Bernie's Trip to China

By Bernie Roche 

Guiyang

 
I was lucky enough to be part of a group of 33 travellers from the UK, Ireland, Norway, and Finland as we embarked on a 10-day immersive journey through the stunning provinces of Guizhou and Guangxi. Organised by Air China and the China National Tourist Office in London, the trip offered an unforgettable deep dive into the culture, landscapes, and traditions of southwest China.

Location

Our journey with Air China began at London Heathrow, flying first to Beijing before continuing on to Guiyang. From there, we travelled to Nanning, then returned to Beijing for our flight back to London. This was a seamless route that connected us to the heart of southwest China and back again. Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province in southwest China, lies on the eastern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Surrounded by forested hills and dramatic karst landscapes, the city offers a harmonious blend of nature and modern development. Though rapidly growing, Guiyang retains a laid-back charm, with leafy parks, winding rivers, and a cooler climate that offers a welcome break from the heat of southern China. It serves as the perfect gateway to the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery.

What I Loved

The warmth and hospitality we experienced at every stop made the trip truly unforgettable - it’s the closest I’ll ever come to feeling like a celebrity! The scenery was absolutely stunning and completely unexpected, presenting a side of China that took us all by surprise. From picturesque villages to dramatic mountain landscapes, every moment was a discovery, leaving lasting memories of a truly unique adventure.

Activities & Places to See

  • Dongtian Wine Cave – An impressive natural cave system used for fermenting and storing local rice wine, where the cool, damp environment creates the perfect ageing conditions.
  • Baimo Cave and Bainiao Cave – These vast karst caves are filled with towering stalactites and stalagmites, enhanced by dramatic lighting that highlights the natural beauty of the formations.
  • Libo Ancient Town – This picturesque riverside town is rich in traditional architecture, cobbled streets, and local culture, offering a peaceful glimpse into China’s historic way of life.
  • Detian Cross-Border Waterfall – Straddling the border between China and Vietnam, this powerful and majestic cascade is the largest waterfall in Asia and is surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque scenery.


Activities 

This part of China is a haven for outdoor lovers, boasting countless opportunities for hiking through mountain trails, cycling across the rolling countryside, and engaging in thrilling adventure sports. Whether you seek challenging terrain or leisurely exploration, it offers something for every level of outdoor enthusiast.


Bars & Restaurants

During our trip, we stayed in a variety of hotels and dined at numerous restaurants, all of which offered incredible hospitality and delicious food. Being close to the Vietnamese border, the local cuisine reflected a fascinating blend of Chinese and Vietnamese flavours, adding a unique and memorable touch to every meal we enjoyed throughout the journey.

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