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If you are in the process of planning your Guiyang tour or Guizhou tour, a day trip from Guiyang to Xijiang 1000-household Miao Village (西江千户苗寨) is highly recommended. About 200km to the east of Guiyang, Xijiang Miao Village is located in a deep valley of Leigong Mountain National Park, about 30 km to the Leigong County, and 34km to the southeast of Kaili, the seat of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (黔东南苗族侗族自治州), southeastern Guizhou province, China.
You may take the bus from Guiyang East Bus Station for a 3-hour bus ride directly to Xijiang Qianhu (1000-household) Miao Minority Village ( Bus fare: 80 yuan); or you may first take the bus to Kaili ( two hours, 170 km ), then connect the local bus heading to Xijiang Miao Village. Guiyang East Bus Station is located about 10km to the southeast of Guiyang city center and you may take the Bus No.240 from Guiyang Railway Station to the east bus station ( 2 yuan and 40 minutes ).
There are two main entrance gates to Xijiang Miao Village ( West Gate and North Gate) and your bus will stop at the North Gate. Go to the ticketing office to buy your entrance ticket ( 100 yuan ) and shuttle bus ticket ( 20 yuan). You need to take the shuttle bus from the main entrance to the west side of the village.
Xijiang Miao Village is oft-lauded as the largest Miao minority village in the around with over 1300 Miao households and 6000 people and 99.5 of them are Miao. The Miao village is situated in the deep valley with Bai River passing through from the west to the east. Most of the old wooden stilt-houses cascade on the northern two hillsides and there are fewer houses on the southern hillsides. But at the time of my writing, new houses are being built on the southern hill slope.
The Bai River and the Ancient Street ( the main street in the village) just north of the Bai River divides the Xijiang Miao Village into two parts – the northern part and the southern part. There are seven wind and rain bridges spanning the Bai River from the No.01 Wind and Rain Bridge ( on the east side) to the No.07 Wind and Rain Bridge on the west, the photogenic spots to take some pictures. The main ancient street has been renovated with many street-front stores and restaurants.
At the east side of the main ancient street, you will find the Xijiang Miao Village Museum (09:00 – 17:30). The museum displays the history and folk custom related to Miao people in several separated rooms. One room has a TV set to play the video introducing the silver and Miao minority.
The highlight of your trip to Xijiang Miao Village is to ascend to the southern high platform on the southern hill slope to have a panoramic view of the 1000-household Miao Village perched on the two northern hill slopes above the Bai River in the deep valley. You walk to the east end of the main ancient street and take a sightseeing cart up to the southern hill viewing platform. The view is stunning – the mist, the rows of stilt houses cascade in swirl down to the valley; at sunrise, dusk or sunset, the village looks gorgeous! So staying overnight in the village is not a bad idea since most of the tourist groups are gone and tranquility returns to the village.
If you are interested in Miao’s architecture and authentic life, you may walk up the northern hill slopes to have a close-up view of the households perched above where fewer tourist groups will venture. There are also several hiking trails from Xijiang Village and you may pay a local to escort you for a leisure and adventurous hiking trip.
The performance stage in the village will put on the Miao singing and dancing performance (11:30 – 12:10 free of charge). There are also some intriguing activities related to batik making, distillery, embroidery and silver arts. At night, the mega performance known as ” Beautiful Xijiang ” will be on the stage from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm ( entrance ticket: 110 yuan ).
Where to stay?
1. Xijiang Hotel (西江饭店）: just on the west of Xijiang Museum Tel: 0855 – 3348003
2. Yelangju Inn (夜郎居): To the south of the Viewing Platform Tel: 0855 3348686
3. Hope of the Angle (好望角): Just opposite to the Performance Stage Tel: 0855 334678
4. Xijiang Tourist Information Center: Just opposite to the second wind and rain bridge Tel: 0855 3348088
Where to dine?
1. Xijiang Taste (西江味道): Mr. Qin 0855 3348100, 15985007007
2. Bai River Eco Food House (白水河生态食庄): Just located by the first Wind and Rain Bridge Tel: 0855 18385711480
Now follow me to have a glimpse of Xijiang Miao Village.
The Bus 240 going from Guiyang Railway Station to Guiyang East Passenger Bus Station where you can buy your bus ticket for Xijiang Miao Village.
Arriving at the North Gate to Xijiang Miao Village and you will be welcomed by the Miao ladies, old and young clad in their traditional dresses with silver ornaments.
The Entrance to Xijiang Miao Village.
The main ancient street cutting the village into two parts.
The third wind and rain bridge span the Bai River.
The Bai River cuts through the Miao Village.
Continue to stroll along the main street flanked by the two- or three- story wooden stilt houses.
The Xijiang Museum on the east side of the main street.
The wooden houses on the southern side of the valley.
The Singing and Dancing Performance at the stage ( free from 11:30 – 12:10).
Take the sightseeing cart up to the viewing platform to have a bird-eye’s view of the houses on the northern hillsides.
A panoramic view of the old wooden houses cascading the steep hill slopes north of the Bai River.
Have a close-up view of the stilt houses on the steep slopes.
The houses and the rice terraces.
Xijiang Long Table Feast
Xijiang Post Office
Tip: Hassle-free Escorted Guizhou
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself bus route and prefer the hassle-free guided tours, here are some options for guided tours to Guizhou:
Further Readings
Top 10 Attractions in Guizhou
How to Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall
How to Get to Qingyan Ancient Town
How to Get to Xijiang 1000-Household Miao Village
When is the Best Time to Visit Guizhou?
Any questions, just drop a line.
