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Our big mistake | Exploring Guizhou 🇨🇳
Guizhou Exploration: Unexpected Journey Through Leishan and Rongjiang
This week join us as we loose ourselves and find ourselves all in one video. Places visited: Langde, Leishan and Rongjiang.
0:00 We almost didn't make this video
1:50 Arriving to Langde
5:45 This place is not what we expected
9:50 Exploring Leishan
14:03 Got a room
14:46 A beautiful Miao...
This week join us as we loose ourselves and find ourselves all in one video. We may not show it well, but we start off feeling pretty lost. We were trying to explore rural China but instead ended up in what felt like - for us - quite a commodified and commercialised version of it in Langde. And after thinking about it quite a lot, we decided we were not going to continue with our original plan and just make a video praising "quite" "untouched" village life, when it felt fake to us. So instead we moved on and started travelling our way. Not by visiting the most recommended sights, but by going to places where we felt we could have unique experiences. In this video that includes Leishan and Rongjiang.
We almost didn't make this video.
Arriving to Langde.
This place is not what we expected.
Exploring Leishan.
Got a room.
A beautiful Miao celebration.
Explaining ourselves.
Taking a bus onwards.
Having an amazing time in Rongjiang.
Finding ourselves & the most beautiful bus ride.
Wale&Me's Guizhou adventure took an unexpected turn. Initially aiming for authentic rural China, they found Langde overly commercialized. Disappointed, they adapted, seeking unique experiences in Leishan and Rongjiang instead. The journey involved a beautiful Miao celebration, a scenic bus ride, and moments of self-discovery. Their honesty about their initial missteps makes this travelogue relatable and engaging.
This week join us as we loose ourselves and find ourselves all in one video. We may not show it well, but we start off feeling pretty lost. We were trying to explore rural China but instead ended up in what felt like - for us - quite a commodified and commercialised version of it in Langde. And after thinking about it quite a lot, we decided we were not going to continue with our original plan and just make a video praising "quite" "untouched" village life, when it felt fake to us. So instead we moved on and started travelling our way. Not by visiting the most recommended sights, but by going to places where we felt we could have unique experiences. In this video that includes Leishan and Rongjiang.
We almost didn't make this video.
Arriving to Langde.
This place is not what we expected.
Exploring Leishan.
Got a room.
A beautiful Miao celebration.
Explaining ourselves.
Taking a bus onwards.
Having an amazing time in Rongjiang.
Finding ourselves & the most beautiful bus ride.
This week's video follows Wale&Me as they navigate the unexpected turns of exploring rural China. Initially aiming for an idyllic experience, they find themselves in Langde, a village heavily commercialized for tourism. This unexpected start leads them to rethink their approach, shifting from a pre-planned itinerary to a more spontaneous exploration prioritizing unique experiences and genuine interactions. Their journey takes them to Leishan and Rongjiang, where they encounter a range of surprising situations. In Langde, they discover the village is heavily focused on tourism, with many buildings serving as hotels and a performative aspect to the village life. This leads to a reflective moment where they question the nature of their travel and the impact of tourism on local cultures. They also share a humorous anecdote about being used as props in a video shoot about the train experience.
Their travels continue with a series of unexpected events, including a heartwarming interaction with children over a lost euro coin. The video captures the emotional roller coaster of their journey, from moments of confusion and uncertainty to moments of joy and connection. They highlight the beauty of the landscapes and the kindness of strangers they meet along the way. The video includes a description of a Miao celebration, with vivid details about the attire, music, and the sense of community. This immersive experience allows Wale&Me to connect with the local culture on a deeper level.
In Leishan, they find a more authentic experience, engaging with locals, trying street food, and finding affordable accommodation. They even stumble upon a flute festival, further enriching their cultural immersion. The video also touches on Wale&Me's personal reflections on ethical tourism, acknowledging their role as tourists while expressing concern about the commodification of local cultures. This thoughtful perspective adds a layer of depth to their travelogue.
Their journey continues to Rongjiang, where they explore a Sunday market, experiencing a blend of vibrant local life and the realities of animal agriculture. This section includes a poignant discussion about animal cruelty, emphasizing the universality of this issue. Despite the challenges, they find joy in simple pleasures like trying local delicacies and connecting with the people they meet. The video ends with a sense of contentment and a renewed appreciation for their unique travel style, emphasizing the importance of genuine experiences over pre-conceived notions. Wale&Me's journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of travel and the rewards of embracing the unexpected.
Wale&Me's Guizhou adventure takes an unexpected turn! Initially aiming for untouched village life, they encounter a commodified version in Langde. Undeterred, they embrace spontaneity, exploring Leishan and Rongjiang, discovering authentic experiences and emotional moments. From a chance encounter with children trading currency to a captivating Miao celebration, their journey is filled with surprising discoveries and heartwarming interactions. This vlog showcases their unique travel style, prioritizing genuine connections over curated tourist experiences.
Wale&Me's Guizhou journey: unexpected twists, authentic encounters, and emotional highs in rural China. A captivating exploration of local culture and surprising discoveries.
Guizhou Exploration: Rural China's Miao Culture & Unexpected Discoveries
2:07 Be prepared for unexpected expenses and rely on the kindness of strangers. A lost euro turned into a memorable experience for a local child.
3:42 Researching beforehand is crucial, but be open to unexpected discoveries. Limited online information can lead to unique experiences.
4:59 Check for road accessibility before embarking on hikes or treks, as trails might be altered or replaced with roads.
7:02 Be mindful of the impact of tourism on local cultures. Some tourist attractions may present a commercialized or performative version of local life.
11:08 Explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots to experience authentic local life. Engage with locals and find hidden gems.
23:05 Visit local markets to experience the vibrancy of local life and discover unique food and cultural items.
31:18 Consider alternative transportation like buses for scenic views and immersive experiences. Bullet trains may miss out on these opportunities.
2:07 Be prepared for unexpected expenses and rely on the kindness of strangers. A lost euro turned into a memorable experience for a local child.
3:42 Researching beforehand is crucial, but be open to unexpected discoveries. Limited online information can lead to unique experiences.
4:59 Check for road accessibility before embarking on hikes or treks, as trails might be altered or replaced with roads.
7:02 Be mindful of the impact of tourism on local cultures. Some tourist attractions may present a commercialized or performative version of local life.
11:08 Explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots to experience authentic local life. Engage with locals and find hidden gems.
23:05 Visit local markets to experience the vibrancy of local life and discover unique food and cultural items.
31:18 Consider alternative transportation like buses for scenic views and immersive experiences. Bullet trains may miss out on these opportunities.
0:08 Scrap this video
1:54 Arrival at Langde
3:15 Langde: Miao Village
10:44 Leishan exploration
14:46 Miao flute festival
22:33 Arrival at Rongjiang
23:01 Rongjiang Sunday market
29:29 Bus to next town
0:00 We almost didn't make this video
1:50 Arriving to Langde
5:45 This place is not what we expected
9:50 Exploring Leishan
14:03 Got a room
14:46 A beautiful Miao celebration
16:44 Explaining ourselves
19:05 Taking a bus onwards
22:54 Having an amazing time in Rongjiang
29:11 Finding ourselves & the most beautiful bus ride
What was the most unexpected part of our trip?
Definitely Langde. It was way more commercialized than we expected, not at all the untouched village we'd hoped for.
What was the best part of our trip?
The Miao festival in Leishan! It was amazing to witness this important part of their culture and connect with the people.
What's the best advice for traveling in rural China?
Be flexible and open to the unexpected. Things don't always go according to plan, but that's part of the adventure!
What was the food like?
We found some amazing street food and local dishes. The fresh bread in Leishan and the Sunday market in Rongjiang were highlights.
What about transportation?
Buses are a great way to see the countryside, but they can be crowded and sometimes the schedules aren't reliable. But it's worth it for the views!
