EXTEND YOUR VISION BY IMMERSING YOURSELF INTO THE LOCAL CULTURE, CUSTOM , PEOPLE AS WELL AS ITS TRADITION
Although the Han ethnic group is by far the dominant majority, China is also home to more than fifty diverse ethnic minorities that contribute equally to its vibrant cultural patch-work. The relatively unexplored villages of GuiZhou, SiChuan YunNan, Guangxi offer the more daring traveler the opportunity to witness first-hand ancient tribal rituals and traditions that have been preserved by these remote populations down through the ages. A popular Chinese idiom states “Yan Jian Wei Shi”, with the literal translation: “seeing is believing”.
We feel strongly that our itineraries open the eyes of our clients to their widest possible extent. Off the Beaten Track is designed to meet your goals of budget and adventurous experiences throughout China. Our participants are not tourists, they are travelers and we will travel to learn, to experience the local culture, and to interact with the local people.
experience differently
Chinese Culture Heritage
Will take you far from the tourist track to isolated mountainous areas in the south-west of China. Once there you will have the opportunity to trek through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country and visit some truly remarkable cultural enclaves that bear witness to China’s dazzling ethnic variety. Not only your journey will be a more challenging travel experience but also a glimpse into the daily lives of communities that are trying to retain their own tribal identity in the face of ever-quickening social and technological developments.
Off the Track in Sichuan
In Sichuan we also have big mountains, stunning glaciers and rich Tibetan culture to present you. In this 8-day lodging hiking tour in western Sichuan, you have the chance to experience real Tibetan culture and beautiful Tibetan landscapes. Highlights of this hiking adventure include Hailuogou Glacier Park, Kangding, Tagong Tibetan town and Danba Tibetan Village.
Minority Culture Experience
One of SinoOdyssey’s core philosophies is that we believe travel should benefit both the locals and the travelers; we travel to a place where our participants will find unfamiliar and learn how to reflect upon their own cultural back ground. Whether it is through having meals with a local family or taking the public transportation, our tours provide opportunities for a solid understanding of the
Rugged Travel and home Stay
We offer rugged and adventurous travel that will allow you to get away from the urban areas and explore some of the more remote areas of China。A homestay is when you actually live with a local, getting a glimpse into the everyday life of a local family or person in the community. An easy way to learn about a place and interact with people as well as its culture. Try to adapt as much as possible for a more immersive experience. We arrange home-stays in minority villages in Guizhou, Guangxi and Yunnan province.
Ethnic Culture Immersion
Travelling down to the southeastern part of China will provide you with a strong contrast between modern life and the traditional tribal existence of minority ethnic groups. Well known for its rich minority culture, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi provinces provides the backdrop to a huge number of Chinese minorities, Guizhou province perhaps the most famously, for its well-preserved Miao and Dong villages where the traditional identity and lifestyle of this fascinating tribe has been kept alive. In some part of the southern China, not only features a kaleidoscope of colorful minorities, but also contains a geographically distinct natural landscape, 80% of which is mountainous with a lovely mix of steep drops and beautiful rice terraces Our itinerary is carefully designed for those who want to stay away from the tourist traps, in order to experience the true essence of the minority lifestyle.
GETTING CONNECTED AND STAY CONNECTED
The natural places, animals, and plants that we discover during our travels also are important to the local people who live in the places we visit. Indigenous communities tend to have an especially intimate relationship with the natural world as they rely heavily on the land and its resources for their traditional ways of life. Trees supply timber for building and heating homes. Fish nourish and sustain remote coastal communities. Native plants are used for ceremonies and healing purposes. Different animals hold spiritual significance and are cultural icons.
As travelers, we must take care to protect local lands and ecosystems that we visit. Because while these places are destinations to us, others call them home
Learn and practice wilderness, teamwork and leadership skills. Find connections with your crewmates based on support and respect (and fun too!), and in the thick of challenges, discover there is more in you than you know.
Value strengths and strengthen values: Uncover your unique character strengths, develop your leadership abilities and learn how to let compassion in to everyday life by pushing your own limits and working alongside your peers.
Demonstrate mastery: As you gain confidence in new skills, take on more decision-making responsibilities. Work together to achieve team goals, solve problems and succeed both as individuals and as a group.
What you’ll learn: For School students, the opportunities to carry more weight (literally and figuratively) and make impactful decisions with accompanying consequences fills the expedition as you go through numerous trials and triumphs. It’s all about independence.
off the beaten track
Unveiling The Wonders of Guizhou
Zhao Xing is the largest Dong village in the whole of China. The ancient wooden architecture and centuries-old practices are deeply concealed within the dense mountains. There are five sections in the village and every section acts as the residence for one particular clan whose life centers upon a drum tower, constructed by the members of that clan. The features of Zhao Xing Village construction are demonstrated through the five wooden drum towers of different shapes, the four magnificent wood-structured roofed flower bridges and the five theatrical stages.[learn more]
The Land of Mystery
Xiahe County, located in the south of Gansu Province, boasts wonderful landscape and mysterious religion culture. Unique Tibetan customs and beautiful prairies are shown here very well. Xiahe neighbors Sichuan on the south and Qinghai on the west. Here is the north-east edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. 78 percent of its population is Tibetans. The center of the county is Labrang Town, which is renowned for the famous Labrang Monastery in its southwest corner.[learn more]
Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town, know as Phoenix Ancient Town is situated on the western boundary of Hunan Province southern CHina in an area of outstanding natural beauty where mountains, water and blue skies prevail. Fenghuang Ancient Town is a wonderful example of what villages were like prior to the onset of modernization. Here dozens of alleys paved with flagstones run between the houses, each showing wear caused by the feet of generations of local people who have used them when going about their daily business. For the visitor, these alleys are the way to see the typical high gabled wooden houses built on stilts along the banks of the river among them.[learn more]
MIAO NATIONALITY
This journey will give you a strong contrast between modern life in the teeming metropolis and the traditional tribal existence of minority ethnic groups. Guizhou and Guangxi provide the backdrop to a...…[learn more]
