Overview
Step back 600 years into a living Ming dynasty time capsule. Journey through Guizhou’s legendary Tunbao villages — stone-walled communities founded by Ming military settlers that have preserved their ancient language, costumes, rituals, and the extraordinary masked opera known as Dixi (Ground Opera). From imposing fortress gates to thundering village opera competitions and lantern-lit ancient streets, this deep cultural tour reveals a Ming world that time forgot.
Day 1: Yunfeng Tunbao — The Fortress Gateway
Begin at Yunfeng Tunbao, where the imposing stone gate ruins of the Ming dynasty fortress mark your entry into Guizhou’s best-preserved Tunbao cluster. Walk through labyrinthine stone alleys flanked by thick stone walls and watchtowers, designed to withstand centuries of mountain warfare. Visit the eight interconnected villages built in strategic military formation, and hear the stories of the soldiers and their families who settled here during the Hongwu Emperor’s southern campaigns.
- Morning: Arrive at Yunfeng Tunbao, enter through the ancient stone gate ruins
- Afternoon: Explore Benzhai and Yunfeng villages, climb watchtowers for panoramic views
- Evening: Welcome dinner with Tunbao-style preserved meats and wild vegetables
- Overnight: Yunfeng Tunbao stone courtyard inn
Day 2: Tianlong Tunbao — Dixi Masked Opera
Travel to Tianlong Tunbao, the crown jewel of Tunbao culture, where the ancient art of Dixi (Ground Opera) comes alive. Witness a mesmerizing masked opera performance — warriors in elaborate hand-carved wooden masks and embroidered battle robes reenact Ming dynasty military legends. Visit the Dixi Mask Museum to learn how master carvers shape these intricate wooden masks, and try your hand at the basic steps of this 600-year-old theatrical tradition.
- Morning: Drive to Tianlong Tunbao, tour the ancient military academy
- Afternoon: Dixi Ground Opera performance + mask carving workshop
- Evening: Traditional Tunbao banquet — eight bowls style feast
- Overnight: Tianlong Tunbao courtyard homestay
Day 3: Puding — Village Opera Competition
Journey to Puding for the spectacular village opera competition, where troupes from surrounding villages gather on a traditional wooden stage to perform their versions of Dixi opera. Feel the thunder of drums and gongs as masked warriors take the stage before an audience of villagers and visitors alike. After the performances, meet the opera masters backstage, learn about their costume traditions, and enjoy the electric atmosphere of this beloved rural cultural festival.
- Morning: Drive to Puding, explore the village before the competition
- Afternoon: Village opera competition — multiple Dixi troupes performing
- Evening: Backstage visit with performers, communal village dinner
- Overnight: Puding village guesthouse
Day 4: Anshun Ancient City — Night Market & Lanterns
Conclude your Tunbao journey in Anshun’s ancient old town, where cobblestone streets glow with red lanterns after dark. Wander through the historic East Street, sampling Guizhou’s famous street food — crispy tofu balls, spicy noodles, rice cakes, and fermented bean dishes. Explore the Ming dynasty city walls, visit the Confucian temple, and lose yourself in the bustling night market where opera performers in full costume mingle with locals and travelers. A perfect finale to your deep dive into Ming heritage.
- Morning: Drive to Anshun, visit the ancient Confucian temple and city walls
- Afternoon: Free time to explore old town shops and tea houses
- Evening: Ancient city night tour — street food tasting, lantern-lit lanes
- Overnight: Anshun boutique hotel
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Guiyang or your onward destination. Carry with you the echoes of Dixi opera drums, the weight of history in every stone wall, and memories of a Ming dynasty world that continues to live and breathe in Guizhou’s Tunbao heartland.
- Morning: Breakfast, drive back to Guiyang
- Afternoon: Arrival in Guiyang, end of tour
What’s Included
- Private English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Air-conditioned private vehicle with experienced driver
- 4 nights accommodation in traditional courtyard inns and boutique hotels
- Daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners
- All entrance tickets to villages, museums and opera performances
- Dixi mask carving workshop experience
- Puding village opera competition admission
Important Information
- Tour departs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Guiyang
- Moderate level of fitness — involves walking on uneven stone paths
- Please ask permission before photographing opera performers without masks
- Best visiting seasons: March-June and September-November
- Small group tour: minimum 2 travelers, maximum 12 travelers