Xijiang

1.Introduction: The World's Largest Miao Settlement

2.Located in Xijiang: Town, Leishan County, within the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou Province, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is a monumental display of ethnic culture and architecture. Situated approximately 35 kilometers from Kaili and 200 kilometers from Guiyang, this sprawling settlement covers about 5 square kilometers. It is officially recognized as the largest Miao village in the world, home to over 1,000 households and a permanent population of more than 6,000 people.

Known as the "Living Museum of the Miao People" and the "First Village of the Miao in China," Xijiang offers a breathtaking visual experience. As the sun sets, thousands of lights illuminate the valley one by one, turning the hillside into a "sea of silver lights" that resembles a galaxy descended to earth. While it does not hold UNESCO World Heritage status, it is a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and a designated Historic and Cultural Village of China.

3.Architecture: A Forest of Stilted Houses

4.The defining feature of: Xijiang is its massive collection of Diaojiaolou (wooden stilted houses). These structures are built layer upon layer along the contours of the mountain, rising from the river valley to the peaks like magnificent terraced fields. The dark tiles, gray walls, and intricate carved wooden windows create a scene of ancient rustic beauty. Visitors can wander through deep, winding stone alleys, touch the weathered textures of the buildings, and climb to the observation deck to view the entire village, which looks like a vast painting unfolding before the eyes.

History and Culture

The history of the village traces back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, when Miao ancestors migrated to this deep valley to escape war. The name "Xijiang" is derived from the river that flows westward through the village. For centuries, this area served as a core settlement for the Miao people and was a stronghold for resistance against government forces during the Qing Dynasty. Due to its historical isolation, Xijiang has preserved a complete and primitive ecological culture.

5.The village is a repository of: Miao traditions. It is famous for its Silver Ornaments, which are passed down from mothers to daughters as symbols of wealth and family blessing. The Miao New Year (usually in the 10th lunar month) is the grandest festival here, where thousands gather to dance the Lusheng and sing folk songs.

6.Experiences: The Hospitality of the Highlands

Visiting Xijiang is an immersion in Miao hospitality.

• 7.Blocking Way Wine (Lanmenjiu): Before entering the village, guests encounter the "Twelve Courses of Wine." Local girls in full silver regalia sing toasting songs, and visitors must drink their way through the barriers to enter, symbolizing the passion of the hosts.
• 8.Long Table Banquet: This is the traditional communal feast where visitors sit at long tables to enjoy sour soup fish and rice wine, experiencing the "good hospitality as a song" character of the Miao people.
• 9.Song and Dance: In the central square, young men and women perform the Lusheng dance, their silver jewelry clinking in rhythm with the music. Visitors are often invited to join the circle and dance.

The Night View

While the daytime offers a look at the "wooden and stone" history, the night view is the crown jewel of Xijiang. As darkness falls, every household lights a lamp, transforming the valley into a glittering ocean of stars. This "Thousand Households Light Show" is considered the most dreamy and romantic scene in the region, making an overnight stay highly recommended for photography enthusiasts.