Xijiang Miao Village: Is It Worth Visiting? How to Plan a Trip?

Xijiang Miao Village is one of the three ethnic villages I highly recommend visiting in Guizhou - alongside Zhaoxing Dong Village and Rongjiang. Located about 200 km from Guiyang (around 2.5 hours by car), it is the largest and best-preserved Miao village in China.

The night view here is truly one-of-a-kind. As dusk falls, thousands of lights illuminate the valley creating a spectacular scene perfect for photography. It is an experience unmatched by any other Miao village.

Moreover, Xijiang offers rich and authentic cultural immersion. Here , you could

• enjoy the lively long-table banquets and welcome ceremony.
• admire Miao traditional song and dance performances.
• try hands-on activities like batik dyeing and silver jewelry making.
• dress in Miao attire for photos.

But with such a vast village and so many cultural experiences, how can you plan your route to ensure you don't miss out? Where can you find the best photo spots and the most authentic local flavors? This guide is designed precisely for you.

Xijiang Trip Planning: Day Trip or Overnight Stay?

Xijiang Miao Village Night Views

Since the night view is the highlight of Xijiang Miao Village, we recommend spending at least 2 days here. Staying overnight allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and experience village life at a relaxed pace.

However, if you're short on time, a day trip from Guiyang is also feasible. Depart early in the morning (ideally before 8:00 AM), enjoy the night view after dark (post 8:00 PM). When return to Guiyang, your arriving at your hotel will be around 11:00 PM.

Below are two itinerary options:

Day Trip: Essential Xijiang Experience

Miao Village Performance

Xijiang Miao Village is built along both banks of the Baishui River, climbing layer by layer up the hillsides. The main tourist area concentrates on the northeastern slope. Your visit typically begins in the core lower area.

Morning: Depart Guiyang at 8:00 AM. When you arrive at North Gate, join the warm "Twelve Toasts of Block-the-Door Wine" welcome ceremony (held twice daily at 10:30 & 18:00). Then visit Miao Museum to understand cultural heritage, then explore ancient streets

Afternoon: Watch traditional Miao song and dance performance at Lusheng Square (2-4pm). Then rent exquisite Miao attire for photos by Wind-and-Rain Bridges and Baishui River (Tip: Local photographers recommend Bridges 3 & 5 for best shots)

Evening: At 8:00 PM, enjoy panoramic night view from viewing platform before returning to Guiyang.

Two-Day Tour: Village Essence + Hands-on Activities

Miao New Year

For a relaxed travel pace, I highly recommend this "two-day, one-night" itinerary:

Day 1: After checking in, you'll have ample time to complete the classic day-tour highlights at a comfortable pace.

Day 2: Visit the viewing platform in the early morning to appreciate the village in daylight. It offers a different perspective from the night view. Then you can hike to the vast rice fields around the village. If you visit in autumn, the golden rice create a perfect photo opportunity.

In the afternoon, you can try your hand at batik or embroidery in one of the ancient street's craft workshops. Your works can be a special gift for your friends or families.

In the afternoon, return to Guiyang or continue to your next destination.

Connecting Xijiang with Other Destinations in Guizhou

Miao Dance

After visiting Xijiang Miao Village, you can extend your trip based on your interests:

Take a 2-hour drive to Zhaoxing Dong Village to experience distinct Dong customs. Listen to the legendary Dong Grand Choir and explore ancient drum tower complexes.

Travel about 1 hour to Rongjiang County to join locals in cheering at a lively "Village Super League" football match. From Rongjiang, you can take a direct high-speed train to Guilin or Kunming.

Alternatively, take a 3-hour drive to Mount Fanjing to climb the breathtaking "City in the Sky." You can also continue from Mount Fanjing to Fenghuang (2-hour drive), then take a 1-hour high-speed train to Zhangjiajie.

Return to Guiyang and continue to other destinations from there.

Planning a trip to Xijiang Miao Village? Click here to learn about our 6-Day Guizhou City and Miao Village Tour.

How to Get to Xijiang: High-Speed Rail / Private Car + Shuttle

Xijiang Miao Village

Xijiang Miao Village is about 200 km from Guiyang, approximately a 2.5-hour drive. You have two main options:

Take a high-speed train from Guiyang to Kaili South Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to a 40-minute car ride to the village. Total travel time is around 2 hours.

Take a private car from Guiyang to Xijiang village in about 2.5 hours.

After arriving at the scenic area entrance, all visitors must transfer to the internal shuttle buses to enter the village.

The shuttles operate on two main routes: one to the North Entrance of the ancient street at the foot of the mountain, and the other to the viewing platform on the hillside.

We recommend you first explore the lower village area and visit the viewing platform for the night view later. If you are short on time and cannot stay for the night view, you may visit the platform first before descending to the village.

To avoid the hassle of catching trains and transferring between vehicles, we recommend joining our customized Guizhou tours. This includes private car transportation and a professional local guide, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a flexible itinerary.

Best Time to Visit and How to Get a Great Shot

Xijiang Miao Village

For the most comfortable climate and beautiful scenery, I recommend visiting the Miao Village in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). During these seasons, temperatures typically range between 15–25°C, offering cool, pleasant weather and relatively less rainfall.

Nestled in the mountains, Xijiang Miao Village maintains average summer temperatures around 20°C. It is a great summer retreat. However, July and August fall during China's summer vacation, attracting large crowds.

To avoid the crowds, our experienced local guides would lead you to quieter spots with equally stunning views for photo.

Winter (December–February) is the quietest season with fewer visitors, though the weather is damp and chilly (5–15°C), so dressing warmly is essential.

For an immersive cultural experience, plan your trip around major festivals:

• Sisters' Meal Festival (mid-April): A romantic celebration where young people express affection. Enjoy five-color sticky rice, Lusheng music, and folk songs.
• Miao New Year (early November): Equivalent to the Chinese Spring Festival, featuring grand parades, rituals, and lively festivities.

Tips: These festivals attract peak visitor numbers. I recommend booking accommodation and tours at least one month in advance.

Where to Stay in Xijiang: Downhill or Uphill?

Where to Stay in Xijiang

In Xijiang, lodging options are mainly divided into two areas. If you are traveling with children under 8, elderly visitors, or lots of luggage, choose a downhill guesthouse for convenience and comfort.

If you prioritize stunning scenery and don't mind some physical effort, the uphill area near the viewing platform is your ideal choice.

• Downhill Area (near the ancient streets and wind-and-rain bridges): Offers great convenience for dining and shopping, with good value for money. It's usually just a short walk from the shuttle stop to your guesthouse. However, views here are often blocked by nearby buildings, making it hard to appreciate the village's grand, layered landscape.
• Uphill Area (especially near the viewing platform and above): Boasts open, breathtaking views. You can enjoy a panoramic scene of thousands of lit-up households right from your window. The trade-off is a 10–15 minute climb up stone steps. If you have large luggage, confirm in advance whether the hotel can assist with carrying it (cost is approximately $5–10).

What to Eat in Xijiang: Long Table Banquets & Street Food

Long Table Banquets

For an authentic taste of Miao flavors, the Long Table Banquet is an essential experience. Many restaurants along the ancient streets and near the wind-and-rain bridges specialize in this feast.

Here, you can savor specialties like sour fish soup, cured meat platters, and Guzang pork. Make sure to try the passionate "Flowing Wine from the Mountains" toast ritual.

For restaurant choices, the following well-regarded establishments ensure a memorable meal:

• Gengdu Ji/耕读记: Highly praised for its refined dishes and rustic farmhouse atmosphere. It's recommended to arrive slightly before peak meal times to secure a table with a view.
• Caotang Tea House/草堂茶居: Located halfway up the hill (a 5-minute stone stair climb), it offers beautiful views of the Miao Village while you dine—especially lovely in the evening.
• Houjia Zhuang/侯家庄: Situated on the ancient street, this is a classic spot for traditional sour fish soup.

Beyond banquets, the village's street food scene is equally rich: crispy-yet-chewy grilled glutinous rice cakes, uniquely flavored hairy tofu, steaming sour rice noodles, and homemade rice wine are all worth trying as you stroll through the lively lanes.

Tip: If you don't drink alcohol or have a low tolerance, you can politely decline or sip lightly during the "block-the-door wine" and toast ceremonies.

Explore Guizhou with China Highlights

Still hesitating between a day trip or a two-day tour to Xijiang Miao Village? Unsure which route leads to the most beautiful scenery? Or concerned about navigating local customs? Let China Highlights' customized Guizhou tours handle the challenges and worries of your journey. Contact us now to create your personalized Guizhou adventure!