A Thousand Lights, Gentle Night Rain, Morning Rooster Calls, and Misty Clouds

Visiting the Thousand-House Miao Village in early June, I deliberately avoided staying in the commercial area and chose a loft-style family room at Ling Shang Jiu Zhu on Yang Pai Ding. The room offered unbeatable views both at night and in the morning. A twenty-minute walk downhill through the village's unique winding alleys leads to the museum and commercial street. For the uphill journey, the homestay staff provides convenient car rides. I happened to encounter a night rain during my stay. Ordering food to the room, I enjoyed the view of the thousand lights while listening to the gentle patter of rain on the wooden structures, evoking the atmosphere of Bashan Night Rain. The morning after the rain was even more beautiful—sipping tea, listening to rooster calls, and feeling like I was in a paradise. While Xijiang Miao Village has indeed become quite commercialized, with 500 homestays and hotels, 300 photography studios, and countless restaurants, travelers seeking a slower, nostalgic experience can still find ways to tailor their visit to their preferences. Early June is not too crowded, and avoiding the commercial areas allows for a more enjoyable experience.