Dehang Miao Village (德夯苗寨), located in the picturesque region of Jishou City in Hunan Province, China, is a captivating destination celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The name “Dehang” translates to “beautiful canyon” in the Miao language, which is fitting for this enchanting village nestled among dramatic mountains, steep cliffs, and dense forests.
The village is situated just 4 kilometers upstream from Aizhai Town, along the banks of the scenic Jiulong Creek. The surrounding landscape is characterized by towering cliffs, overlapping peaks, and cascading waterfalls, creating a breathtaking backdrop for visitors. As you stroll through the village, you will be greeted by traditional wooden stilt houses of the Miao people, harmonizing beautifully with the natural scenery. The area exudes a pastoral charm, with smooth stone paths winding through the village, intricate stone arch bridges, and vibrant fields adorned with the colorful attire of Miao women, who are often seen washing clothes by the creek.
One of the most iconic features of Dehang Miao Village is the Three Sisters Peaks, a trio of gray-white stone formations that rise majestically from the mountain ridge behind the village. Each peak is over 100 meters high and tapers from a narrow top to a broader base, resembling three Miao girls dressed in colorful skirts. According to local legend, these peaks represent three Miao sisters who sang love songs to their suitors while standing on the ridge. Their heartfelt melodies echoed through the canyon for three days and nights until seven suns appeared in the sky, scorching the earth and transforming the sisters into stone, thus forming the Three Sisters Peaks.
Dehang Miao Village is not only a feast for the eyes but also a vibrant center for Miao culture. The Miao people celebrate various traditional festivals and customs that attract tourists from both China and abroad. Events such as the April 8 Festival, the Drum Dance, the March 3 Singing Festival, and the Autumn Harvest Festival showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Miao community. Visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and local cuisine, providing a deeper understanding of the Miao people’s way of life.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB (included in the ticket for Dehang valley) |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0743-8758777 |
Location and Transportation
Dehang Miao Village is located within the Dehang Scenic Area in Jishou City, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, near the Aizhai Bridge. To get there, you can take Bus Line 11 from Jishou, which will take you directly to the Dehang Canyon Scenic Area bus stop. From there, it is a short walk to the village itself.
Departing from Jishou at 2:30 PM, we arrived at Dehang Miao Village. The journey mainly consisted of mountain roads and single-lane paths. We followed the right side of the Miao village to reach the entrance of the canyon, where the Liushui Waterfall is located at the end of the canyon. During the dry season, the waterfall’s gate closes at 4:30 PM to reserve water, and it reopens at 10:30 AM. The last sightseeing bus returned to the Miao village at… Read more »