In-depth Travel Guide to Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou

Here is a comprehensive in-depth travel guide to Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou: Main Attractions and Suggested Itineraries • Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village • Introduction: The world's largest Miao ethnic settlement, featuring over 1,300 stilted houses built along mountain slopes. At night, thousands of lights resemble fallen stars. Miao ancient songs, embroidery, and silver jewelry craftsmanship are listed as national intangible cultural heritage. • Suggested Duration: 2 days. • Itinerary: Capture the misty panoramic view from the observation deck at dawn, participate in batik DIY workshops in the afternoon, and enjoy the Long Table Banquet at Gage Ancient Alley in the evening. • Zhaoxing Dong Village • Introduction: China's largest Dong ethnic village, with five drum towers symbolizing "Benevolence, Righteousness, Courtesy, Wisdom, and Trust." Wind-and-Rain Bridges and terraced fields create an ink-painting-like scenery. Dong Grand Songs are listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. • Suggested Duration: 1 day. • Itinerary: Stroll through the village, experience intangible heritage skills like batik and Dong cloth making, listen to live Dong Grand Songs, and watch bonfire performances. • Jiabang Terraced Fields • Introduction: A globally important agricultural heritage site, featuring 25 km of terraced fields winding along mountain slopes. In spring, they resemble silver chains; in summer, green carpets; and in autumn, golden waves. Miao wooden houses dot the landscape like a hidden paradise. • Suggested Duration: 1 day. • Itinerary: Hike the best scenic route from Dangniu to Jiaye, photograph the misty sunrise over the terraces, and experience the rice-fish-duck symbiotic farming system. • Basha Miao Village • Introduction: The only legally gun-carrying Miao branch in China, where men retain Warring States-era topknots and tree burial customs. The village gate welcome ceremony with gunfire is awe-inspiring, and ancient Lusheng performances showcase primitive dances. • Suggested Duration: Half a day. • Itinerary: Participate in the sickle haircut ritual, worship the Tree of Life, and watch the musket team performance. • Zhenyuan Ancient Town • Introduction: A well-preserved Ming-Qing era ancient town bisected by the Wuyang River, with upturned eaves on riverside buildings. Known as the "Water Town of Southwest China," Qinglong Cave represents multicultural integration. • Suggested Duration: 1 day. • Itinerary: Take a night cruise on the Wuyang River to admire the lights, hike Shiping Mountain for a bird's-eye view of the Tai Chi-shaped town, and visit Qinglong Cave and ancient city walls. • Leigong Mountain National Forest Park • Introduction: The highest peak in Qiandongnan, with 88% primitive forest coverage and over 2,000 rare species like Taiwania flousiana. During Miao New Year, experience grand high-altitude festivals. • Suggested Duration: 1 day. • Itinerary: Hike through Getou Taiwania Forest, visit Gaoyan Miao Village, and camp under summer starry skies. Suggested Itineraries • Ethnic Culture Route: Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village (2 days) → Basha Miao Village (half day) → Zhaoxing Dong Village (1 day). • Natural Scenery Route: Jiabang Terraced Fields (1 day) → Leigong Mountain National Forest Park (1 day). • Ancient Town Exploration Route: Zhenyuan Ancient Town (1 day) → Xiashi Ancient Town (half day) → Longli Ancient Town (half day). • Hidden Gems Route: Zhaoxing Dong Village (half day) → Tang'an Dong Village (half day) → Huanggang Dong Village (1 day). Unique Features • Cultural Highlights: Qiandongnan is home to Miao, Dong, and other ethnic groups, with well-preserved cultures, rich festivals, and traditional crafts like Miao Lusheng dances and Dong Grand Songs. • Natural Highlights: Characterized by karst landscapes, such as Xijiang's terraced fields and Jiabang's misty terraces. Local Specialties • Congjiang Ponkan: Grown in Congjiang County, known for its large size, bright color, juicy flesh, and sweet taste. • Danzhai Kuding Tea: Made from wild medicinal plants, it improves eyesight and reduces internal heat. • Xiang Pig: Small-sized pigs from Congjiang with tender, uniquely flavored meat. • Miao Silver Jewelry: Exquisitely crafted with distinctive designs, these make highly ethnic souvenirs. Local Food Recommendations • Kailai Kuaihuolin Restaurant: Authentic sour fish soup in a beautiful setting. • Zhenyuan Ancient Town Old Street Sour Fish Soup: Rich flavor at great value. • Liping Fragrant Glutinous Rice: Sold in Zhaoxing Dong Village, often paired with cured meat. • Rongjiang Rice Noodles: Soft texture with rich toppings, available at many shops in Rongjiang County. Cost Guide • Tickets: Xijiang Miao Village ¥100, Zhaoxing Dong Village ¥80, Jiabang Terraces free, Basha Miao Village ¥60, Zhenyuan Ancient Town free, Leigong Mountain Park ¥50. • Dining: ¥50-100/person at casual restaurants, ¥100-200 at specialty restaurants. • Transportation: Taxis start at ¥10 in Kaili city; scenic area transport costs ¥20-50. Budget-Friendly Accommodations • Xijiang Miao Village homestays: e.g., Xunmei·Hillside Homestay (¥400-600/night) with terrace views. • Zhaoxing Dong Village hotels: e.g., Dongshang Art Hotel (¥300-500/night) for cultural immersion. • Zhenyuan Ancient Town inns: e.g., Xunmi Riverside Inn (¥200-400/night) for night views. Travel Tips • Peak Seasons: Book tickets and accommodations early for popular spots like Xijiang and Zhaoxing during holidays. • Weather: Check forecasts for Jiabang Terraces and Leigong Mountain, as conditions may affect visits. • Transportation: Plan ahead for remote villages like Huanggang and Tang'an; consider chartered or shared cars. • Cultural Respect: Observe local customs (e.g., avoid unauthorized entry to sacred sites). • Eco-Consciousness: Preserve natural and cultural heritage by not touching or damaging landscapes and relics.