Guizhou Kaili Travel Guide | A Trip to the Pearl of Miao and Dong Culture

| A Trip to the Pearl of Miao and Dong Culture. 1. Pre-trip Preparation - Weather and Clothing: The average annual temperature in Kaili is 15℃. Check the weather forecast before traveling, and bring comfortable clothes and sneakers for easy movement when climbing mountains (such as Xianglu Mountain). It is slightly cooler in the morning and evening, so you can prepare a light jacket. - Items to Bring: A camera to record the Miao and Dong customs, a power bank to maintain communication, and sun protection products (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) are essential. If traveling in summer, you can prepare mosquito repellent. - Documents and Medicines: ID card is a must, and common medicines such as stomach medicine and cold medicine should be prepared in case of discomfort. - Ticket Booking: Some scenic spots (such as Xiashi Ancient Town and Miao and Dong Folk Custom Garden) can be booked in advance on Trip.com to avoid queuing. 2. Transportation Guide - External Transportation: - High-speed Rail: Arrive at Kaili South Station, which is convenient for transportation. You can transfer to a bus or taxi to the city center and various scenic spots. - Plane: Take a plane to Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, and then transfer to a high-speed train or tourist bus to Kaili (about 1.5 hours' drive). - Internal Transportation: - Bus: There are bus lines in the urban area and some scenic spots. You can check through the navigation APP, but the frequency is long. - Taxi/Chartered Car: It is more flexible to travel. Xiashi Ancient Town, Miao and Dong Folk Custom Garden and other places are close to the urban area, and the taxi fare is moderate; it is more convenient to charter a car for multiple people traveling together or going to remote Miao villages (such as Qingman Miao Village). 3. Essential Attractions and How to Play 🔥 A Quick Tour of Classic Spots in One Day - Morning: Xianglu Mountain The summit is more than 1,200m above sea level. You can easily climb the mountain along the thirteen-bend asphalt road. It is an excellent place to watch the sea of clouds and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. The Climbing Slope Festival (June 19th in the lunar calendar) every year is very lively. Experience traditional Miao activities and feel the pride of the mountains. - Noon: Xiashi Ancient Town - Shopping and Eating Experience: Stroll through the ancient town and taste authentic snacks such as blueberry ice jelly, sour soup rice tofu, and fried potatoes on the food street. - Cultural Exploration: Visit intangible cultural heritage workshops to experience batik and embroidery; watch dragon boat races and unique bamboo rafting performances on the Qingshui River (at specific times), or take a cruise to enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river. - Cultural Check-in: Ancient bridges, flowing water, and the integration of Huizhou and Miao and Dong architecture, taking photos in Hanfu is like being in a painting. - Evening: Miao and Dong Folk Custom Garden Watch the intangible cultural heritage T-stage show (October 1–October 7, 19:00–21:00, the specific time is subject to the scenic spot announcement), watch the Miao and Dong costumes show, and feel the charm of traditional craftsmanship. After the show, you can taste Miao cuisine in the park and experience the Gaoshan Liushui toasting ceremony. 🌿 Two-day In-depth Cultural Tour - Day 1: - Miao and Dong Folk Custom Garden: After arriving in the morning, visit the Miao and Dong Medical Culture Street to learn about the history of Miao medicine; at noon, taste Kaili's Eighteen Dishes and experience the enthusiastic Gaoshan Liushui toasting. - Xiashi Ancient Town: Go in the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Qingshui River, stroll through the old streets of the ancient town, taste snacks such as Moon Baba, and watch the sunset in the ancient town in the evening. - Day 2: - Qingman Miao Village: Known as the "Hometown of Chinese Brocade Embroidery", experience intangible cultural heritage such as brocade weaving and embroidery in the morning, and participate in long table banquets and welcome wine; watch traditional handicraft production in the afternoon, participate in bonfire parties in the evening, and stay in ethnic-style homestays. - Xiaogaoshan: Climb the Xiaogaoshan Fitness Trail in the early morning, overlook the panoramic view of Kaili City, echo Xianglu Mountain from a distance, and feel the vitality of the mountain city. 4. Food Recommendations - Must-try Famous Dishes: - Kaili Sour Soup Fish: The sour soup is derived from fermented rice soup, paired with fresh fish, which is appetizing and delicious. Representative restaurants include local time-honored sour soup fish restaurants. - Beef Offal/Mutton Offal: A special flavor, made with undigested grass juice from the stomach of cattle and sheep. It has a unique taste and is a must-try for those who dare to try it. - Featured Snacks: - Sour Soup Rice Tofu/Liangxia: Seasoned with sour soup, it is cool and refreshing. - Blueberry Ice Jelly: Local blueberries combined with ice jelly, sweet and delicious. - Gaoba Porridge: Rice cake and porridge are paired together, soft, glutinous and sweet. - Food Streets: Xiashi Ancient Town Food Street, Kaili Zhongbo Plaza, where you can experience a variety of snacks. 5. Accommodation Recommendations - Convenient Type in the City Center: Such as Kaili Grand Mercure Jiarui Hotel, with convenient transportation and complete facilities, suitable for tourists seeking comfort. - Miao Village Experience Type: Homestays in Qingman Miao Village (such as stilted buildings with strong ethnic flavor), listen to the chirping of insects at night and feel the peaceful rural life. - Featured Style Type: Manluo Huakai Garden Homestay, Nanhua Waterfront Homestay, incorporating local elements, beautiful environment, and photogenic. 6. Precautions - Ethnic Customs: Respect local customs when entering Miao villages, such as accepting welcome wine and not touching sacrificial objects at will. - Weather Changes: The weather in mountainous areas is changeable. Prepare an umbrella in advance, and pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention in summer. - Itinerary Planning: There is little public transportation in some Miao villages (such as Qingman Miao Village). It is recommended to plan transportation in advance to avoid delays. Kaili, a city full of Miao and Dong customs, has the beauty of mountains and rivers, the charm of humanities, and the temptation of food. Depart according to this guide, you will be able to deeply experience its unique charm and leave unforgettable memories! Book tickets and accommodation on Trip.com and start your Kaili trip~