Private tour

Guilin to Sanjiang: Dong Village, Local Lunch & Tea Mountain

Escape to Sanjiang for a day of Dong culture: visit wooden villages, cross the Wind & Rain Bridge, enjoy a traditional feast, and sip tea atop Buyang Mountain—pure nature and heritage.

Select participants and date

Highlights

Discover the Dong ethnic culture in Sanjiang and historic wooden villages
Walk across the 100-year-old Chengyang Wind & Rain Bridge without nails
Enjoy a traditional Hundred-Family Feast or Dong family lunch experience
Explore Buyang Tea Mountain and sip fresh green tea with valley views
Relax with round transfers from Guilin and expert insights from your guide

Full Description

Enjoy a scenic two-hour drive through rolling hills, rice terraces, and bamboo groves. Your guide will introduce the customs and stories of the Dong ethnic group along the way.

Sanjiang Drum Tower: Located at the heart of Sanjiang town, this majestic multi-tiered wooden structure is a cultural icon of the Dong people. Built entirely without nails using ancient wooden joinery, the Drum Tower serves as the village’s social center and symbolizes harmony and unity. Inside, you’ll find murals, old photographs, and local handicrafts that reveal the Dong community’s history and values. You’ll also stroll the lively nearby market where locals sell vegetables, handmade tools, and traditional snacks.

Enjoy a cultural highlight: the Hundred-Family Feast (if available), a traditional long-table banquet hosted by local villagers. Savor sticky rice, bamboo chicken, sour fish soup, and preserved pork while surrounded by festive songs and dancing.

If the feast is not available on your selected date, you’ll instead enjoy a more intimate home-cooked lunch with a local Dong family. Sit in a stilted wooden home, chat with your hosts, and sample fresh dishes made from garden or market ingredients.

Chengyang Dong Villages: Discover the charm of Ma'an, Pingzhai, and Yanzhai, three of the eight Dong villages connected by rice fields and forested hills. Stroll across the Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, a covered wooden bridge built in 1916 without nails—designed to withstand both time and typhoons. Explore narrow alleys, wooden stilt houses (Diaojiaolou), weaving workshops, and rice wine cellars. Watch daily village life unfold—women dyeing cloth, elders playing instruments, and children running through courtyards.

Buyang Tea Mountain: Head to the nearby Buyang Tea Mountain, a peaceful slope lined with emerald tea terraces. Hike the footpath for panoramic views over the valleys and villages. At the top, relax in a teahouse, sip freshly brewed Sanjiang green tea, and learn about the region’s centuries-old tea-making tradition. This stop blends nature, culture, and calm in one beautiful setting.

Includes

Convenient Pickup: Pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Guilin city. Your dedicated staff will confirm pickup details the evening before.
Group Size: 1-6 people (larger groups may inquire about custom options).
Language: Guided in your selected language for a smooth experience.
Tour Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
Ticket: Chengyang Dong Villages, Buyang Tea Mountain
Lunch included: Hundred-Family Feast or Dong Family Meal depending on the availability.

Not Included

Other personal expenses
Tips: Not included, but our guests can decide at their discretionary.

Not Suitable For

Wheelchair users
People with mobility impairments

Important Information

Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring sun protection and rain gear as needed
Tour operates rain or shine

Guest Reviews

Lucas - UK

"Absolutely loved this day trip! The Drum Tower was stunning, and our guide shared so many great stories about Dong traditions. Lunch with a local family was the highlight—so warm and authentic.”

Elias - Greece

"A peaceful escape from the city. The scenery was gorgeous, especially the villages and Wind & Rain Bridge. I learned so much about Dong culture and brought home handmade souvenirs too!”

Emily - Australia

“The Hundred-Family Feast felt like a real celebration—delicious food and amazing songs. Even if that’s not available, having lunch with a local family is such a personal and rich experience.”