Begin your journey in Guangzhou and travel to Qingyuan, a city known for its karst mountains, clean rivers, and ethnic minority villages, especially those of the Yao people.

Next, head to the Yao Ethnic Minority Villages. The Yao people are known for their colorful embroidered clothing, silver jewelry, Pan Wang worship, long-drum dance, and matriarchal traditions in some subgroups.

Visit the top Yao villages near Qingyuan, including Sanjiang Yao Village, the largest Yao settlement in Guangdong, and Nan’gan Yao Village, known for its mountain terraces and cloud sea views. Explore Donglin Village, a less touristy spot with beautiful rice terraces and Yao textile workshops.

Many villages offer cultural shows, handicraft demonstrations, and Yao-style meals, including bamboo rice, smoked pork, and herbal tea.