Immerse yourself in a world of colourful local dress, traditional architecture and the unique cultures of the Miao people as you travel through the countryside of Guizhou Province. Kaili is the center of China's 7.5 million Miao people and the surrounding villages host markets and festivals - and foreigners are still a relative rarity in this region.

Step back in time and cross into the Dong village of Chengyang over one of the many 'wind and rain' footbridges. The bridges, or fengyu qiao as they are called locally, once served religious purposes but are now mostly used as a place for the local people to sit around, chat and sell their wares. They were traditionally entirely built in pegged cedar, and it has been said that there is not a single nail used in their construction. This is one of Southwest China's most lovely villages.

The Longjii - Dragon's Backbone - rice terraces are a sight not to be missed. Hike through the magnificent terraces that cover the side of 800-meter hillsides, visiting local minority groups along the way. Stay in a traditional hillside village and perhaps attend a cultural show. These terraces change with the seasons - sometimes filled with pure water from the mountains, then green during the growing season and later, golden-coloured when the rice is ready to be harvested. From our basic accommodation high up in the hills, we have magnificent views of the valley.

This is a trip that shows you the very best of rural China - the life, the people, the landscapes and traditions.