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Explore Xijiang Miao Village with Map
Let’s figure out the best way to navigate this incredible place. You have two main gates: the North Gate and the West Gate.
Take a look at our Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village travel maps here, showing suggested routes from North and West Gates, highlighting key attractions.
North Gate or West Gate?
West Gate: This one sits higher up on the mountain. It's perfect if your Xijiang Miao Village hotel is located in the mid-mountain viewing platform area. This way, you won't have to drag your luggage too far or climb steep slopes!
North Gate: This gate is at the foot of the mountain. It's ideal if your accommodation is in the main village area (near the commercial street) or if you're just visiting for the day and want quick access to the core scenic spots.
Scenic Spots: A Journey Through Miao Culture!
Let's imagine we're entering through the North Gate. Here's a walkthrough of the amazing spots you'll encounter:
- Twelve Rounds of Welcome Wine (十二道拦门酒)
Get ready for a truly authentic Miao welcome!
This traditional ceremony greets guests with 12 "wine checkpoints" at the village gate. At each, elegantly dressed Miao folks will offer you a horn full of rice wine. The number "twelve" represents a complete cycle in the Miao cosmic view.
✔ Times: Usually 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM; and 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
✔ How to accept: Place your hands behind your back and drink directly from the horn.
✔ A local's tip: If you're not a big drinker, you can politely explain beforehand or just take a symbolic tiny sip.
✔ Where to experience: At the West Gate or North Gate Xijiang Miao Village.
- Diaojiaolou Clusters (吊脚楼群)
These are the iconic stilted wooden houses, the signature of Miao traditional architecture. Thousands of them cling to the mountainside, forming a spectacular tiered landscape.
- Gage Alley (嘎歌古巷)
Step into this charming old alley, and you'll find silver ornament workshops, Miao embroidery studios, and intangible cultural heritage display areas. You can get up close and watch artisans at work!
This is also where you can experience a traditional "Long Table Banquet" (长桌宴) and savor local specialties like sour fish soup (酸汤鱼) and five-color glutinous rice (五色糯米饭). Discover more Guizhou food here >>
The Miao Culture Museum (苗族文化博物馆) and Lusheng Square (for folk performances) are right here too.
- Miao Culture Museum (苗族文化博物馆)
This museum offers a fantastic window into Miao culture. Through artifacts, photos, and multimedia displays, it systematically introduces you to the Miao people's history, migrations, clothing, silver ornaments, and traditional crafts. It's a real eye-opener!
- Lusheng Square & Folk Performances
Located near Bridge No. 3, Lusheng Square hosts lively Miao song and dance performances during the day. Your entrance ticket includes a free 30-minute show (usually at 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM). Don't miss it!
- Bridge No. 1 (with Terraced Fields)
This area is surrounded by lush rice paddies and is easily accessible by foot. It's beautiful to see the blend of village life with the serene countryside.
In spring and summer, especially during the April-May irrigation period, the fields are a stunning mirror reflecting the sky. In autumn, the rice waves turn golden.
From here, you can catch a shuttle bus up to the Viewing Platform, the highest point in the village.
- Viewing Platform (观景台)
Perched at the highest point of the village, this is the spot for sweeping panoramic views of the entire settlement. It's especially magical at dusk when the thousands of lights twinkle on, making the village look like stars scattered across the earth!
- Youfang Street (游方街)
This is another vibrant street where you might find long table banquets happening! Take a stroll, check out the unique market stalls, and really soak in the Miao atmosphere.
- Bridges No. 2-5
Besides Bridge No. 1, there are six other Wind-and-Rain Bridges (风雨桥) spanning the Baishui River (白水河). They serve as vital pathways and, traditionally, places for Miao youth to sing love songs.
Just focus on Bridges No. 1-5!
| Bridge No. | Location | Scenery |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upstream, rural landscape zone | Surrounded by rice fields, perfect for viewing rice waves and sunrise. |
| 2 | Near the core commercial area | Dense shops along the river. |
| 3 | Main street intersection | Connects old streets and riverbanks, a key transportation hub. |
| 4 | Mid-mountain viewing area | Bridges intertwine with the mountain, creating a layered, multi-dimensional landscape. |
| 5 | Mid-section transition area | Fewer crowds, ideal for a quiet moment by the water. |
- Xijiang Miao Village Nightscape
As night falls, the lights illuminate the contours of the Diaojiaolou houses, and their glimmering reflections dance on the river below. It’s like stepping into a scene from "Spirited Away (千与千寻)"!
I highly recommend enjoying this view from the Viewing Platform or a balcony of a mid-mountain guesthouse.
Night light-up time: Generally from 6:30 PM to 11:59 PM.
Best Photo Spots
✔ Viewing Platform: Get that iconic panoramic shot of the thousand Diaojiaolou houses, especially magical at night.
✔ Gage Alley (嘎歌古巷): Capture vibrant candid photos of artisans and daily life in this historic alley.
✔ Bridge No. 1: Frame the village against the stunning rice terraces for a picturesque view.
✔ Bridges No. 3-5: Discover unique angles, from night reflections at Bridge No. 3 to morning mist shots near Bridge No. 4, and lively street scenes around Bridge No. 5.
✔ Cunshang Bookstore & Niupeng Camp (村上书屋·牛棚营地): Snap a fun, Instagram-worthy picture on their free cliff swing!
Travel Routes for Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village
Xijiang Miao Village in One Day: North or West Gate Entry?
North Gate Route: North Gate → (Shuttle Bus) → Small North Gate → Commercial Street (Lusheng Square, Museum) → Bridge No. 1 (near terraced fields) → (Shuttle Bus) → Viewing Platform → (Return by Shuttle Bus) → Bridges No. 2, 3, 4, 5 → Small North Gate → (Shuttle Bus) → North Gate.
Basically, once you enter the Small North Gate, you can explore the commercial street. Take the shuttle bus to and from the Viewing Platform from near Bridge No. 1, then walk back along Bridges No. 2-5.
West Gate Route: West Gate → (Shuttle Bus) → Viewing Platform → (Shuttle Bus) → Bridge No. 1 (terraced fields nearby, walkable) → Bridges No. 2, 3, 4, 5 → Commercial Street (Lusheng Square, Museum) → (Shuttle Bus) → West Gate.
From the West Gate, you'll first take the bus up to the Viewing Platform, then bus down to the riverside, and explore the Wind-and-Rain Bridges, commercial street, and terraced areas on foot.
Entry Time: 8:30 AM - 11:59 PM. Please note: your entrance ticket is valid for entry only on the day of purchase, but it remains valid for use within the park for 5 days after entry.
Connect Xijiang Miao Village with Guizhou's Best Attractions
Thinking of a longer trip? Xijiang Miao Village fits perfectly into a multi-day Guizhou adventure!
| Day | Where to Go | What to See | Where to Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guiyang | Free Time Explore to Qianling Mountain Park or Jiaxiu Pavilion | Guiyang |
| 2 | Guiyang to Anshun | Huangguoshu Waterfalls | Anshun |
| 3 | Anshun to Kaili | Tianlong Tunpu, Matang Gejia Village | Kaili |
| 4 | Kaili to Zhenyuan | Xijiang Miao Village, Zhenyuan Ancient Town | Zhenyuan |
| 5 | Zhenyuan to Fanjingshan | Mushroom Rock, New Golden Peak, Cheng'en Temple | Jiangkou |
| 6 | Fanjingshan to Guiyang | Free Time Explore | / |
Xijiang Miao Village Hotel: Where to Stay?
When picking your Xijiang Miao Village Hotel, you'll generally choose between 2 main areas:
Viewing Platform Mid-Mountain Area: Located on the west side of the river, these hotels offer fantastic views of the main village area across the river. Perfect for those iconic night shots!
Main Village Area: Situated on the east side of the river, close to the old streets and commercial area. Staying here gives you a more immersive village experience, though the scenic views aren't as sweeping as from the viewing platform side.
When's the Best Time to Visit Xijiang Miao Village?
While Xijiang Miao Village is vibrant all year, here's our local take on the best time to visit:
Prioritize Spring and Autumn (Apr-May & Sep-early Nov): These seasons offer the best weather, richest scenery, and most abundant activities, making them ideal for first-time visitors.
✔ April to May: Mild weather (10-20℃) brings abundant rain, turning the terraced fields into stunning, sky-reflecting mirrors. It's a gorgeous time with rapeseed, cherry, and peach blossoms everywhere!
✔ September to early November: Enjoy crisp air (15-25℃) as rice fields turn golden and maples blaze. The terraces and Diaojiaolou houses create a truly picturesque scene. Plus, you might catch vibrant festivals like the Miao New Year with its lively dances and grand banquets! Unlock more Guizhou festivals >>
A quick tip: Try to avoid major Chinese festivals and holidays like Labor Day (May 1-5) and National Day (Oct 1-7), as the crowds can be very large.
How to Get to & Around Xijiang Miao Village?
Getting to Xijiang Miao Village
Option One (Train + Bus):
You can take a high-speed train from Guiyang to Kaili, which typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour. From Kaili, a convenient shuttle bus (which is a direct scenic area bus) will get you to Xijiang Miao Village in about an hour.
Option Two (Direct Drive):
Alternatively, you can choose to drive directly from Guiyang to Xijiang Miao Village with us. This scenic drive usually takes around 2.5 hours. Contact Asia Odyssey Travel!
Getting Around the Village
You'll get around mainly by shuttle bus and walking.
Shuttle Bus Route: North Gate Entrance ↔ Small North Gate (core area entrance) ↔ Viewing Platform. Your ticket includes 4 rides!
Walking: Follow the Baishui River footpath, which connects all 5 Wind-and-Rain Bridges. The whole walk is about 2 kilometers.
Practical Tips for Visiting Xijiang Miao Village
1. Go Early! We recommend entering via the Small North Gate early in the morning. AVOID entering between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the busiest entry time.
2. Comfy Shoes are Key: You'll be walking on a lot of uneven stone paths and steps, so comfortable sports shoes are a must.
3. Pack Light: It's best to store your larger luggage at the entrance or hotel and just bring a small bag to explore the village.
4. Book Ahead for Festivals: If you're visiting during a festival (like Miao New Year), crowds can be massive.
5. North Gate Preferred: For easier access, we often suggest entering via the North Gate. From there, you can take a shuttle bus directly to Bridge No. 6 (the core area). The West Gate route involves more walking or multiple transfers.
6. Manage Your Shuttle Rides: Your entrance ticket includes 4 shuttle bus rides. Plan your route wisely (e.g., North Gate → Small North Gate → Viewing Platform → Return).
7. Watch the Clock: Shuttle buses stop running after 11:30 PM. If you plan to stay out late enjoying the night view, be prepared to walk back to your accommodation outside the core area.
8. Dress in Layers: Mountainous areas have significant day-to-night temperature differences, so bring a long-sleeved jacket.
9. Welcome Wine Etiquette: If you participate in the "Welcome Wine" ceremony and can't drink much, gently touch the wine horn to politely signal this instead of directly refusing.
10. Long Table Feast: We highly recommend booking your spot for the Long Table Banquet in advance!
Uncover Xijiang Miao Village with Asia Odyssey Travel
Come explore Xijiang Miao Village! Let Asia Odyssey Travel help you plan your perfect trip! We're your trusted local experts, with over a decade of experience creating amazing trips throughout China and Asia.
We partner closely with local guides, drivers, and hotels to ensure you get authentic experiences at great prices, complete with attentive service.
Beyond Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, let us show you other incredible Guizhou highlights like Huangguoshu Waterfall, Fanjingshan, and Zhaoxing Dong Village!
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