Miao and Dong Villages · Charming Qiandongnan

Qiandongnan, Guizhou – The core area of China's Miao and Dong culture, a natural oxygen bar. Explore the thousands of lights in the Thousand Households Miao Village, wander the stone-paved alleys of the ancient town, listen to the heavenly sounds of the Dong Grand Song, and experience the unique charm of rich ethnic customs and beautiful landscapes.

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Counties & Cities
Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village
World's Largest Miao Settlement
Dong Grand Song
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Qiandongnan Prefecture County Travel

Kaili City

Prefecture Capital

Kaili Grand PavilionXiashi Ancient TownZhouxi Miao Village
Huangping County

Location of Ancient Yelang

Jiuzhou Ancient TownFeiyunya (Flying Cloud Cliff)Yedong River
Shibing County

World Natural Heritage Site

Yuntai MountainShanmu River DriftingUpper Wuyang River
Sansui County

China's Bamboo Weaving Hometown

Podong Ecological ParkSansui Duck Industry ParkShengde Mountain
Zhenyuan County

China's Famous Historical and Cultural City

Zhenyuan Ancient TownQinglong Cave (Green Dragon Cave)Wuyang River
Cengong County

Sizhou Ancient City

Sizhou Inkstone Culture ParkLong'ao RiverMajia Village
Tianzhu County

China's Barite Hometown

Sanmen TangQingshui RiverShizhuyan (Stone Pillar Rock)
Jinping County

Pearl of Southern China's Forest Region

Longli Ancient TownSanbanxi Reservoir AreaWendou Miao Village
Jianhe County

China's Hometown of Hot Springs

Jianhe Hot Spring CityYang'asha LakeGedong Paleontological Fossil Group
Taijiang County

China's Top Miao Ethnic County

Shidong Miao VillageTaijiang Sisters' FestivalHongyang Vast Grassland
Liping County

Capital of Dong Area

Zhaoxing Dong VillageSite of Liping ConferenceZhaoxing Dong Village
Rongjiang County

Miao Mountain and Dong Water

Sanbao Dong VillageDali Dong VillageZaidang Dong Village
Congjiang County

Hometown of China's Dong Grand Song

Xiaohuang Dong VillageBasha Miao VillageJiabang Rice Terraces
Leishan County

China's Hometown of Miao Silver Ornaments

Xijiang Thousand Households Miao VillageLangde Shang VillageLeigong Mountain
Majiang County

China's Hometown of Blueberries

Blueberry Industry ParkXiashi Ancient TownTonghe Zhuangyuan Mansion (Top Scholar Mansion)
Danzhai County

Hometown of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Wanda TownKala VillagePaiting Waterfall

5-Day 4-Night Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Culture Tour

Thousand Households Miao Village + Millennium Ancient Town + Dong Village Grand Song, discover the cultural treasures of Qiandongnan

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, Zhenyuan Ancient Town, Zhaoxing Dong Village, Basha Miao Village, Jiabang Rice Terraces
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Photography Lovers, History Explorers, Nature Lovers
Budget per Person
¥1200-¥2000
01
Thousand Households Miao Village
Xijiang Miao Village Cultural Experience
Highlights

Miao Village Night View and Long Table Banquet

Attraction Arrangement
Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village
The world's largest Miao ethnic settlement village, formed by more than ten natural villages built on the mountainside, with over a thousand stilted houses standing in rows, known as the "China Miao Ethnic Arts Museum".
Xijiang Miao Ethnic Museum
A thematic museum showcasing Miao ethnic history and culture, with a rich collection of cultural relics, systematically introducing the migration history, folk customs, costume culture, etc., of the Miao people.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Miao Village Stilted House Homestay
  • Viewing Platform Hotel
  • Xijiang Town Inn
Experience Suggestions
  • Long Table Banquet Experience
  • Miao Silver Ornament Making
  • Miao Village Night View Photography
02
Ancient Town Charm
Zhenyuan Ancient Town Stroll
Highlights

Wuyang River Boat Tour and Ancient Town Night View

Attraction Arrangement
Zhenyuan Ancient Town
A cultural city with over 2200 years of history. The ancient town is nestled against mountains and by the water, with the Wuyang River flowing through it. Ancient streets, lanes, bridges, and towers are well-preserved, earning it the title "Venice of the East".
Qinglong Cave (Green Dragon Cave)
An ancient architectural complex that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, built against the mountain, clinging to the cliff face, seamlessly integrated with Zhenyuan Ancient Town and the Wuyang River, known as the "Hanging Temple of Eastern Guizhou".
Practical Information
Important Notes
  • Protect ancient town cultural relics
  • Pay attention to safety when walking at night
  • Wear life jackets for boat tours
Unique Experiences
  • Wuyang River Boat Tour
  • Relax in an ancient town bar
  • Purchase traditional handicrafts
03
Dong Village Songs
Zhaoxing Dong Village Experience
Highlights

Dong Grand Song Performance

Attraction Arrangement
Zhaoxing Dong Village
One of China's largest Dong ethnic villages, known as the "First Dong Village in Dongxiang". The village features rows of stilted houses, with five drum towers complementing each other, preserving Dong ethnic culture intact.
Tang'an Dong Village
A primitive Dong village near Zhaoxing Dong Village, situated halfway up the mountain, surrounded by rice terraces, in harmony with nature. It's an excellent place to observe Dong agricultural culture.
Practical Information
Cultural Tips
  • Advance booking recommended for Dong Grand Song listening
  • Respect Dong ethnic etiquette
  • Remove hats when entering drum towers
Food Recommendations
  • Sour Soup Fish
  • Dong-style Pickled Fish
  • Beef Tripe Hot Pot (Niubie)
04
The Last Gunmen
Exploring Basha Miao Village
Highlights

Sickle Head Shaving and Gunfire Welcome

Attraction Arrangement
Basha Miao Village
The last tribe of gunmen in China, preserving ancient Miao customs. Men wear their hair in buns, carry waist knives, and shoulder muskets, considered a "living fossil" of Miao culture.
Xiaohuang Dong Village
Known as the "Hometown of China's Dong Grand Song", the Dong Grand Song here features clear vocal parts and beautiful melodies, listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Practical Information
Etiquette Tips
  • Do not take photos without permission
  • Accept toasting drinks, finish the cup
  • Respect traditional customs
Unique Experiences
  • Watch Basha Performance
  • Learn to Sing Dong Grand Song
  • Experience Weaving Craft
05
Earth Art
Jiabang Rice Terraces Sightseeing
Highlights

Terrace Sunrise and Farming Experience

Attraction Arrangement
Jiabang Rice Terraces
One of China's most beautiful rice terraces, with a total area of nearly 10,000 mu. The terraces are built layer upon layer on the mountains, creating a magnificent and grand sight. The scenery varies with the seasons, especially spectacular in spring with shimmering water and autumn with golden splendor.
Jiaju Village
A Miao village in the core area of the Jiabang Terraces. Villagers have farmed the terraces for generations, preserving traditional farming culture. It's a great place to experience rural life.
Practical Information
Return Trip Suggestions
  • Allow 5 hours for travel to the airport
  • Purchase Miao silver ornaments
  • Dong cloth handicrafts
Unique Experiences
  • Terrace Sunrise Photography
  • Farming Experience
  • Farmhouse Meal Tasting

Must-Try Foods in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture

Sour Soup Fish

A signature dish of Qiandongnan, made with local rice paddy fish, cooked in tomato sour soup or wood-based sour soup. It's sour, spicy, appetizing, and refreshing, considered a top-grade delicacy for entertaining guests in Miao and Dong households.

Long Table Banquet

A traditional Miao feast form. Dozens of meters of long tables are filled with various dishes. During the banquet, Miao girls toast and sing drinking songs, making the scene lively, reflecting the hospitality of the Miao people.

Beef Tripe Hot Pot (Niubie)

A unique Dong ethnic delicacy. The undigested grass from the cow's stomach and small intestines is extracted, the liquid squeezed out, then cow bile juice and spices are added to boil into a hot pot base. It has a unique flavor and is a delicacy for entertaining honored guests.

Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Mar-Apr: Rapeseed and pear blossoms in full bloom
  • May-Oct: Terraces filled with water and harvest
  • Nov-Dec: During Dong Grand Song Festival
  • Spring Festival: Experience Miao and Dong New Year
Transportation Tips
  • Kaili Huangping Airport is the main airport
  • Inter-county buses are the main transport
  • Some villages require transfer by motorcycle
  • Mountain roads have many curves, drive cautiously
Cultural Etiquette
  • Respect Miao and Dong ethnic customs
  • Follow regulations when entering villages
  • Ask for permission before taking photos
  • Follow arrangements during festivals
Gear Suggestions
  • Prepare sufficient common medicines
  • Hiking shoes are essential
  • Rain gear and sun protection
  • Power bank is essential