Xijiang Miao Village in Guizhou, a real-life version of Spirited Away!!

Hey friends! This time I'm taking you to Guizhou's "City in the Sky" - Leishan Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village! Home to the world's largest Miao ethnic settlement, thousands of stilted houses cascade down the mountainside like a three-dimensional landscape painting. The most breathtaking part? The night view when thousands of lights illuminate the entire valley ✨ 🐾 Recommended itinerary: Day1: Morning: Take the scenic shuttle to the observation deck (choose left-side seats for better views) - the best spot for panoramic village photos! Afternoon: Stroll along ancient stone-paved streets. Must-visits: Wind-and-Rain Bridges (each of the 7 bridges has unique charm), Gage Ancient Alley (try Miao embroidery and silver jewelry making) Evening: Must stay for sunset! The observation deck transforms with magical lights. Dine at "Xijiang Miao World" restaurant (50m from observation deck) enjoying sour fish soup with the night view Day2: Morning: Cultural immersion at "Jia Town" - join rice cake pounding (9-11am daily) and rent Miao costumes for photos (¥20/hour) Noon: "Grandma's Kitchen" (mid ancient street) is a must for their smoked pork with houttuynia and Miao rice wine Afternoon: Hike along Baishui River through terraced fields and pristine forests - the air is unbelievably fresh 📸 Best photo spots: 1. Circular platform on observation deck's right - frames village with distant mountains 2. Upstream from Wind-and-Rain Bridge No.4 - dreamy stilt house reflections 3. Around 7am when morning mist envelops the fairy-tale village 🍜 Food highlights: ✔️ Long-table Banquet (book ahead): Authentic Miao hospitality ✔️ Sour Fish Soup: "Miao Xiang Restaurant" does it best ✔️ Bamboo-tube Sticky Rice: Street grannies make the most fragrant version 💡 Pro tips: 1. Ticket includes 4 shuttle rides - plan wisely 2. Stay mid-mountain for best views without exhausting climbs (we loved "Cloud Pavilion" inn) 3. Bring a jacket even in July - big temperature drops at night 4. Cobblestone paths everywhere - never bring wheeled luggage! (learned the hard way) Transport: 🚗 Drive: ~3.5hr from Guiyang (via Shanghai-Kunming Expressway) 🚌 Bus: Direct coaches from Guiyang East Station (¥98)