Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village

Synopsis

Xijiang Thousand-Household Miao Village is located in Leishan County, Qiandongnan, Guizhou. It is the largest Miao ethnic settlement in China and even the world, with over 1,468 households and more than 6,000 residents, 99.5% of whom are Miao people. Stilted houses are built layer upon layer along the mountainside, and the night view of countless lights resembles a galaxy on earth. The Baishui River flows through the village, spanned by seven wind-and-rain bridges. The long-table banquet, Miao silver jewelry, batik, and Lusheng dance are distinctive cultural experiences, earning it the reputation as an open-air museum of Miao culture.

Overview

Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village is located in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is the largest Miao ethnic settlement in China and even the world. The entire village comprises 1,468 households with over 6,000 residents, of whom 99.5% of the original inhabitants are Miao people. The Miao Village is formed by more than ten natural villages built along the mountainside, connected into a continuous stretch, boasting a history of over two thousand years. Layers upon layers of stilted houses extend from the foot of the mountain all the way to the summit. The Baishui River flows through the village, spanned by seven wind-and-rain bridges. This spectacular scene has earned Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village the reputation of being an open-air museum of Miao culture.

The most breathtaking sight of Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village is its night view. Every evening, thousands of lights gradually illuminate, making the entire village appear like a stretch of starlight settled upon the mountains. Viewed from the observation deck on the opposite side, the layered stilted houses are brilliantly lit, stretching endlessly, as if a scene from heaven on earth. This spectacular night view attracts countless photography enthusiasts and tourists and has become one of the most representative images of Guizhou tourism.

Core Attractions

Stilted houses are the most distinctive architectural form of the Miao people. These structures are built to follow the mountain's contours, with half resting on the ground and half suspended in the air, supported by wooden pillars. The upper level is for living, while the lower level is elevated for ventilation and moisture prevention. The stilted houses in Xijiang Miao Village are layered and densely packed, extending from the valley all the way to the mountaintop. Their high density and large scale are truly astonishing. These stilted houses are entirely constructed using mortise and tenon joints, without a single iron nail, showcasing the superb architectural skills of the Miao people.

Miao Culture

The Long Table Banquet is the most solemn hospitality ritual of the Miao people. When esteemed guests arrive at the Miao village, the villagers set up a long table laden with abundant dishes. Dozens or even hundreds of people sit together to share the meal. Miao rice wine is essential at the Long Table Banquet. Villagers hold wine bowls, sing toast songs, and propose toasts to guests one bowl after another—this is the famous Miao "High Mountain Flowing Water" toasting style.

Miao silver ornaments are the most exquisite art form in Miao culture. Miao women wear a large amount of silver accessories when in full ceremonial dress—silver crowns, silver neck rings, silver bracelets, silver earrings, silver clothing plaques. A full set of silver ornaments can weigh several kilograms or even over ten kilograms. The patterns on these silver ornaments are intricate and exquisite, each piece being a handcrafted work of art. The Miao people believe that more silver ornaments signify greater beauty and represent greater family wealth.

Practical Information

References

1. Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village Official Website: http://www.xjqhmz.com/
2. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/西江千户苗寨
3. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-cn/西江千户苗寨
4. Guizhou Tourism Official Website: https://www.gztour.gov.cn