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage—perfect for a multi-day trip.
If you have more time, you can continue on a tour around southeast Guizhou and enjoy a cool summer in Guizhou.
Southeast Guizhou, officially known as Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, consists of 16 counties and cities. Its capital city is Kaili, and it is home to well-known attractions such as Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, Zhenyuan Ancient Town, and Zhaoxing Dong Village.
Here, you can experience everything from terraced fields to primitive tribes and walk from Dong villages to Miao villages… You can see all of Guizhou’s myriad of charms in Qiandongnan, making it simply perfect!
Especially this summer, with not only the highly popular Village Super League finals but also Guizhou’s special summer deals such as the “Two Free and Two Half-Price” discounts—it’s like a double blessing, my friends.
Visit Rongjiang to watch the Village Super League, enjoy the scenery, and savor the local cuisine.
Rongjiang County
The “Village Super League” in Rongjiang has evidently become a phenomenal event, with even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs giving it a shoutout and renowned CCTV sportscaster Han Qiaosheng providing live commentary on site…
And rumor has it, the Village Super League’s viewership has already surpassed that of the Chinese Super League!
Rongjiang has always had a football legacy. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Guangxi University relocated to Guizhou, bringing football with it to the area.
Later, soccer started to become popular in this small county town. The locals even dug their own soccer fields to serve as venues for matches, and the tradition of the “Village Super” has continued for many years.
@Rongjiang Release
The players participating in the “Village Super” are almost all local villagers. Although they are not professional athletes, their passion for soccer is no less than that of professionals.
Recently, many friends are looking to visit Rongjiang to watch the Village Super. Today, I’ll update everyone on the latest guide for attending the matches.
@People’s Political Consultative Conference Daily
How to Watch the Village Super Matches
The Village Super is held at the new sports complex in the northern new area of Rongjiang County. You can take a high-speed train to Rongjiang Station, then take the “Village Super Special Bus” directly to the Village Super soccer field or take the No. 5 bus to get off at the new sports complex.
Of course, since Rongjiang Station is not far away, taking a taxi directly to the venue is also convenient.
Besides the high-speed train, you can also take a bus. From the Rongjiang Bus Station, it’s a five-minute walk to the Village Super soccer field.
The Village Super matches take place from Friday to Saturday and there is no ticket charge!
It’s highly recommended to visit on Saturday as it’s the liveliest day. Not only are there soccer matches, but also various authentic ethnic song and dance performances, making it as bustling as a festival.
The final is on July 29th. If you want to watch the Village Super, be sure to arrange your time in advance!
@Rongjiang Release
The Village Super is becoming increasingly popular, and accommodation is very tight. If you’re planning to visit, it’s best to book in advance.
If you really can’t find accommodation, you can ask the on-site volunteers for help. There’s a chance you might be able to stay with a local family.
Lastly, the match schedule for this month is attached below for your reference.
@Rongjiang Release
Other Ways to Enjoy Rongjiang
Besides the Village Super, Rongjiang has many other attractions. This small county town also hides a “Little Guizhou.” There are almost no plains here; the landscape is filled with mountains and hills.
Though the population is only 385,000, there is a fusion of multiple ethnicities. “Dong people live by water, Han people live on the plains, and Miao people live in the mountains.” In Rongjiang, you can travel from Dong villages to Miao villages to experience the most authentic ethnic culture.
Sanbao Dong Village
There are many Dong villages in Rongjiang, but let me introduce you to Sanbao Dong Village, the birthplace of the “Village Soccer” League.
Sanbao Dong Village is the Dong village with the highest density of Dong people in the country; the tallest Dong drum tower in China is located here.
When visiting Sanbao Dong Village, you can go directly to Zhanglu Village where you can experience the full Dong lifestyle. The village features many ancient banyan trees, and sitting under the trees while enjoying the breeze and chatting with locals can be very pleasant.
The transportation here is convenient. You can reach it without driving; just take bus 3 or 5 from the county town and you’ll arrive directly.
Xiaodanjiang Miao Village
If you want to visit a Miao village, you can head to Xiaodanjiang Miao Village, which has a history of over 2,000 years.
Nestled against the mountains and beside a river, it boasts stunning natural scenery and maintains its original ethnic charm with very little commercialization. Coming here feels like arriving in a true utopia, and you’ll likely want to stay longer.
There aren’t many specific activities in the village, but walking along the clear river, camping, fishing, and having barbecues by the river are all very enjoyable.
However, it is somewhat far; it’s about a 2-hour drive from Rongjiang County, so you’ll need to drive there yourself.
By the way, if you visit Rongjiang, make sure to check out Lianghu Hall too.
Rongjiang used to be a key area in the Miao region and one of the eight hundred prefectures in Jiangnan. Thanks to its well-developed water and land transportation, it attracted many merchants in the Qing Dynasty. Lianghu Hall was established by merchants from Hunan and Hubei during their business activities here.
Lianghu Hall remains one of the oldest and most worthwhile buildings to visit in Rongjiang. There is now an independent bookstore inside the hall, providing a quiet and timeless atmosphere.
The Moon Mountain Terraces in Rongjiang are also worth visiting. If you’re only visiting Rongjiang, it’s a great spot to explore. However, if you plan to check off multiple destinations in Qiandongnan, you might skip this one and visit the Jiaban Terraces in Congjiang, which are even more beautiful.
Don’t Miss These Local Delicacies in Rongjiang
If you’re a seasoned foodie, you must try the renowned “dark cuisine” of Rongjiang, Niubie Hotpot.
Niubie Hotpot is a traditional dish for entertaining guests, with a broth made from the partially digested grass in a cow’s stomach and small intestine. The taste is quite unique, possibly even more distinctive than Beijing’s douzhi.
If you can handle it, this naturally gifted delicacy is definitely worth a try.
In addition to Niubie Hotpot, raw fish is another specialty of Rongjiang.
Unlike Shunde’s raw fish, Rongjiang’s version uses black fish wrapped with houttuynia and peanuts, then dipped in sauce. It’s a delightful treat, especially for those who love houttuynia.
Compared to the previous two dishes, the rice noodle rolls seem much more ordinary.
Rongjiang rice noodle rolls are somewhat similar to those from Guangdong, but they are softer and have a richer taste. After all, Guizhou locals are masters of dipping sauces and seasonings.
There are many places near Rongjiang Station where you can enjoy rice noodle rolls. You can choose any place without risking disappointment.
I have to say, Rongjiang tourism is incredibly thoughtful; the official channels have already listed the best eateries for everyone.
I’ll take the easy route here and directly share the official recommendation list with you.
@RongjiangRelease
Additionally, Rongjiang is not far from Xiaoqikong in Libo, Qiannan Prefecture. You can go to Xiaoqikong for some refreshing water activities.
There are buses from Rongjiang Bus Station to Libo. Once you arrive at Libo Bus Station, you can transfer to another bus to reach your destination.
Here’s how you can explore Qiandongnan:
The above mainly covers how to enjoy Rongjiang. Now, let’s continue with the Qiandongnan ring route.
If you have sufficient time, you can take a small ring route around Qiandongnan, which takes about 5 to 7 days to drive. However, if you are using public transportation, the travel time might be slightly longer.
Here’s a simple self-driving route for everyone:
1. Arrive in Guiyang + explore and eat in Guiyang
2. Guiyang to Rongjiang
3. Rongjiang to Jiabang Rice Terraces to Congjiang County
4. Yongsha Miao Village to Zhaoxing Dong Village/Huanggang Dong Village to Kaili
5. Kaili to Zhenyuan Ancient Town
6. Zhenyuan Ancient Town to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village to Guiyang
Of course, if you have more time, you can stay longer in each place to experience the slow life in the mountain villages of Guizhou, or explore other interesting minority villages.
Here is a detailed map provided by the official sources for your reference.
@Qiandongnan Prefecture Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau
However, if your time is limited, just visiting Guiyang, Rongjiang, and Libo Xiaoqikong should suffice. You can easily cover them in 3 to 4 days.
P.S.: Strictly speaking, Libo belongs to Qiannan Prefecture, but it is not far from Rongjiang and is convenient to visit.
Guiyang
Before arriving in Rongjiang, you can stop in Guiyang for 1 to 2 days.
Firstly, Guiyang is an extremely comfortable city. There are no complicated schemes or scams, and it combines the magic of Chongqing with the leisure of Liuzhou, making it perfect for city walking.
Secondly, Guiyang’s food scene is amazing. Almost every street and alley has a few outstanding snacks. You can have tofu rice in one place and barbecue in another. Even a 512GB stomach might not be enough.
Incidentally, we recently updated our guide for Guiyang:
For 2 days in Guiyang, you can follow this guide to stay cool and relaxed in this refreshing city, which surprisingly cured my mental exhaustion.
Explore the streets and alleys, and enjoy the food and sights throughout this leisurely provincial capital. It’s so delightful that I’d recommend it to everyone.
Congjiang County
Jiabang Terraces
After Rongjiang, you can head directly to Congjiang, a hidden gem next door!
In recent years, Jiabang Terraces in the heart of Moon Mountain in Congjiang County have gained significant popularity. Some say it is one of the best terraces in the country.
“Is it the best terrace?” Individual standards may vary, so I can’t make an absolute statement. However, compared to other popular terraces, this area is definitely less commercialized.
Jiabang Terraces consist of multiple terraces, spanning from Dangniu Village to Jiabang Village, covering a total area of about 10,000 mu (approximately 617 football fields). It is truly spectacular.
Among them, Dangniu, Liandao, and Dongpeng Terraces are especially photogenic. There are shuttle buses available in the scenic area for tours.
For independent travelers, you can take a direct bus from Congjiang Bus Station to Jiabang.
Tips:
The best viewing period for Jiabang Terraces is from May to September.
In good summer weather, you can capture the Milky Way.
Basha Miao Village
Besides Jiabang Terraces, Congjiang County also hides the “last gun-bearing tribe in China” — Basha Miao Village. The villagers here can actually legally carry guns, which is super cool!
They still maintain their primitive lifestyle and Hei Miao culture, worshiping ancient trees, keeping the tradition of shaving heads with sickles, and always having a gun by their side — full of mystery.
@Congjiang Wenlu
When visiting Basha Miao Village, be sure to catch the welcoming performance at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, which is very unique. You can also take photos with the locals, but there might be a fee.
The village is not very large, so half a day to a day is enough for a visit.
If you’re not driving, you can take a taxi directly from Congjiang County to Basha Miao Village. It’s a half-hour drive, and the taxi fare is about 30 yuan.
Image courtesy of @ZhuanjiaoReece
Liping County
Zhaoxing Dong Village
When visiting Qiandongnan, the best way to explore is to go from one village to another, experiencing different cultures and scenic beauty.
Even if you’ve visited many Dong villages, Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping still surprises you. Surrounded by mountains, it is half natural beauty and half bustling human life.
It’s quite close to Congjiang, so independent travelers can easily take the bus from Congjiang to Zhaoxing Dong Village.
It is also the largest Dong village in the country, with five drum towers named “Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trust,” which are landmark buildings of the Dong village and have been listed in the Guinness World Records.
Upon arrival, you can first visit the museum to get a brief understanding of the Dong culture, and then slowly experience the simple life of the Dong people in the village.
The night view of Zhaoxing Dong Village is also very beautiful. You can wear Hanfu or ethnic costumes and go to the viewing platform outside the village to take some stunning photos.
This year, from July 22 to July 24, Zhaoxing Dong Village will celebrate the June Six Festival, featuring many folk performances. Plan your visit around this time.
The entrance ticket to Zhaoxing Dong Village is valid for three days. Remember to bring your ID for entry. If you want to see the terraces, you can take the bus to Tang’an Dong Village at the foot of the nearby mountain (departs on the hour and returns on the half-hour), which is not far.
Huanggang Dong Village
If you find Zhaoxing Dong Village too commercialized, head straight to Huanggang Dong Village, hidden deep in the mountains.
With over 800 years of history, this village, although not the largest Dong village, has virtually no tourists and does not require an entrance fee. It is inhabited by locals who maintain their traditional way of life from centuries ago, and it boasts incredibly beautiful natural scenery.
The village features many traditional Dong buildings and five ancient drum towers. Inside the drum towers, there are handwritten 24 solar terms, making it much more authentic compared to Zhaoxing Dong Village.
If you are lucky, you might even hear the free “Dong Grand Song” in the evening.
Every year on the fifteenth day of the sixth lunar month, the local “Hantian Festival,” a traditional rain-seeking ritual, is held. Everyone dresses in festive attire, making the event very lively.
However, the lack of commercialization also means that life here is not very convenient. There are only a few small eateries, so if you visit, it’s wise to bring some snacks.
Kaili
Kaili is the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. Although there aren’t many attractions, it boasts a lot of delicious food, making it worth spending 1-2 days for the food lovers.
Last month, when sharing about train D3953, which is said to rival half of China’s culinary delights, Kaili was briefly mentioned. So, let’s not go into too much detail this time.
Just remember to try these local foods: sour fish soup (suan tang yu), sour soup rice noodles (suan tang fen), and BBQ…
Zhenyuan County
Zhenyuan Ancient Town
Zhenyuan Ancient Town is an ancient town of the Miao people. Although its name might sound commercialized, within the circle of ancient towns, it’s considered very authentic. There’s no so-called “snack street” or “homestay street,” making it very comfortable for a short stay.
The Wuyang River winds through the ancient town in an “S” shape, making the bird’s-eye view of Zhenyuan resemble a Taiji diagram, which is quite amazing.
Walking through the ancient town, you can find many small alleys that share the same charm as some small streets in Shanghai. It has a mix of bars, museums, churches, and snack shops, offering a blend of chic, retro, and vibrant local life.
In the ancient town, there’s no need to plan too many activities. Strolling on the city wall in the morning, searching for authentic local snacks at noon, and dining at a riverside restaurant in the evening while enjoying the view… that’s already quite relaxing.
Tips:
Zhenyuan Ancient Town itself doesn’t have an entrance fee, but tickets are required for some internal attractions.
There’s a train from Kaili to Zhenyuan that takes just over an hour to reach Zhenyuan Station. From there, you can take a bus directly to the ancient town.
There are many places to visit in Qiandongnan, but if you aim to explore only the highlights, these spots are more than sufficient.
If time permits, you could also visit more primitive ethnic minority villages deep in the mountains, or continue exploring surrounding areas of Qiandongnan such as Tongren, Zunyi, and Bijie.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is also in Qiandongnan. Although it’s a popular tourist spot, as the largest Miao village in the country, it’s still worth visiting if you have the time.
Especially the nighttime in Qianhu Miao Village, which will instantly transport you into a dreamy realm reminiscent of “Spirited Away.”
@Leishan County People’s Congress Standing Committee
