Things To Do
in Kedu

Golden morning light on layered rice terraces and low-lying mist create dramatic compositions—best visited at dawn for colors and atmospheric fog.

Narrow lanes lined with wooden stilt houses, colorful embroidery hanging to dry, and locals in traditional dress—excellent for street and portrait photography (ask before shooting people).

Small rivers with old stone bridges and willow trees provide reflective water shots and peaceful landscapes, particularly after rain.

Ridge viewpoints overlooking patchwork fields and karst hills offer wide panoramic shots at sunset or during cloud inversions.

A tangy, spicy fish soup made with fermented rice or vegetables — common in Miao cuisine and often found at village meals or specialty restaurants.

Must-Try!

Locally made rice noodles served in clear or spicy broths for breakfast or lunch; inexpensive and widely available.

Cured meats prepared by local households; served sliced with vegetables or stir-fried with rice.

A mixture of shredded vegetables, chilies, and sometimes bamboo shoots, dressed with local seasonings — great as a side or appetizer.

Bustling at dawn with fresh produce, steamed snacks, and local breakfasts; try freshly made rice noodles, steamed buns and pickled vegetables.

A cluster of stalls near the river or square serving skewers, fried river fish, dumplings and sweet potato snacks—ideal for sampling a variety of flavors.

Show deference to older people and follow local cues—greet seniors first and avoid loud behavior in village settings.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly members of ethnic minority groups, and respect any refusals.

It’s common to remove shoes when entering private homes; follow the host’s practice and accept offered slippers if provided.

Dress modestly for religious sites and community events; follow local dress codes and avoid overly revealing clothing in conservative villages.

Tipping is not customary in small towns; it may be appreciated for exceptional service or in tourist-oriented guesthouses. In restaurants and taxis, rounding up is sufficient; hotel porters or guides may accept modest tips.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate in China but in small towns cash (RMB) is still widely used. Many small vendors and rural businesses may not accept international cards—carry cash and smaller notes for markets and buses.

Mild temperatures and blooming vegetation make spring pleasant for hiking and photography; occasional rain makes trails slippery—bring a light rain jacket.

Warm and humid with frequent heavy rains and high humidity; landscape is lush but travel can be disrupted by storms and muddy roads—expect mosquitoes and pack quick-dry clothing.

Often the best time to visit: cooler, clearer weather, good visibility for vistas and festivals celebrating harvests; book accommodations ahead for festival weekends.

Cool, damp and often foggy with mild daytime temperatures; rarely very cold but mornings can be chilly—layers are recommended and some remote services may be reduced.

A popular day hike that links several villages and rooftop viewpoints above rice terraces—moderate difficulty with stairs and narrow paths, best in dry weather.

A scenic walk following a small river through gullies and bamboo groves, offering waterfalls and birdwatching opportunities; watch for slippery rocks after rain.

Within a few hours' drive are higher-elevation forested reserves and nature parks (e.g., Leigongshan National Nature Reserve) with well-marked trails, waterfalls and rich biodiversity—suitable for longer day hikes or overnight treks.

If you travel further south-east, karst forest trails and crystal-clear streams provide dramatic limestone formations and boardwalk paths for easy to moderate hikes.

The main regional hub for Guizhou province with national and some international connections; expect a 2–4 hour drive to Kedu depending on road conditions—shuttle buses, private transfers or trains connect to regional towns.

Smaller regional airports near ethnic minority cultural centers offer limited flights and may provide a quicker connection if schedules align; ground transfers from these airports typically take 1–3 hours.

One of the largest ethnic minority groups in the region, known for distinctive dress, silverwork and textile traditions—many villages retain language and customs.

Present in surrounding areas with characteristic drum towers, wooden architecture and choral singing traditions.

The majority ethnic group in China; in Kedu Han communities live alongside minority groups and contribute to the mixed cultural landscape.

Smaller groups such as Buyei or Yi may be present in nearby counties, each with unique customs and festivals.

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; many dishes are vegetable-forward but use animal-based broths or preserved meats. Ask for '不放肉' (bu fang rou — 'no meat') and be prepared to accept simple vegetable, tofu and noodle dishes.

Vegan eating requires care—clearly explain no animal products and watch for fish sauces, lard or meat-based broths. Markets and vegetable stalls are useful for self-catering.

Rice-based foods are common and naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some processed condiments contain gluten—ask when eating at restaurants.

Language can be a barrier; carry translations of allergies in Chinese (e.g., 对花生过敏 'dui huasheng guomin' — allergic to peanuts) and consider staying in accommodations where hosts can accommodate.