Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village – Ticket, Opening Hours, Location, and Highlights

xijiang qianhu miao village

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (西江千户苗寨), situated in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, is a captivating cluster of over ten naturally connected villages built along the mountainside. It stands as the largest Miao ethnic village globally, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Miao people. Surrounded by mountains on all sides with terraced fields cascading down the slopes, the village is divided by the flowing Baishui River into two distinct parts.

On one side of the river (the left side upon entering the main gate), a bustling commercial pedestrian street offers an array of Miao ethnic specialty products. The highlight here is the intricate Miao silver jewelry, renowned for its craftsmanship and affordable prices. On the opposite bank (the right side upon entering the main gate), a panoramic observation platform allows visitors to overlook the entire village. Towards the end of the village lies a picturesque rural landscape with neatly arranged terraced fields, creating a breathtaking scenery.

Key attractions in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village include the Xijiang Miao Museum, Drum Storage Head House, Hualu Head House, Liquor Brewing Workshop, Embroidery Workshop, Wax Printing Workshop, Silver Jewelry Workshop, Observation Platform, Gaga Ancient Trail, and the Rural Sightseeing Area. Each of these sites contributes to the immersive experience, providing insights into the Miao culture, traditions, and the stunning natural surroundings.


Table of Contents


Basic Information

Estimated Length of Tour1 – 2 days
Ticket Price90 RMB
Shuttle Bus20 RMB for 4 times per person
Long Table FeastAverage: 68 RMB
High-end: 99 RMB
Performance11.00 – 11.55: 100 RMB
20.00 – 21.10: 150 RMB
Opening Hours24 hours a day throughout the year
Telephone Number0086-4001538866

Location and Transportation

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is situated in the Nan Gui Village of Xijiang Town, Leishan County, within the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province, South China. It is approximately 36 kilometers away from the county seat of Leishan and 33 kilometers from the provincial capital of the Qiandongnan Autonomous Prefecture.

To reach Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, tourists can first take a high-speed train to Kaili, the capital city of Qiandongnan Prefecture. Upon arrival at the train station, they can board the direct scenic area shuttle to Xijiang (priced at around 35 yuan per person). Alternatively, travelers can take a bus to Kaili Passenger Station and transfer to a bus heading directly from Kaili to Xijiang, reaching the main entrance of the scenic area.


Highlights of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village

Xijiang Miao Museum

xijiang miao museum in qianhu miao village

The Xijiang Miao Museum, an architectural masterpiece comprising six typical Miao-style stilted houses, is a cultural treasure trove. The museum houses 11 exhibition halls, each dedicated to a specific theme, including the Front Hall, Historical Hall, Production Hall, Festival Hall, Song and Dance Hall, Architectural Techniques Hall, Costume and Silver Jewelry Hall, Miao Medicine Hall, Shamanistic Culture and Religious Beliefs Hall, Daily Life Hall, and a Multimedia Hall. With over 1,220 Miao cultural artifacts and 350 representative items such as pictures, portraits, and books, the museum vividly presents the unique and diverse aspects of Miao culture. Covering Miao history, production, daily life, festivals, music, dance, clothing, silver jewelry, Miao medicine, architecture, and shamanistic culture, the museum serves as a prominent platform for research and understanding of Miao culture.


Stilted Houses

stilted houses in xijiang qianhu miao village

The hallmark of Miao architecture in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is the wooden stilted houses, divided into flat-land stilted houses and slope stilted houses. Typically three stories high with either a four-pillar-three-room or five-pillar-four-room structure, these houses have distinct functions for each floor. The ground floor is used for storing production tools, raising poultry and livestock, storing fertilizers, or serving as a toilet. The second floor functions as a living room, hall, bedroom, and kitchen. The hall’s outer side features the unique “beauty rest,” known as “jie xi” in the Miao language, primarily used for cooling off, embroidery, and relaxation – a distinctive feature of Miao architecture. The third floor is primarily used for storing grains, feed, and other production and life essentials. These stilted houses seamlessly blend with the surrounding green mountains, blue waters, and pastoral landscapes, creating a harmonious and picturesque scene.


Wind and Rain Bridges

wind and rain bridges in xijiang qianhu miao village

To enhance the feng shui conditions of the village and facilitate residents’ daily lives, many Miao villages, including Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, have constructed wind and rain bridges near the villages. These bridges serve to control wind, store air (both are concepts in Fengshui theories), and provide shelter from rain. In Xijiang, there were historically the Pingzhai Wind and Rain Bridge and the Nanshou Wind and Rain Bridge. However, due to their wooden structure, they faced damage from floods and required frequent repairs. In 2008, Xijiang built five new wind and rain bridges, including the arched cement bridges connecting Dazhai to Xijiang Middle School, the main road’s arched cement bridge, two arched cement bridges connecting Dazhai to Yehaozhai, and the arched cement bridge connecting Nangui.


Thousand-House Lantern Night Scene

thousand-house lantern night scene in xijiang qianhu miao village

As dusk settles in, the myriad homes of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village illuminate with thousands of lanterns. As the night deepens, the village transforms into an ocean of lights, forming the shape of a bull’s head when viewed from a distance. To enhance this spectacle, an observation platform has been constructed along the mountain slope road, providing a vantage point for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking night scene of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village. To further enhance the experience, sightseeing cars are available for tourists.


Miao Village Song and Dance

miao village song and dance in xijiang qinahu miao village

Each morning and afternoon, the Miao people of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village present vibrant ethnic song and dance performances. These performances showcase the local colors, featuring splendid costumes, lively dances, and beautiful love stories. The Miao people’s ancient songs are performed by elderly villagers, narrating epic tales that cover the origins of all things, the primordial chaos of heaven and earth, and the poignant history of migration. Special occasions or the appearance of important figures may also bring forth traditional performances such as the Copper Drum Dance of Zhangao, the High Reed Pipe of Fangxiang, and the Wooden Drum Dance of Fanpai. These traditional performances add a dynamic and cultural dimension to the rich tapestry of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village’s heritage. Visitors are immersed in the living traditions and artistic expressions of the Miao people, creating an unforgettable experience of cultural diversity.


Vlog about Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village


Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Explore the Ancient Street: The ancient street, also known as the commercial street, offers various dining options, including long-table banquets and restaurants. In the middle section of the ancient street, on the right side, you’ll find a small alley called Yiedongzhai. This alley is filled with experiential workshops and handicraft studios.

Enjoy Performances: The village offers many free performances as well as some paid ones, usually held in the evening. It’s recommended to visit the Drum Tower Square, where you can enjoy free performances such as folk songs and traditional dances like Youfang and unity songs.

Travel Light: It’s essential to travel light and carry only the necessary items as you’ll need to navigate through crowded areas and queues. Minimizing your luggage will make it easier to move around and enjoy the attractions without feeling burdened.

Try Local Cuisine: The food in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is known for its sour and spicy flavors. If you’re not accustomed to this taste, consider bringing along some of your favorite snacks or food items. However, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local delicacies offered in the village.


Other Attractions in Leishan County

Subscribe
Notify of
10 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dan Chapman
8 days ago

We took a taxi from the center of Guiyang to the attraction and back, which cost around 300 yuan in total. We entered from the North Gate, and after completing the circular route, you can either take the cable car or the sightseeing bus to the West Gate. If you call a taxi, it’s more convenient for the driver to park at the West Gate.

Travis Young
1 month ago

During the off-season, the Qianhu Miao Village is undergoing extensive construction, and many shops are closed. The lighting in the evenings is only partially turned on, but it truly doesn’t affect the experience of enjoying the local culture and customs.

Sarah Collins
2 months ago

Upon arriving at Qianhu Miao Village, the weather turned for the worse with a light rain falling. However, after the rain, the sky cleared up, and we were treated to the most complete rainbow I have ever seen, which perfectly capped off this trip.

Gerald Vega
3 months ago

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is enchanting and mysterious. Although the village is not large, every corner is filled with stories and local charm. If you don’t have time to prepare an itinerary, simply stroll around the village, stop and savor the slow pace of life. It is said that Qianhu Miao Village has become quite commercialized, but upon reflection, this does make our travels much more convenient. Moreover, the scenery of the Miao Village is truly beautiful. Especially when night… Read more »

Steven Leblanc
4 months ago

It’s currently the off-season for tourist attractions, so many guesthouses still have available rooms, and there aren’t too many people around.

Traci Reed
6 months ago

There were so many people at the Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village!!

Monica Mckenzie
7 months ago

Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is a great place to relax and wander around. If you feel mentally exhausted, you might as well come here to idle away your time.

Lisa Roman
7 months ago

Upon exiting the KaiLi South Station, we turned left and bought a direct bus ticket to XiJiang QianHu Miao Village. After about an hour, we arrived at the north gate of QianHu Miao Village and purchased entrance tickets and sightseeing bus tickets to enter the scenic area. Near the Number Six Wind and Rain Bridge, the innkeeper was waiting to pick us up. To be honest, it was quite inconvenient to come to QianHu Miao Village dragging our suitcases as… Read more »

Douglas Ellis
7 months ago

Guizhou is currently in the rainy season. Due to the weather, Xiaoqikong Scenic Area (荔波小七孔) is closed, and it rained heavily at Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village (西江千户苗寨) today, so we couldn’t visit the observation deck. Hopefully, we can visit Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布) tomorrow.

Ashley Ryan
8 months ago

Although criticized for being overly commercialized, I came prepared for the expectation that the reality may not match the photos online, but I was still amazed by the architecture of Xijiang Miao Village (千户苗寨) at first sight! The villages are layered on top of each other, with the smoke rising and the clouds weaving through the mountains, creating a picturesque scene like a Chinese ink painting. At night, when all the lights are on, it is even more breathtaking! I… Read more »

10
0
Feel free to ask any question about this place ^_^x
enjoy the same discount as a Chinese