From May 14th to May 22nd, 2025, 33 European tourism experts were invited to participate in a familiarization (FAM) tour of Guizhou Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The delegation included travel professionals from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Norway. This tour was sponsored by the China National Tourist Office (CNTO) London, the overseas office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.
As part of the tour itinerary, Pat McCarthy of the Ireland Sino Institute and Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen tourism ties between Ireland, Europe, and Guizhou.
Pat McCarthy noted that he and his team have been inundated with enquiries about travel to Guizhou and Guangxi after posting a vlog about the tour on various social media platforms. He also mentioned that:
Such exchanges promote mutual understanding, shared development, and collaboration between tourism experts in Europe and China.
Zhang Li, Director of the China National Tourist Office in London, emphasized:
This marks our largest and most multinational inspection project
Why are Guizhou and Guangxi generating so much buzz among European tourists?
Pat McCarthy’s vlog holds the answer, and he’s made it even easier to access by sharing the key moments here.
Virtual Preview of Guizhou-Guangxi FAM Tour May 2025
Director Zhang Li of the China National Tourist Office, London (the Overseas Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China) leads a delegation of 33 European tourism experts on a high-level tour of Guizhou and Guangxi.
Pat McCarthy, representing the Ireland Sino Institute and the Ireland China Cultural and Tourism Association, joins the delegation.
The above video offers a virtual preview of the tour, which began on May 15th, 2025.
Guizhou Tour Day 1
The above video features unforgettable highlights from the Irish Delegation’s visit to the breathtaking Baling River Bridge and the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall — the largest waterfall in all of Asia. A true showcase of Guizhou’s natural wonders that left the European Delegation in awe.
Guizhou Tour Day 2
The Irish delegates traveled to the stunning Langde Miao Village in Leishan County, Guizhou, where they were greeted with a traditional mi jiu (rice wine) ceremony and treated to a vibrant Miao dance performance that brought the culture to life.
Later in the day, the group journeyed to Rongjiang, where an unexpected surprise awaited — an invitation to experience the energy and excitement of a Village Super League match. It was a truly memorable moment of joyful cultural exchange, leaving lasting memories of connection, celebration, and fun.
Guizhou Tour Day 3
The Irish Delegation visited the Basha Miao Village in Congjiang, a culturally rich community where the Miao people are uniquely permitted to legally carry firearms — a rare exception granted due to the area’s status within the Qiandongnan Autonomous Prefecture.
Later, the group continued on to the picturesque Zhaoxing Dong Village, where they received a heartfelt welcome and were treated to a mesmerizing performance of the Dong Grand Chorus, a UNESCO-recognized tradition that left a lasting impression on all.
Guizhou Tour Day 4
The Irish Delegation visited Daqikong and Xiaoqikong. Both are located within a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The group also experienced the pristine waters of Yuanyang Lake and the awe-inspiring Cuigu Waterfall, surrounded by the breathtaking natural beauty of the region.
A visit to Libo Ancient Town added a rich cultural dimension to the day. Delegates dressed in traditional attire, took part in interactive cultural activities, and enjoyed captivating live performances, making it a truly immersive experience.
Guizhou Tour Day 5
On behalf of the Ireland China Culture and Tourism Association, Pat McCarthy was honored to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on strengthening tourism cooperation between Ireland, Europe, and Guizhou Province.
Pat McCarthy extends his sincere gratitude to Jing Farrelly from Zatino Group, the Guizhou authorities, and CNTO London, the Overseas Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, for their invaluable support and collaboration in making this initiative possible.
Guangxi Tour Day 1
The day began with captivating cultural performances in Baiku Yao Village, Nandan, Guangxi, featuring a traditional ceremonial firing ritual that offered a powerful glimpse into local heritage.
The Irish delegation then explored the Dongtian Shengjing Scenic Area, where they experienced the refreshing beauty of a naturally cool and colorful cave — a true highlight of the region’s karst landscape.
This was followed by a visit to the Dongtian Wine Cave, recognized as China’s largest underground wine storage facility, where participants had the opportunity to sample a selection of rich and flavorful local wines.
The day wrapped up with striking views of Nandan’s scenic landscapes, offering a memorable glimpse into Guangxi’s natural allure.
Guangxi Tour Day 2
Welcome to Bama – the Land of Longevity.
On Day 2 of the Guangxi tour, the Irish Delegation explored the region’s legendary longevity caves, notably Bainiao and Baimo. Baimo Cave is especially renowned for its high concentrations of negative oxygen ions and strong geomagnetic properties, creating an environment believed to offer revitalizing effects.
They journeyed by boat and on foot through these spectacular natural wonders, admired for their expansive chambers, dramatic karst formations, and the soothing sounds of subterranean springs.
Renowned for its pristine environment, Bama is famous not only for its caves but also for its exceptionally pure mineral water, often attributed to the area’s remarkable number of centenarians. Delegates had the opportunity to breathe in the clean, oxygen-rich “longevity air”, and sample the health-boosting Bama water, long believed to contribute to vitality and well-being.
The experience was further enriched by soulful traditional songs performed by Andy, our local expert tour guide , celebrating themes of harmony, health, and long life. It was a truly remarkable cultural encounter in one of China’s most unique and life-affirming destinations.
Welcome to Bama – Health, Happiness, and Longevity
Let Guizhou and Guangxi Transform You
Experience the wonders of Guizhou and Guangxi—breathe the famed longevity air, drink pure longevity water, and rejuvenate your body amidst breathtaking landscapes. To begin your journey, contact Zatino Group or the Ireland Sino Institute.
About the Ireland Sino Institute
The Ireland Sino Institute is a non-profit and non-political organization headquartered in China, officially registered with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China. It also has branch offices in Europe.
Its mission is to foster meaningful connections between Ireland, Europe, and China through a wide range of initiatives spanning education, tourism, philanthropy, culture, and business.
Since 2012, through its educational and philanthropic programs, the Institute has provided learning opportunities to over 25,000 children in rural China. Its contributions have been formally recognized by the State Council of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the current Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin.
And with that, we wrap things up.
