Atlas of China
Xijiang Miao Village 西江千户苗寨Xījiāng Qiānhù Miáozhài
More than a thousand wooden Miao homes climbing the hills, glittering like stars at night
- Best time
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov; Miao New Year in late autumn
- Time needed
- 1–2 days
- Days to budget
- 1½ days
- Stay in
- Kaili
- Region
- Guizhou
- Type
- Culture
- Listed as
- 4A scenic area
Why go to Xijiang Miao Village
Xijiang is the largest Miao village in China, two hillsides of dark wooden stilt houses rising above a river and terraced rice fields. Women in festival dress wear towering silver headdresses, and the village stages songs and dances for visitors. Climb to a hilltop viewpoint at dusk to watch thousands of lights come on across the valley.
The story
Without a traditional written script, the Miao carried their history in songs and in the patterns embroidered on their clothes. Guests are often met at the village gate with 'road-blocking' rice wine: you drink before you are let in.
What to see at Xijiang Miao Village
- Xijiang Miao Museum 西江苗族博物馆: Exhibits introduce Miao history, clothing and customs; a good first stop.
- Craft workshops 手工作坊: Embroidery, batik, silver-making and rice-wine brewing workshops show the village's crafts.
- Karge Ancient Road 噶歌古道: A narrow old lane of dark timber houses; Karge means 'small lane' in Miao, and it is a good place to see embroidery and silverwork.
- Observation deck 观景台: The hillside platforms give the classic view of the stilted houses climbing the valley, at their best at night and in morning mist.
How to visit Xijiang Miao Village
Wander the main lanes and museum in the morning, then climb to the observation deck for the evening lights. A day trip from Kaili works, but an overnight stay lets you see the quieter hours.
How to get to Xijiang Miao Village
High-speed trains from Guiyang reach Kaili in under an hour. From Kaili it's about an hour by bus or taxi to Xijiang.
Where to stay
Stay in the village for the night views and quiet mornings; Kaili is the better-connected alternative, about an hour away by road.
What to eat
- Sour-soup fish 酸汤鱼: Fish simmered in a tangy fermented broth, red with tomato and chilli; the home dish of the Kaili and Leishan Miao area.
- Miao rice wine 苗族米酒: Sweet home-brewed rice wine, poured at the village gate as a welcome and made at the brewing workshops.
Tips for visiting Xijiang Miao Village
- Stay overnight to see the village lit up and to walk the lanes in the quiet of early morning.
- Climb to the upper viewing platforms for the classic panorama rather than staying on the main street.
- Smaller Miao villages nearby, such as Langde, feel far less commercial.
Nearby
- Zhaoxing Dong Village 肇兴侗寨 120 km
Five drum towers and covered bridges in one of China's largest Dong villages
Also within 30 km: Upper Langde Miao Village 郎德上寨 (10 km).
On the map
Open Xijiang Miao Village on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Xijiang Miao Village on the map