I thought Chongzuo was great for kids, until I went to Luodian, Guizhou!

I'd heard that the Daxiaojing area was called a "hidden emerald," and now I've finally seen it for myself! The karst landscape combined with the charm of the Buyi ethnic group makes for a unique and photogenic experience. Coinciding with the "Enjoy Village Fun in Luodian" themed event, I sipped village coffee, watched village opera, visited the bustling market, and lived like a local for a day – pure relaxation! Here's my immersive village travel guide to help you unlock a different kind of scenic and cultural experience. Detailed Attraction Information 1. Daxiaojing Karst Canyon Drifting on a bamboo raft down the emerald green river, flanked by steep karst cliffs and lush vegetation cascading like green waterfalls, with sunlight dappling the sparkling water like scattered diamonds. Hidden Gem: On holidays, experience the "fruit boat" – a bamboo raft laden with local fruits like dragon fruit and mangoes. Eat, snap photos, and create your own "dopamine-inducing landscape masterpiece." Further downstream, discover a natural cave, its entrance draped with vines, reminiscent of the Water Curtain Cave from *Journey to the West*. 2. Buyi Ancient Village Wander along winding stone paths, past wooden houses adorned with hanging corn and courtyards where dried chilies bask in the sun, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, head to the village market for a dopamine-boosting fruit market, where red heart dragon fruit is a steal at 10 yuan for 3 jin and freshly cut mangoes offer an explosion of sweetness. You can also find hand-embroidered Buyi head scarves. In the evening, catch a village opera performance, where villagers in indigo blue costumes sing folk songs and beat copper drums, adding a touch of rustic romance to the vibrant scene. 3. Village Cafe: Dragon Fruit Coffee House This hidden gem at the village entrance is adorned with bougainvillea and furnished with vintage sewing machines and bamboo baskets. The must-try is the Dragon Fruit Latte – a blend of fresh dragon fruit juice and freshly ground coffee, with a stunning pink gradient. Relax in the outdoor seating area, gaze at the misty green mountains in the distance, sip your coffee, and listen to the rustling leaves – this is the slow life you've been dreaming of. 4. Moon Bay Yunqi Guesthouse Located by the river, this guesthouse offers stunning views of the karst peaks from every window. At night, lie on the terrace hammock and marvel at the star-studded sky, where the Milky Way shines like scattered silver (check the clear night index in advance). Wake up to the sound of birdsong and step out into the morning mist-covered rice paddies, feeling like you've stepped into a traditional Chinese landscape painting. Ticket Information • Bamboo Rafting: 50 yuan/person (includes 1-hour rafting, shared boat, 4 people per boat). Fruit boat requires advance reservation, with an additional 30 yuan/person for the fruit package. • Village Opera Performance: Free admission. The market and activities are also free. • Moon Bay Yunqi Guesthouse: Weekdays 300-400 yuan/night, holidays 500-600 yuan/night, including breakfast and free fishing rod rental. Recommended Itinerary [24-Hour Immersive Village Experience] Day 1: • 2-hour drive from Guiyang to Daxiaojing (10:00 am). Drop off your luggage at Moon Bay Yunqi Guesthouse and try your hand at fishing by the river (free experience, the guesthouse can cook any fish you catch). • 12:00 pm: Head to the village market, explore the fruit stalls, buy some mangoes and passion fruit for snacks, and enjoy a bowl of Buyi chicken soup dumplings (savory dumplings filled with chicken and Sichuan peppercorns – a unique treat). • 2:30 pm: Take a bamboo raft trip down the canyon, opting for the fruit boat package. Snap photos, enjoy the fruit, and make sure to visit the "Natural Bridge" cave. Ask the boatman to stop for a few minutes to take photos with the cave in the background. • 5:00 pm: Visit the Dragon Fruit Coffee House, order a Dragon Fruit Latte, and take photos by the bougainvillea-covered wall. The blurred background creates a magical atmosphere. • 7:00 pm: Join the long table village feast, featuring sour soup fish, spicy fried snails, and steamed pumpkin leaves – all you can eat! Villagers will offer rice wine and sing toasts, so come hungry! • 9:00 pm: Enjoy a roadside concert at the village entrance, sing along with the guitar-playing youngsters, and then head back to the guesthouse terrace for stargazing. Day 2: • 8:30 am: Enjoy breakfast at the guesthouse (corn porridge, Buyi flower rolls, and cold mixed wood ear mushrooms). After breakfast, explore the ancient bridge ruins in the village. The centuries-old stone arch bridge spans the river, and the Buyi women washing clothes by the bridge offer a glimpse into local life. • 10:00 am: Try your hand at indigo tie-dyeing (available at the village workshop, 50 yuan/person, 1-hour session). Choose a white cloth, tie it into your desired pattern, dye it in varying shades of blue, and take home a unique souvenir. • 12:00 pm: Pack your bags and head back, stopping by Luodian County to buy a box of red heart dragon fruit (market price around 5 yuan/jin, cheaper than in the scenic area). Best Photo Spots 1. Bamboo Raft Fruit Boat: Sit at the bow, holding a dragon fruit in one hand and making a peace sign with the other. Have a friend stand on the shore and take a photo from a low angle, framing the karst mountains and blue sky in the shot for a vibrant composition. 2. Cafe Bougainvillea Wall: Lean against the bougainvillea-covered wall, turn your head and smile, using your coffee cup as a prop. Take a close-up shot of your profile, with the sunlight filtering through the flowers creating a soft glow on your face. 3. Buyi Old Houses: Find a courtyard with chilies drying in the sun, squat on the steps and play with the corn cobs. Have a friend take a photo from above to capture the essence of everyday life. 4. Moon Bay Guesthouse Terrace: At night, use your phone's long exposure mode to capture the starry sky, with the guesthouse lanterns in the foreground. The Milky Way and karst mountains create a breathtaking scene. Things to Note 1. Mosquito Repellent and Sunscreen: Mosquitoes are prevalent near the river and in the woods, so wear long pants and bring mosquito repellent. The sun is strong, so wear a straw hat, sunglasses, and breathable long sleeves (don't ask about my two-shade tan...). 2. Bamboo Raft Reservations: Fruit boats are popular during holidays, so it's recommended to contact the scenic area one day in advance (phone number available on the official WeChat account) to avoid disappointment. 3. Respect Local Customs: Elderly villagers may not understand Mandarin, so speak slowly when communicating. Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of elderly people and children. 4. Bring Cash: Many elderly vendors at the market only accept cash, so bring 50-100 yuan in small bills to buy fruit and snacks. Local Specialties 1. Sour Soup Fish: A Luodian must-try! Fish cooked in a sour soup made with local wild cherry tomatoes. Tilapia or grass carp are recommended for their tender and non-fishy meat. The sour and fragrant soup is incredibly appetizing, perfect for soaking up with rice. 2. Buyi Flower Rice: Glutinous rice dyed in vibrant colors using natural plant dyes, such as black from maple leaves and blue from butterfly pea flowers. It's as beautiful as it is delicious, especially when drizzled with honey. 3. Cold Mixed Jianfen: Luodian's version of "liangpi," these rice noodles are smooth and chewy, topped with sesame paste, chili oil, and pickled radish – a refreshing treat for summer. 4. Dragon Fruit Wine: Locally brewed fruit wine with a slightly sweet taste and a hint of alcohol. Buy a bottle as a souvenir – the earthenware jar packaging adds a special touch. Recommended Restaurants: Buyi Family Restaurant in the scenic area (authentic sour soup fish and flower rice) and Luodian No. 1 Grill in the county town (grilled tilapia and grilled small intestines – a must-try for late-night snacks). Luodian Daxiaojing is a hidden gem, free from the hustle and bustle of commercialization, offering the tranquility of mountains and rivers and the vibrant atmosphere of village life. If you're tired of crowded tourist spots and looking for a place to unwind, this is the perfect escape. Gather your friends and experience the joy of village life!