Langde

1.Introduction: The Living Museum of the Miao People

2.Located in Langde: Town, Leishan County, within the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province, Langde Upper Village offers a pristine glimpse into the soul of the Miao ethnic group. Situated approximately 28 kilometers from Kaili City and 18 kilometers from Leishan County, this village sits at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters. Unlike the massive scale of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, Langde is celebrated for its tranquility, authenticity, and lack of over-commercialization.

Often hailed as "The First Village of the Miao in China" and a "Living Museum," Langde Upper Village is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction. As you approach, you are greeted by a scene straight out of a painting: smoke curling from chimneys, green mountains embracing the valley, and a river flowing gently under stone bridges. It is the preferred destination for travelers seeking a deep cultural connection and photographers looking to capture the "Long skirt Miao" in their traditional silver-laden glory.

Architecture and Landscape

The village covers an area of about one square kilometer and is home to hundreds of households living in traditional Diaojiaolou (stilted houses). These wooden and stone structures are built along the mountain contours, featuring intricate carved windows and gray-tiled roofs that reflect the architectural wisdom of the region—designed to be cool in summer, warm in winter, and safe from wild beasts,.

Wandering through the deep, winding stone alleys, visitors can admire the "Beauty Leaning" (Meirenkao)—the curved wooden railings on the balconies where, according to legend, Miao girls would once lean to sing songs to their lovers. The village was historically a fortress, built to be easy to defend and hard to attack, with remnants of ancient village walls still visible today.

The 12-Course Blocking Way Wine

3.The most iconic experience in: Langde is the Blocking Way Wine (Lanmenjiu) ceremony. This is the highest form of etiquette in Miao culture. Visitors entering the village must pass through twelve different "roadblocks" set up by the locals. At each station, Miao women in full ceremonial dress offer rice wine while singing toasting songs. The custom dictates that the guest must drink to pass, symbolizing the passionate hospitality of the Miao people—the larger the cup, the more auspicious the blessing.

The Rhythm of the Lusheng

4.Langde is a sanctuary for the: Lusheng culture (a reed-pipe wind instrument), which is considered the "soul instrument" of the Miao people. The village center features a Lusheng ground where daily performances take place. Here, villagers dress in dazzling silver ornaments and colorful skirts to perform traditional dances. The sound of the Lusheng echoes through the valley as hundreds of people, including tourists, join hands to dance in circles, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and unity,.

History and Festivals

The history of the village dates back to the Song and Yuan dynasties when ancestors migrated here to escape war. It was also a significant stronghold during the Miao uprisings of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the village comes alive during major festivals such as the Lusheng Festival (around the 15th of the first lunar month) and the Miao New Year. During these times, the "Golden Pheasant Dance" and copper drum beats resonate throughout the mountains, offering a profound cultural immersion.