A US-based Chinese father and daughter's real-life 7-day private car tour of Guizhou: A genuine journey from Wanfenglin to Mount Fanjing

On 2026 9, at the arrivals hall of Guiyang Longdongbao Airport, a Chinese-American father and daughter who had just returned from the United States stood in front of our pickup vehicle and gave a thumbs-up to the camera.

The daughter, wearing a white baseball cap, a white T-shirt, and khaki shorts, is beaming with joy. The father sports a white Discovery-branded baseball cap, a pink polo shirt, blue shorts, and sunglasses perched on his head, radiating the excitement of "finally arrived." Behind them stands a white new-energy sedan displaying a Meitushuo airport pickup sign that reads: "Guizhou Tour Car Charter · Small Group Customization Experts – One Car, One Family, One Journey to Guizhou."

This photo was snapped casually by the photographer, but it ended up being the perfect opening to our journey.

Why Mr. Jin Took His Daughter on a Private Tour in Guizhou

Mr. Jin has lived in California, USA for nearly 20 years. His daughter was raised in the U.S.; she understands Chinese but doesn't speak it well. This trip back to Guizhou is more than just a vacation—it's a journey of roots. He wants his daughter to see where he grew up and experience the landscapes of Southwest China.

"My daughter will be applying to college next year, and I want her personal statement to include a genuine experience—not just visiting a museum, but venturing into the mountains and villages to talk with locals," Mr. Jin said.

They searched for "Guizhou private tour" on Google and found our website, Meitu Travel. The articles are straightforward and practical, unlike many travel agencies that rely on generic jargon. After comparing three or four options, they chose us because of our quick responses, clear answers to every question, and no misleading sales tactics.

Clear and simple: just a father and daughter, no rush to hit the sights—travel at your own pace. Based on 9 days, I've designed a circular route starting from Guiyang, stopping at Xingyi's Wanfenglin, Huangguoshu Waterfall, Libo Xiaoqikong, Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, and Fanjing Mountain before returning to Guiyang. The entire trip uses one 5-seat new energy sedan with a dedicated driver. This custom Guizhou tour for overseas Chinese travelers is all about relaxing, not rushing.

Day 1–2: Pick up in Guiyang, head straight to Xingyi Wanfenglin

Picked up Mr. Jin and his daughter at 9 on the afternoon of 20. Loaded their luggage onto the car and headed straight for Xingyi via expressway, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Along the way, Mr. Jin shared stories about his childhood in Guizhou with his daughter, who listened intently and occasionally asked questions in Chinese.

Arrived in Xingyi by evening and checked into a homestay near Wanfenglin. Strolled around Nahui Village and enjoyed a bowl of local beef noodles. My daughter said it was ten times better than the ones in San Francisco, even drinking every last drop of broth from the bowl.

The next morning, we cycled through Wanfenglin—the most relaxed part of the trip. We rented e-bikes and rode around Bagua Field for about two hours. "This is exactly the kind of travel I wanted," my daughter said as we pedaled. Everywhere there were rice paddies and villages, so close it felt like we could touch them.

The karst peak clusters of Wanfenglin, paired with golden rice paddies in September, make for stunning photos. Mr. Jin took countless pictures of his daughter, joking that "every shot could serve as an illustration for a college application essay." We then drove toward Huangguoshu, about 2.5 hours away.

Day 3: Huangguoshu Waterfall – View from Inside the Water Curtain Cave

Arrived at Huangguoshu Scenic Area in the morning. First, we visited Shuoputang Waterfall. Mr. Jin said this is the waterfall featured in the "Journey to the West" closing credits; he watched the Cantonese-dubbed version as a child while living in the U.S. and remarked, "I never expected to be standing right here in Guizhou." My daughter had never seen "Journey to the West," but after visiting she said, "It's far more realistic than Marvel's special effects."

Next, head to the Water Curtain Cave. Expect a wait of about 40 minutes — Meitu says: During peak season, book your tickets online in advance; buying on-site can add up to an hour to your queue time. As you pass through the cave, mist sprays directly at you. Both of us got soaked but couldn't stop smiling.

"You can't capture this in a photo," my daughter said as she stepped out from behind the waterfall, with light streaming through. We visited Yin Lian Zhui Tan Waterfall at Tianxingqiao in the afternoon. With fewer tourists around, we stayed for an extra hour.

Days 4–5: Libo Dajigong and Xiaoqigong

It takes about 4 hours from Huangguoshu to Libo. After arriving in the afternoon, we visited Daqi Valley to see the Natural Bridge and canyon. Though the hike was short, the scenery was impressive. Mr. Jin remarked, "The geological structure here is unique; I'll have to share this with my friends when I get back."

The entire second day was spent at Xiaoqikong. Starting from the ancient bridge, we hiked along the Xiangshui River into the Water Forest, which required wading through water for about two hours. I had warned my daughter beforehand to wear non-slip sneakers, but she still almost slipped. "What a close call—you were so far-sighted," she kept saying afterward.

Spent the afternoon at Wolong Tan. The water was an unreal shade of teal-blue. Mr. Jin said, "It looks color-graded, but it's real." My daughter filmed lots of videos and said she'll edit a vlog to share with her classmates in the U.S.

Days 6–7: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village Night View and Silver Workshop

It's about 3 hours from Libo to Xijiang. After checking into a homestay with a view of the Miao village, you can watch the valley lights slowly come alive from the balcony at dusk. My daughter stood there for a long time without saying anything, then posted on social media: "I'll remember this moment forever."

Dinner featured a long table banquet. The sour soup fish, glutinous rice, and cured meat were all excellent. Mr. Jin noted, "I've had sour soup fish at Chinese restaurants in the U.S., but it tasted completely different." Tip: Verify whether the long table banquet fee is included in your accommodation. Some homestays quote prices excluding this, then charge extra on-site—we've encountered this multiple times.

The next morning, we strolled through the Miao village before the tourists arrived; the bluestone paths were quiet. My daughter was fascinated by the Miao silver jewelry, so we took her to a local silversmith's workshop—not a tourist shop. The craftsman taught her how to tell real silver from fake. After some practice, she bought a small silver bangle and said, "This is truly handmade."

Depart around noon toward Fanjing Mountain; approximately 4.5 hours.

Day 8: Hongyun Golden Summit of Fanjing Mountain

Rode the cable car up the mountain early this morning and hiked to Hongyun Golden Summit. The trail is steep, with several sections requiring use of both hands and feet. Mr. Jin, being in great shape, reached the summit first. "It was absolutely worth it," he said. "Temples line both sides, connected by a stone bridge overhead, while a sheer abyss stretches beneath your feet and clouds drift past."

My daughter took her time, and with Dad's encouragement, she successfully reached the summit. On the way down, we visited Mushroom Rock—a stone that has stood there for countless years, looking just like a mushroom.

MeituShuo Reminder: Mount Fanjing is at high altitude with strong winds and low temperatures on the summit. Even in September, please bring fleece or a light down jacket. Guests with acrophobia should proceed according to their comfort level; the view from the lower observation deck is also spectacular.

Day 9: Return to Guiyang and airport transfer

The drive from Fanjingshan back to Guiyang via the expressway takes about 4 hours. We arrived at noon, and Mr. Jin wanted to enjoy a bowl of sour soup beef before departing. We took him to a local favorite spot, dropped him off at the airport after his meal.

At the security checkpoint, Mr. Jin turned back and said, "I'll come find you next time." His daughter waved and called out, "Bye-bye, see you next time!"

Is chartering a car in Guizhou cost-effective for overseas Chinese?

This is a common concern. Overseas Chinese visitors returning to Guizhou from the U.S., Singapore, or Malaysia face a major information gap: they don't know how far attractions are from each other or how to navigate mountain roads.

Guizhou's attractions are spread out. It's over 400 km from Guiyang to Xingyi and more than 300 km to Mount Fanjing. Renting a car yourself means navigating winding mountain roads and numerous tunnels, which can be risky for those unfamiliar with the terrain. A Guizhou car charter service costs approximately 800 to 1200 yuan per day, including fuel, tolls, and driver fees. For this 9-day trip, two people will spend roughly 12000 to 18000 yuan in total, or 6000 to 9000 per person. While this may seem like a significant amount, many overseas Chinese families find it worthwhile compared to the time and effort required to manage everything on their own.

How should I plan a 9-day itinerary?

First time in Guizhou with 9 days? Follow this 9-day itinerary: Day 1: Arrive and acclimate in Guiyang. Days 2–3: Xingyi's Wanfenglin and Huangguoshu Waterfall. Days 4–5: Libo Xiaoqikong. Days 6–7: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. Day 8: Fanjingshan. Day 9: Return to Guiyang for departure. This loop route avoids backtracking.

Heads up—don't say I didn't warn you

Weather in Guizhou changes rapidly; 9 mornings and evenings can have a temperature swing of up to 10°C. The mist at Huangguoshu Waterfall's Curtain Cave is heavy—bring a waterproof jacket and non-slip shoes. You'll get wet regardless of the weather.

Peak-season queues are common at scenic spots. We recommend booking tickets for Huangguoshu and Xiaoqikong online at least a week in advance. When purchasing silver jewelry in the Miao villages, compare prices across multiple vendors; there can be significant price differences between tourist shops and local silversmiths.

Say a few words

On the day we saw Mr. Jin and his daughter off, I watched them go through security at the airport. A little while later, my phone rang with a WeChat message from my daughter: "We got to see where Dad grew up and also explored Guizhou this time—it was truly fulfilling. Thank you!"

This is the greatest sense of accomplishment in our line of work. Meitu Travel specializes in overseas Chinese tourism in Guizhou, offering a dedicated driver and vehicle for airport pickup to drop-off, following your pace. Our private Guizhou tours are customized to your schedule and interests, perfect for father-daughter trips or family vacations. Enjoy stress-free travel with our chauffeur-driven car rentals in Guizhou.

For customized Guizhou tour packages for overseas Chinese, contact our customer service via WeChat or phone at 18285125548.