Exotic ethnic group dance in Guizhou. [Photo by Qin Gang/for China Daily]

From Guangzhou

The Guiyang-Guangzhou high-speed rail was launched in December, cutting travel time between the two cities down to just four hours. It's now more convenient to visit Qiandongnan Miao and the Dong autonomous prefecture in Guizhou province, a popular destination for backpackers because of its exotic ethnic groups and natural landscapes.

Starting from Guangzhou, you can have a pleasant four-day getaway in Guiyang. Make sure to visit the downtown and enjoy delicious street food and beer.

The next day, you can join a one-day group tour or take a bus to Huangguoshu Waterfall, which is about 150 km away. It's one of the largest waterfalls in China, and the main waterfall is 67 meters high and 83.3 meters wide.

The scenery changes as you climb. Enter Water-Curtain Cave to get a breathtaking view of the waterfall from the back.

On the third day, visit Xijiang Miao village in Leishan county, the largest ethnic Miao village in China. The ethnic Miao cultures and heritage have been well preserved, and the village hosts some famous festivals for the Miao people.

Wooden stilt houses sit along the mountains, with the Baishui River passing underneath. At night, lights from inside the homes brighten up the dark sky.

After staying one night at the village, you can rub shoulders with the locals, dine on genuine Miao cuisines, and buy souvenirs, before heading for the railway station.