The Kaili Ethnic Museum (凯里民族博物馆), also known as the Qiandongnan Ethnic Museum, is comprised of four main exhibition areas: the “State Situation Hall,” the “Ethnic Culture Hall,” the “Costume Hall,” and the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall.” Additionally, there is a “Temporary Exhibition Hall.” With over 12,000 exhibits, the museum showcases a diverse collection, including Miao and Dong ethnic costumes dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as well as ancestral and daily life artifacts.
The museum’s architecture seamlessly integrates the artistic styles of Miao and Dong ethnic buildings. The central tower adopts the multi-eave structure of the Dong drum tower, while the east and west towers feature the suspended floor style of Miao ethnic houses. The exterior design emphasizes that Qiandongnan is the “Land of Miao and Dong.” The artifacts in the museum are categorized into unearthed items, revolutionary and social construction items, and items related to production and daily life, providing a comprehensive representation of the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic minorities in the region.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Kaili Ethnic Museum
- Other Attractions in Kaili
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0855-8068089 0086-0855-8065971 |
Location and Transportation
The Kaili Ethnic Museum is located at 5 Guangchang Road, Kaili City, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China. To get there, you can take bus Kaili 1, Kaili 2, Kaili 5, Kaili 6, Kaili 12, Kaili 16, Kaili 18, Kaili 21, or Kaili 25 and get off at Wanbo West Stop (万博西站).
Highlights of Kaili Ethnic Museum
State Situation Hall
The State Situation Hall is located on the first floor of the Kaili Ethnic Museum, showcasing the rich history and cultural development of Qiandongnan. Divided into seven sections, the exhibition covers topics such as “Ancient Qiandongnan,” “Long History,” “Wood Flows to the East – Culture Moves to the West,” “Peasant War,” “Activities of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army in Qiandongnan,” “Olympic Torch in Qiandongnan,” and “Tourism Resources in Qiandongnan.” Through precious artifacts, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the continuous development of Qiandongnan’s civilization, highlighting the significant achievements and contributions of the Miao, Dong, and other ethnic groups in politics, economy, and culture.
Ethnic Culture Hall
The Ethnic Culture Hall, situated on the second floor in two separate exhibition halls, systematically presents the daily lives, food, entertainment, marriage customs, and beliefs of the various ethnic groups in Qiandongnan. Using a variety of mediums, including physical items, photographic materials, written documents, and scene recreations, the exhibition offers an immersive experience into the diverse cultures of the people in the region.
Costume Hall
On the third floor’s west side, the Costume Hall carefully selects and exhibits exquisite and splendid clothing, embroidery, suspenders, silver ornaments, and more, primarily from the Miao and Dong ethnic groups in Qiandongnan. These visually striking displays showcase the diversity and richness of the region’s minority costumes. With a wide variety and distinct styles, these costumes represent some of the oldest and relatively well-preserved traditional attire in Chinese culture.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall
Located on the east side of the third floor, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Hall employs various methods, including textual and pictorial explanations, simulated scenes, and actual artifacts, to showcase the nationally, provincially, and regionally recognized intangible cultural heritage of Qiandongnan. This includes representative examples of ethnic arts, culture, sports, medicine, and other intangible cultural treasures that contribute to the unique identity of the region. The hall serves as a tribute to the diverse and vibrant intangible cultural heritage of Qiandongnan.
