From Guilin to Guizhou: An Exploration of Culture, Cuisine & Community at Wujiang Village
Part 1 of 3 – A Recce Tour with Golden Century Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd
On 10th June 2025, our small group of travellers embarked on a six-day, five-night reconnaissance trip to Guilin (in Guangxi), Guizhou (Wujiang Village) and Yangshuo County (also in Guangxi), graciously hosted by Golden Century Tour & Travel Sdn. Bhd., a reputable Ipoh-based travel agency.
We departed from KLIA1 aboard a Batik Air chartered flight at 11am. Just four hours later, we touched down at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, where our local guide greeted us. With no time difference between China and Malaysia, the transition felt practically seamless.
A short coach journey brought us into the heart of Guilin. We checked into Eeril Hotel (also known as Guilin Huiyu Hotel), situated within the city’s central business district. With its modern design and prime location, it offered the ideal blend of comfort and convenience for our city exploration.
Eeril Hotel provides a complimentary postcard in each guest room. Guests may drop it into the postbox located at the lobby, next to the reception counter. Postage is fully covered by the hotel. At this time of writing, we’re still waiting for the postcard to arrive in the mail, as we had sent it to ourselves!
A Banquet to Begin
Dinner was hosted at JinLongZhai, located in GuiLin ZhongXin Plaza, just a short walk from Eeril Hotel. It was our first proper introduction to Chinese banquet dining: course after course arrived in succession, beautifully presented and full of flavour.
Among the many dishes, a humble tofu preparation stood out for its delicate texture and subtle seasoning. It was proof that simplicity can leave the strongest impression.
Later in the evening, we celebrated Mrs Yip Sze Choy’s birthday with cake, good cheer and new friends around the table.
A Night Stroll in the City
Despite our early travel, an evening walk felt like the perfect way to unwind. We strolled through Guilin Zhengyang Road Pedestrian Street, a lively area brimming with activity, neon lights and the hum of nightlife.
Soon, we arrived at Shanhu Lake, where the illuminated reflections of the Sun and Moon Pagodas shimmered across the water’s surface. On our way back to our hotel, we passed by the magnificent Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, where a man-made waterfall cascades down its façade at night, a dramatic sight that captivated passers-by.
A Taste of Guilin
Breakfast the next morning was served at Floral Eatery, the hotel coffee house. Alongside familiar fare, we were introduced to Guilin Oil Tea. Affectionately known by locals as “Chinese coffee”, this is a savoury, tea-based broth with fried puffed rice and nuts. Unusual at first sip, but wonderfully warming once appreciated. Guilin Oil Tea is definitely an acquired taste.
The Guilin bee hoon soup proved especially popular, with many of us ordering a bowl or two from the action stall for a satisfying local breakfast.
Through the Countryside by High-Speed Train
After checking out, we travelled to Guilinxi Railway Station (West Guilin Railway Station), about an hour’s drive from the city. From there, we boarded a high-speed train bound for Guiyang, reaching speeds of over 240km/h. Despite the pace, the ride was smooth, quiet and comfortable.
The fare was RMB171 (approximately RM100) for 2nd Class coach. The train was immaculately clean and punctual; hallmarks of China’s rail network. Duration: 2hr 41mins.
A Bold Culinary Introduction to Guizhou
Upon arriving at Guiyangbei Railway Station (North Guiyang Railway Station), we transferred straight to Xiang Yu Le Chu, a restaurant beside the Vienna International Hotel in Guanshanhu District (Guiyang City in Guizhou). Here, we encountered Guizhou-style cuisine: bold, punchy and unapologetically spicy.
Though we didn’t know the names of every dish, the flavours lingered. A standout was the fish served in a sour, spicy broth. It was fiery, complex and utterly unforgettable.
Arriving at Wujiang Village
Our final stop for the day was Wujiang Village (Wujiangzhai), a two-hour coach journey away in Bozhou District, Zunyi City in Guizhou. The scenery became increasingly dramatic – karst peaks, mist-veiled hills and the winding Wujiang River formed a breathtaking backdrop.
Nestled at the edge of this serene setting stood Guizhounese Academy Hotel (also known as Wujiang Zhaiqian College Hotel), our base for the next two nights. Styled after a traditional Chinese academy, the property featured whitewashed walls, sloping grey rooftops and elegant timber details. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time.
Each guestroom offered its own character, with views of koi ponds, shaded courtyards or mountain silhouettes for a harmonious blend of heritage and comfort.
A Living Model of Rural Revival
Wujiang Village is far more than picturesque scenery. It is a shining example of rural revitalisation. Led by the Chinese government and in collaboration with the private sector, farmers’ association and local communities, the village has been reimagined as a cultural tourism hub, drawing former residents back through employment and reintroducing traditional trades.
Visitors are invited to try indigo dyeing, paper flower pressing, and bamboo weaving, among other hands-on experiences that preserve craft heritage while supporting local livelihoods.
Some wear traditional Chinese costumes for memorable photo sessions around the ancient-style village.
Guests at the Guizhounese Academy Hotel are entitled to a complimentary two-hour traditional Hanfu costume rental for photography sessions around Wujiang Village. Otherwise, full-day rental is available for RMB98.
In addition, guests may take part in complimentary one-hour handicraft workshops available every day.
A Fiery, Flavourful Feast
Dinner that evening was just a short walk from our hotel. Though the restaurant’s name slipped this banana’s mind (something like Yen Pang Chai), it was easy to locate, behind Wang Ji Meat Shop (王记肉铺), which features three cheerful pig sculptures on its roof.
The food leaned heavily towards the spicy end of the spectrum, with many dishes drenched in both fresh and dried chillies. It was an all-out flavour assault, but somehow deeply comforting too, especially when consumed during colder seasons.
A Night to Remember
After dinner, we gathered by the riverside to witness the Wujiang Star Music and Water Dance Show, accompanied by a drone display above Huilong Island. The night sky lit up with swirling lights forming dragons, flowers and Chinese messages, all complemented by a dramatic soundtrack and synchronised lighted water jets.
Our evening concluded with a bonfire party alongside performers from the Miao ethnic group. We joined in with the clapping and dancing around a bonfire – an impromptu cultural exchange that warmed the spirit more than the flames ever could.
In just 48 hours (Days 1 & 2), we’d journeyed through cities and countryside, dined on diverse regional dishes, and witnessed culture both old and new. But the journey was far from over.
In Part 2 (Days 3 & 4), we delve further into Wujiang Village’s attractions before making our way back to Guilin.
Read Part 2 (Days 3 & 4): Exploring Wujiang Village: Guizhou’s Riverside Gem
This exploration was made possible by the kind invitation of Golden Century Tour & Travel Sdn. Bhd. All observations and reflections shared are entirely the writer’s own.
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