Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village Travel Guide |

I. Introduction to Geography and Culture Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is located in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is the largest and most well-preserved Miao settlement in China and the world, known as the "Museum of Miao Culture." Geographical features: Built along mountains and rivers, thousands of traditional Miao stilt houses cascade down two hillsides. When illuminated at night, it resembles the dreamlike world of "Spirited Away." Historical background: With over 2,000 years of history, it marks the settlement from five major Miao migrations and perfectly preserves the original ecological culture of the Miao people. Natural scenery: Terraced fields surround the village, with the Baishui River flowing through it. The scenery is picturesque year-round, featuring seas of rapeseed flowers in spring and golden waves of rice in autumn. II. Cultural Experiences Miao Festivals: Miao New Year (October in lunar calendar): Experience slaughtering pigs, making rice cakes, and dancing to reed pipe music during the Miao New Year. New Rice Festival (June in lunar calendar): Catch fish in rice paddies and enjoy long-table banquets to celebrate the harvest. Drum Hiding Festival (once every 13 years): The most solemn ancestral ceremony, with spectacular scenes. Cultural Highlights: Miao silver ornaments: Visit heritage workshops to learn about the Miao tradition of "beauty in silver." Women can rent Miao costumes for photos (about 30-50 yuan/hour). Dance performances: Watch the "Beautiful Xijiang" performances daily at 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM (free with entrance ticket) to experience the charm of reed pipe dance and golden pheasant dance. Welcome wine: Experience the twelve welcome drinks when entering the village (light tasting recommended, as the rice wine is low in alcohol), and feel the warmth of Miao hospitality. III. Practical Travel Tips 1. Must-visit Spots Viewing platform: The best spot to overlook the entire village. Recommended at sunrise or before nightfall when the lights look like stars fallen to earth. Wind and Rain Bridges: Six bridges connect both sides of the village. Visitors can splash in the water under the bridges for a cool summer experience. Xijiang Miao Museum: Free admission, learn about Miao history, costumes, and farming culture. Gage Ancient Alley: A narrow alley hung with oil-paper umbrellas, where you can experience intangible cultural heritage crafts like Miao embroidery, batik, and traditional wine brewing. 2. Tickets and Timing Admission: 90 yuan (includes 4 shuttle rides), half-price for students. Opening hours: All day, recommended stay 1-2 days. Best season: April-October (summer for cool weather, autumn for harvest terraces), fewer tourists in winter but more authentic local atmosphere. IV. Food Recommendations | Must-Try for Foodies In the village: Sour fish soup: Signature Miao dish, recommended at "Caotang Tea House" (about 60 yuan per person, with excellent views). Cured meat with sticky rice: Freshly steamed at street stalls, 10 yuan per serving, salty and fragrant. Rice cakes: Hand-pounded sticky rice cakes coated with peanut powder, 5 yuan each. Rice wine: Sweet and refreshing, recommended at "A'Nong Miao Family" homemade rice wine. Nearby specialties: Kaili sour soup noodles (1 hour drive from the village, sour and spicy). Leishan fish sauce: Local specialty, good as a souvenir. V. Transportation Guide How to get there: From Guiyang: Take high-speed train from Guiyang North Station to Kaili South Station (about 40 minutes, 58 yuan), then share a car directly to the village (about 50 yuan/person, 1 hour). Self-driving: Navigate to "Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village," about 3 hours from Guiyang. Parking lots available at the north/west gates (30 yuan/day). Transportation within the scenic area: Shuttle bus 5 yuan/ride, but walking is recommended for a more in-depth exploration. VI. Nearby Attractions Langde Upper Village (30 minutes by car): A more authentic Miao village with less commercialization, ideal for a peaceful experience. Zhenyuan Ancient Town (2 hours by car): A thousand-year-old water town with night views rivaling Fenghuang, free admission. Leigong Mountain (1 hour by car): A hiking paradise with pristine forests and waterfalls. VII. Affordable Accommodation Recommendations 998 Guesthouse: Located on the hillside, scenic rooms about 200 yuan/night, the owner will guide guests around the village. Xijiang Xiangsu Boutique Inn: Minimalist style, around 150 yuan per person, offers free Miao costumes. Youth hostels: Such as "Xijiang Miao Hostel," beds from 50 yuan/night, suitable for backpackers. Tip: Book in advance! Prices may double during peak seasons (summer vacation/holidays). VIII. Important Notes The mountain area is rainy; bring umbrellas and non-slip shoes. Respect Miao customs: Don't step on thresholds when entering homes, don't put your feet up near the fire pit. Ask for permission before taking photos, especially of elderly people and ceremonial activities. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village offers a feast for both eyes and cultural experience, perfect for slowing down and feeling the timeless Miao way of life. 🌄