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1. Witness the Spectacular Nightscape of Xijiang Miao Village
Our star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Leishan County, about 35 km from Kaili City center
Why? Xijiang Miao Village (西江千户苗寨) is the biggest Miao village globally, with over 1,300 stilted houses like a "floating mountain city." At night, the thousands of lights are simply breathtaking, like stars fallen into the valley – truly spectacular!
Things to do here?
Definitely take an evening stroll through the village and head up to the viewing platform for that incredible panoramic night view. Trust me, seeing Xijiang Miao Village at night is a must-do in Kaili!
For a bit of fun, try on some gorgeous Miao outfits for photos!
And if you're up for it, experience the lively "Gaoshan Liushui (高山流水)" toasting ceremony with rice wine and traditional music.
2. Try Ancient Papermaking in Shiqiao Miao Village
Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Danzhai County, 80 km from Kaili City center
Why? Because the Shiqiao Miao Village (石桥村) has completely preserved the ancient art of handmade papermaking, a tradition that dates all the way back to the mid-Tang Dynasty!
Even the prestigious Palace Museum (故宫博物院) and National Library in Beijing use their special paper for restoring ancient books – that tells you something! It's a truly valuable craft to witness.
What's so special?
We'll get to explore the ancient papermaking workshop (穿洞古法造纸遗址) built right into a cave!
Even better, you can get hands-on and try making your own Huacao paper (花草纸). From filtering the pulp to pressing flowers and leaves onto the paper, you'll experience the magical process of turning a simple pool of pulp into a piece of paper.
3. Immerse Yourself in Batik at Matang Gejia Village
Recommendation rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Longchang Town, about 20 km from Kaili City center
Why? In Matang Gejia Village (麻塘亻革家寨), Gejia women master batik from childhood, decorating everything with colorful, intricate designs often telling the "Hou Yi Shooting the Suns (后羿射日)" myth. The village feels like an open-air batik museum!
What's the fun part? Explore the wooden houses showcasing batik art and maybe buy a souvenir. Even better, you can see the entire process in a villager's home – from beeswax drawing to indigo dyeing.
Some even offer DIY workshops to try drawing traditional patterns!
4. Experience the Authentic Miao Welcome in Langde Miao Village
Our recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Leishan County, about 30 km from Kaili City center
Why? Known as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance," Landde Miao Village (朗德上寨) proves to be super authentic, with locals still in traditional dress. The wooden stilt houses are a national treasure, and the village layout is picture-perfect!
What's cool? Get ready for the amazing twelve-course "拦门酒" welcome! Watch vibrant Miao dances in the Lusheng Square and even join in. Try catching fish in the rice paddies and have them cooked for you!
Langde offers a truly immersive cultural taste of Kaili.
5. Celebrate with the 400+ Year Old Lusheng Festival
Worth it? We say: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why? The amazing Lusheng Festival (芦笙节), over 400 years old, is a living piece of Miao culture! It perfectly preserves ancient songs, rituals, and the art of the Lusheng. It's 6 whole days of cultural immersion!
Highlight experiences? Join the massive bonfire dance with thousands! Share a long table feast (长桌宴). You can even dress in full Miao silver and parade and dance with everyone!
Where to go? The Gulong Miao Lusheng Festival (谷陇苗族芦笙节) in Gulong Town, Huangping County, usually around the 27th day of the 9th lunar month. Don't miss this incredible cultural event in Kaili's region!
6. Savor Kaili's Unique Local Cuisine in Dongmen or Zhongbo Street
We rate it: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why? Kaili is the foodie capital of southeastern Guizhou! Here, it's all about the sour, spicy, and fresh flavors – a real treat for your taste buds!
Must-try dishes: Sour Soup Hotpot/Fish (酸汤火锅/鱼), Dry Pot Beef/Fatty Intestines (干锅牛肉/肥肠), Guiyang Sticky Rice (老贵阳糯米饭), Siwawa (丝娃娃 - vegetable pancakes), Rice Noodles (卷粉), Iced Dòujiāng (冰豆浆), Zhe'ergen (折耳根), and Cow Bile Hot Pot (牛瘪火锅)
Find them in Dongmen Street (东门街) or Zhongbo Pedestrian Street (中博步行街). It's only a 20-minute walk between the two locations!
A little food wisdom:
- Many snacks have zhe'ergen (strong flavor, ask to omit if disliked).
- For Sour Soup, try the broth first, then dip in the spicy sauce.
7. Dress Like a Local: Experience Miao Traditional Clothing
We think it's a: ⭐⭐⭐
Why? These aren't just clothes; the embroidery and silver tell the story of their people – like "history worn on the body"! Different Miao groups have unique styles, from Xijiang Miao Village’s silver horns to Langde's skirts mapping the stars.
Putting them on is like stepping into their culture!
What's the experience? Silver shines beautifully in the village night lights – perfect for photos! You can also see (or join!) a "Village T-stage" fashion show held in Xiu Li Tao Non-Heritage Market (绣里淘非遗集市). It's a fun way to feel like a local!
8. Stroll Through Historic Xiasi Ancient Town
Our verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
Location: 25 km southeast of Kaili City
Why? Xiasi Ancient Town (下司古镇) was a busy "Little Shanghai" with beautiful old buildings reflecting in the Qingshui River (清水江).
Don't miss: Explore the Yuwang Palace (禹王宫) ruins and Qing carvings. Enjoy a relaxing bamboo raft ride on the river. See the famous Xiasi dogs (下司犬) at its breeding base!
And definitely try the local blueberry ice jelly or the authentic sour soup fish. You can even take a pretty lantern-lit night cruise! It's a lovely step back in time.
Go to this page to see more old towns in China >>
9. Hike Xianglushan: Explore the Sacred Miao Mountain
Our star rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Location: 15 km west of Kaili City
Why? Xianglushan (香炉山), shaped like an incense burner, is shrouded in mist year-round and is considered sacred by the Miao people. If you're here around the 6th lunar month, you might catch their lively "Climbing Festival (爬坡节)" with singing and bullfights!
Want some hiking tips?
For an easier climb: The south path takes about 1.5 hours to the top, and you'll see a Ming Dynasty "Incense Burner" inscription along the way.
For the adventurous: The north slope offers a wilder trek through the original forest where you might spot monkeys and dove trees.
10. Discover the Natural Wonders of Pingliang Gorge
Our recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐
Location: 40 km northwest of Kaili City
Why? Think massive cliffs and a rushing river creating incredible whirlpools – the raw beauty of Guizhou's rivers! Legend says Pingliang Gorge (平良古峡) was a secret path for the early Miao. Plus, it's less crowded!
Best for? Outdoor adventurers!
Things to do? If you love hiking, explore the cliffside trails to hidden gems like "Resting Spring Waterfall" and "Crystal Bead Curtain" – some parts need a little chain climbing! For a different thrill, try rafting through the ten-mile gorge in a rubber boat!
11. Find Unique Souvenirs at the Xiu Li Tao Non-Heritage Market
Our star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Kaili City
Why? If you're into Miao embroidery (苗绣), Xiu Li Tao Non-Heritage Market (绣里淘非遗集市) is paradise! It's bursting with local flavor and the charm of intangible cultural heritage. It's the perfect spot to find unique souvenirs.
Plus, you can even catch their fun "Village T-stage" show, maybe even join!
Opening hours: Every Friday to Sunday (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Market smarts:
- Learn to spot real hand-embroidery (it's less uniform).
- Bargain respectfully!
- And definitely browse around before buying – many stalls have similar goodies.
12. Discover Miao Culture at the National Museum of Qiandongnan Prefecture
Our recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Kaili City
Why? The National Museum of Qiandongnan Prefecture (黔东南州民族博物馆) is a free "encyclopedia" of Miao embroidery, silver, and Dong music instruments (over 40,000 pieces!).
The building itself is a cool landmark, blending local architectural styles. Usually a must-see downtown!
Note: This museum is currently getting a makeover and is closed for renovations since July 18th, 2024. We're all waiting for the reopening news! But good things take time, and it'll be even better when it reopens!
13. Enjoy Family Fun at Yun Gu Tian Yuan Farmland
Our star rating: ⭐⭐
Location: Zhouxi Town, about 18 km from Kaili City center
Why? Yun Gu Tian Yuan Farmland (云谷田园) provides a fun mix of modern farming and Miao culture! You can pick seasonal fruits and experience farm life. Their glasshouse hot springs are perfect for stargazing soaks!
Great for: Families with kids!
Our recommended flow:
- Morning: Pick fruits and feed alpacas.
- Afternoon: Relax in the hot springs with scenic views. You might even see traditional Lusheng making in the evening!
Our Kailai Travel Routes: A Local Insight for Planning Your Kaili Trip
Here are a few ideas for how you can explore this fascinating region, covering some of the best things to do in Kaili and its surroundings!
City Walk in Kaili (1 Day)
Let's start right here in Kaili City!
Route: Xiu Li Tao Non-Heritage Market → National Museum of Qiandongnan Prefecture → Dongmen Street → Zhongbo Pedestrian Street
In the morning, we can hit the vibrant Xiu Li Tao Non-Heritage Market (绣里淘非遗集市) for unique finds. Then, we'll dive into the rich cultures at the National Museum of Qiandongnan Prefecture (黔东南州民族博物馆).
To soak in the local vibes, we'll stroll down Dongmen Street (东门街), experiencing the everyday buzz of old Kaili. Finally, we'll treat our taste buds on Zhongbo Pedestrian Street (中博步行街), Kaili's famous food street.
Explore Kaili’s Surroundings: Miao Villages (1-2 Days)
Let's venture out of the city to experience some incredible Miao villages!
| Attractions | Duration | Distance from Kaili City | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shiqiao Miao Village | 0.5 Day | 80 km (1.5 hrs) | Kaili |
| Matang Gejia Village | 0.5 Day | 20 km (30-40 mins) | Kaili |
| Langde Miao Village | 0.5 Day | 30 km (40-50 mins) | Kaili |
Shiqiao + Matang Gejia: We can dedicate a day to Shiqiao Miao Village (石桥村), where you can witness the ancient art of papermaking, and Matang Gejia Village (麻塘革家寨), famous for its stunning batik.
Langde: For our second half-day trip, we'll head to Langde Miao Village (朗德苗寨), where you'll get a real taste of traditional Miao hospitality. After this, you could even start heading south towards Rongjiang (榕江) if you're planning a longer trip!
Extend Your Trip: Kaili to Dong Villages (5-6 Days)
For those with more time, let's embark on a deeper dive into the more wonders of Qiandongnan!
| Destinations | Duration | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Kaili | 2-3 Days | Shiqiao Miao Village, Matang Gejia Village, Langde Miao Village |
| Rongjiang | 1 Day | Dali Dong Village |
| Congjiang | 1 Day | Biasha Miao Village, Zhanli Dong Village |
| Zhaoxing | 1 Day | Zhaoxing Dong Village, Tangan Dong Village |
As you can see in the table, from Kaili, we'll journey to Rongjiang (1 day) to explore the ancient Dali Dong Village (大利侗寨) with its unique architecture.
Then it's on to Congjiang (1 day) to discover the mysterious Biasha Miao Village (岜沙苗寨) and the fascinating gender-balanced Zhanli Dong Village (占里侗寨).
Finally, we'll spend a day in Zhaoxing Dong Village (肇兴侗寨), known as the "Number One Dong Village," and the stunning hilltop Tangan Dong Village (堂安侗寨).
Find Things to Do in Kaili with Asia Odyssey Travel
Discover the most enriching things to do in Kaili Guizhou with Asia Odyssey Travel! We are your local expert!
From the iconic Xijiang Miao Village to easy navigation with our Kaili China map, we'll help you experience the best of this region. Whether you're arriving from Guiyang to Kaili or looking for deeper exploration from Kaili to Rongjiang, Congjiang and Zhaoxing, we'll help you craft the perfect trip.
Explore Kaili with ease and authenticity – contact us today!
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