Villages around Kaili

The rolling hills and winding rivers provide a beautiful backdrop to the many minority villages around Kaili. I was quite surprised by how tourist-friendly many villages near the road have become-complete with public bathrooms, road signs and even car parks! As soon as our van stopped, there would be a flurry of movement of village women grabbing their baskets of handicrafts to have first go at selling their wares. Many of their products were obviously mass-produced in factories in the south of China, but amongst that there were local batik and embroidery items- intricately handicrafted for knockout prices.

The drive from Leishan to Rongjiang was stunning- towering rice terraces and mighty river views. As we past through tens of small villages, we noted the costume and hairstyle changes along the way. The miniskirts around Datang were really something else!