We got so lucky!! | Exploring rural Guizhou 🇨🇳

We're going on an adventure to explore rural China! We really wanted to take the risk of choosing a random set of villages and just heading there, with no guides or plans to guarantee us anything (don't worry, we did make sure there was a hotel so we would't be imposing ourselves where we were not wanted). We chose to do this near Rongjiang, seeing how lovely all our interactions with locals had been in that city, and we were greatly rewarded. In this video we share with you our amazing experience staying in a minority Dong village!

Video chapters:
0:00 Going on an adventure
0:48 Getting there & hiking in the countryside
4:10 Meeting the nicest people + getting an amazing homestay
11:53 Exploring the village
18:53 We are the luckiest people
23:56 Good morning
27:36 Hiking + getting rides back into town

[idofdm]

What you guys doing is really a gem! Going to Part of China that are not glitz and glamour!
Me personally truly believe Chinese government is trying to preserves these if you may call not totally become Han whose are ethnically closer to Southeast Asians Thai, Myanmar or Laos, they are making the same effort for minorities like Tajik or Uyghur peoples that YouTubers travel there have shown!
Sadly because of Western narratives, what you guys showing like that of party official making efforts to lift these people out of poverty are chalk off as CPC propaganda not a genuine efforts!
After all it's in Chinese government interest not left these peoples behind when the rest of the country becomes so prosperous, or there would be discontent and rebellion like that of in Xinjiang a decade ago! The separatist element in Xinjiang was put down with not the most humane method that Western media capitalized on to demonize Chinese government, I do believe that they can unify Chinese minorities in autonomous region you were at or Xinjiang and Tibet region to think of themself as "Chinese" and reject separatist elements! Even though some of those efforts may seem too commercialize with heavy tourism lean, nevertheless, intention are goods to give these peoples source of income! And was proven effective even in mainstream region of China economically!

[lizerich]

Couldn't believe this rural village in China is so clean and beautiful.

[Weide]

Your videos have reached millions of views here in China. You may not realize it, but so many people have been deeply touched by your simple, kind, and peaceful way of seeing the world. There’s a quiet warmth in your journey that really speaks to people.

A lot of viewers genuinely want to help—not out of charity or sponsorship, but because they truly believe that kind souls like you deserve a smooth and joyful travel experience. No payback needed, no interference with your plans—just pure goodwill.

If you ever feel comfortable sharing your next destination in advance, I’m sure many warm-hearted people would love to meet you, walk with you for a bit, or lend a helping hand if needed. You’re not alone on this road!

[favourite]

You are very lucky to have met the real grassroots workers in China. Their mission is to help economically backward areas get rid of poverty and make the lives of ordinary people better. Some of them have a good educational background, but choose to stay away from the city and come to the countryside to do the most difficult but greatest work.

And the best wishes for 2025！

[weepingcamel]

putting freestanding wooden pillars on stones is a traditional building technique to deal with earthquakes. leaving it freestanding would make sure the pillars would sway in an earthquake but not snap which it would if buried in the ground

[grouchypatch]

The most genuine couple. Non- judgmental, acceptance of differences, carefree, nature lovers. spiritual..

[glenyscallaghan]

That has been an exceptional vlog, so beautiful to see the villages through your eyes and the magnificent scenery. They have such a peaceful way of life I hope it is never disturbed. Thank you both. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🙏🏻

[levili]

The Dong Chorus that you experienced are very unique in the region and also very beautiful. In most of the villages in Dong region they sing it at the drum tower every day. A team of them from the region even performed it many years ago in Paris right after China started opening. A cultural heritage.

[Star-ep]

Thank you so much for viewing the countryside of a country and bringing profit for the people rather than just the large companies❤

[JerryTom-mh]

China invests heavily in "rural revitalization." The villages you visit had no roads or electricity for a long time. If you enter the city, it takes 2-3 days. For foreign tourists, China's first guarantee is human safety.

[李彦樾]

4:55 He sang the classic Dong folk song "Cicada, " and there's a part of the lyrics I'd really love to share with you.
“The seasons here come early, swift—
suddenly, rain falls.
Suddenly, rainbows bloom, the sky clears
suddenly, we are born.
Suddenly, we are gone.
The autumn cicadas sing,
and we learn the value of life
and so, cherish it more.”

[Rollerlady]

Dat is manier van reizen wat jullie lief is en ik snap heel goed waarom . Wat een geweldige ervaringen, om zo in een gemeenschap opgenomen te worden .

Hoop dat jullie nog veel meer van dit soort ervaringen mogen meemaken .

[starlui]

Great video and sharing! Found your video from Bilibili and felt must support your great work on Youtube!! Traveled around the same way you did and really feel Chinese residents in rural places are really friendly to visitors and love to share and introduce their hometown and culture.

[DannyChean]

This is wonderful vlog! Thank you for taking us along the journey deep into Guizhou!

[andyluis]

Thank you very much for being able to view China rationally, without demonizing us like 95% of Western media. The world needs peace-loving and rational people like you.🎉

[junshen]

You are an excellent pair of bloggers who are truly traveling. You are dedicated to experiencing the local customs and traditions, deeply experiencing and understanding the lives of the locals, and resonating with them. I am a Chinese, but I have never been to the area in your video (China is too big, and its ethnic characteristics are too rich). I have never felt the scene of burning fire and singing songs. Seeing the combination of the flame and ethnic songs in the last segment of your video, I was even moved to tears. Thank you! Wishing you a smooth journey!

[isage]

Three years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife and I traveled from Guangzhou to this Dong village. Compared to other places, it wasn’t fully developed and was relatively niche. The weather was fantastic during those days, with bright sunshine. We even set out from the village on a five-hour hike toward the mountain peak, enjoying incredible scenery along the way.

[gwto]

Wonderful! This has became a documentary instead of a vlog!😂

[debbieretzlaff]

What a rich, immersive travel experience communing with the people in their villages & towns❣️Thank you for sharing and taking us along❣️

[barbaradavie]

This was the most enjoyable episode! What an amazing experience you had in that village. It was so beautiful. If I was younger that's exactly how I'd love to travel. Your translate app made all the difference to be able to communicate. Thank you for sharing. I absolutely loved it. Indigo dying!!! That's one of the world's most expensive and beautiful fabrics. How amazing. Amazing.