Congjiang County itself contains a number of hidden tourist gems. If you are up for an adventure, please feel free to visit some of these locations! This website outlines many of them: https://www.chinadiscovery.com/guizhou/congjiang.html Below are some of the local destinations to visit for tourists.
The largest Dong minority ethnic village in China. Famous for its drum towers and preserved scenery and a popular tourist destination in Congjiang. It offers outfit rental services for traditional Miao and Dong costumes for people in the village and interested in taking a photoshoot. Located 70 km from Congjiang town center; take a one-hour bus to Congjiang High-Speed Railway Station (8 RMB), followed by a 15-minute taxi ride (30 RMB). Admission: 100 RMB.
A special wellness/spa bath from over a thousand years of Yao cultural wisdom prepared by boiling a variety of wild medicinal herbs; the process involves a "three-in, three-out" soaking method. Known for dispelling dampness and cold, relaxing muscles, promoting blood circulation, and relieving fatigue. Many Yao bath centers are available in the Congjiang town center. Prices range from approximately 80 to 120 RMB per person. Note: those with a weak constitution may feel dizzy; if dizziness occurs during the soak, take extra time to rest in between soaks.
(Also spelled Basha) An ancient Miao ethnic village featuring traditional Miao stilt-house architecture containing the location of China's last "gunner tribe", where residents are authorized to possess traditional black-powder rifles as part of their distinct indigenous heritage. Men wear their hair in a bun and a sickle is used for a coming-of-age haircut ceremony. Here, trees are revered as deities, with a culture revolving around "tree-birth" and "tree-burial" traditions. Located approximately 7.5 km from Congjiang town center; a 30-minute taxi ride (30 RMB). Admission: 100 RMB.
For many of our international guests, this may be your first time traveling to China. Since the trip can be long and may require extra planning, we encourage you to make the most of your visit by budgeting additional time before or after the wedding to explore other major cities and destinations in China, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, or other places that interest you. Please consult up-to-date travel guides, visa information, transportation schedules, and local destination guides when planning your trip. China is a large country, and travel between regions can take time, so we strongly recommend preparing a realistic travel plan in advance! We want everyone traveling such a long distance to have a meaningful and enjoyable experience beyond the wedding itself. Please treat this as a friendly reminder to plan ahead, research the places you want to visit, and give yourself enough time to fully enjoy your trip.
Below is a list of major cities and hubs near Congjiang that may also be of interest in your extended travel itinerary.
~45 minute direct train ride from Congjiang Railway Station
~3 hour direct train ride from Congjiang Railway Station
~3.5 hour train ride from Congjiang Railway Station SPECIAL NOTE: crossing into and out of China from Hong Kong functions as a de-facto international border crossing! Pay significant attention to visa/customs guidance when traveling here.
~4-5 hours direct train ride from Congjiang Railway Station
~5-6 hours direct train ride from Congjiang Railway Station