The most comfortable town I've visited so far - Kaili

As the capital of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province, Kaili is far more than just a transportation hub. It is a charming place itself, an excellent starting point and core area to experience Miao and Dong cultures and enjoy the beautiful mountain and water scenery. Come to Kaili, Guizhou to explore mysterious and lesser-known Miao villages. This route will unlock a different secret mountain city for you🌄 [Loupe] Classic 2-3 Day Tour (First-time visitors' top choice) Day 1: Cultural Introduction in Kaili City From Wudong Miao Village to Xiashi Ancient Town, then to a mall in Kaili, every step is a surprise! The staggered buildings, Exquisite embroidery, Every step tells the story of their ethnic beauty. You can also visit the Qiandongnan Prefecture Ethnic Museum, which is a great place to quickly learn about Miao and Dong culture and history. Day 2: In-depth Miao Village Tour (Core Attractions) From Feiyun Cliff to Xiuli Tao Intangible Cultural Heritage Market to Guizhou Village T performances, it’s hard to tell if I’m getting closer to them, or if they are finally stepping into the public eye. In the evening, climb the viewing platform, wait for the sunset and the lights of thousands of homes to light up, this is the most stunning moment in the Miao village. Stay overnight in a homestay inside the Miao village, and experience the peaceful night. Based on the 2-3 day tour, you can add: Zhaoxing Dong Village: The largest Dong ethnic village in China, famous for its drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges. Zhenyuan Ancient Town: Known as the "Key to Yunnan and Hubei, Gateway to Eastern Guizhou," the Wuyang River flows through the town, and the night view is breathtaking. Jiabang Terraces: One of China’s most beautiful terraced fields, especially magnificent during irrigation and rice harvest seasons. ✨Trip Highlights: - Visit Riyue Temple to feel the Zen atmosphere - Stroll through the secret realm of Xiayue Pond - Deeply experience Miao village customs - Along the way, you might encounter stunning sea of clouds 🌟Must-visit Attractions: 📍Riyue Temple A hidden small temple deep in the mountains, with blue tiles and white walls faintly visible in the mist. Few people and beautiful scenery make it perfect for photos! It’s recommended to start early in the morning to see the beautiful morning fog. 📍Xiayue Pond A dreamy secret spot as its name suggests, with crystal-clear water surrounded by green trees. Every shot looks like a masterpiece. You can slowly walk along the lakeside trail and enjoy nature’s gift. 📍Xiashi Ancient Town The Miao villages here have well-preserved traditional culture and are known as "Little Shanghai" and "Pearl on the Qingshui River." Once a commercial town on the upper reaches of the Qingshui River, the architecture blends Miao, Dong, Han, and Western styles, with every detail telling a story. Be sure to try the Miao feast and toast songs to experience the purest folk customs. 🍽Food Recommendations: Kaili Sour Soup Fish: A must-try! *Divided into red sour soup (fermented tomato) and white sour soup (fermented rice soup), with red sour soup being more common. Sour and spicy, appetizing, with tender fish and excellent flavor. Niubie/Goatbie Hotpot: The "dark cuisine" of Qiandongnan, but regarded by locals as a premium dish for guests. The soup base is made from partially digested grass juice from cow or goat stomachs, which has heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. Brave eaters can give it a try. Rongjiang Rice Rolls: Rice sheets wrapped with shiitake mushrooms, minced meat, and other fillings, steamed and dipped in sauce, refreshing and tasty. Glutinous Rice: One of the locals’ most common breakfasts, steamed in a wooden steamer, served with fish mint, chili, and other condiments, fragrant and appetizing. Barbecue/Grilled Fish: The soul of Kaili’s night snacks, especially grilled small intestines and grilled tofu, paired with local beer, very enjoyable. 💡Tips: 1. Kaili has a big temperature difference between day and night, remember to bring a jacket 2. Mountain roads have many mosquitoes, prepare mosquito repellent 3. For portraits, it’s recommended to wear bright-colored clothes; the scenery is stunning, don’t miss it 4. Miao villages have many traditional customs, be sure to respect local practices