Kaili is located just 2 hours by car (or 30 minutes by high-speed rail) from Guiyang, serving as the central hub for exploring Guizhou's ethnic minority villages.
From my experience in Kaili, the city itself has limited attractions. The real highlights are the numerous ethnic villages in the surrounding areas. These villages are primarily divided into Miao and Dong settlements. And they are the main destinations for experiencing authentic Chinese ethnic minority culture. With so many villages around Kaili, which ones should you visit?
There are over a hundred villages of varying sizes around Kaili. I highly recommend the following three: one Miao village, one Dong village, and one where you can experience traditional papermaking. Each has its own distinct cultural characteristics. Visiting all three will make your itinerary more diverse and fulfilling.
1. Xijiang Miao Village: Experience Rich Cultural Activities and Breathtaking Night Views
Xijiang Miao VillageAmong the many Miao villages, I highly recommend you visit Xijiang Miao Village. Located just 40 minutes from downtown Kaili, it's easily accessible. As the world's largest Miao settlement (over a thousand households), it's famous for its stunning terraced stilted houses built into the mountainside.
Here, you can enjoy a full range of cultural activities daily, including welcome ceremonies, traditional song and dance performances, and long-table banquets.
When night falls, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of thousands of illuminated households. It is a perfect photo opportunity. Learn more about how to visit Xijiang Miao Village.
As one of the earlier-developed Miao villages, Xijiang is more famous than others. Many visitors are drawn here by its reputation.
During peak travel seasons (e.g., holidays), it can get a bit crowded. To avoid the crowds, I recommend staying overnight in Xijiang. This allows you the freedom to enjoy the captivating night scenery at your own pace. And the next morning, you could explore the village in its peaceful early hours without losing time to transportation.
Miao girlsAnother option is to visit some less-known Miao village, such as Langde Miao Village (an hour's drive from Kaili). This smaller village (around 110 households) can be explored in half a day. There are traditional song and dance performances and welcome ceremonies, although on a more intimate scale.
2. Zhaoxing Dong Village: Admire the Drum Tower Complex and Listen to the Dong Grand Choir
Zhaoxing Dong VillageZhaoxing Dong Village is located about 2 hours by car from downtown Kaili. It is the largest, best-preserved, and most historic Dong settlement (more than 1,000 years) in the Kaili area. It is renowned for its impressive drum tower complex and the soul-stirring Dong Grand Choir.
For your itinerary, I recommend allocating at least one full day. Upon arrival in the morning, begin by exploring the iconic drum towers and wind-and-rain bridges. In the afternoon, you can watch a traditional Lusheng (reed pipe) and dance performance at the drum tower square.
If time allows, consider staying overnight to experience the village's tranquil morning atmosphere, with cooking smoke curling over the rooftops. You can also take a walk through the surrounding terraced fields. Learn more about visiting Zhaoxing Dong Village.
3. Shiqiao Miao Village: Experience Ancient Papermaking
Shiqiao Ancient PapermakingShiqiao PapermakingBeyond the cultural immersion in Miao and Dong villages, I strongly recommend a trip to Shiqiao to experience China's ancient art of papermaking. It is an activity you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Located about 1 hour from Kaili, this Miao village preserves a thousand-year-old papermaking tradition.
The survival of Shiqiao's ancient papermaking technique is not sustained by tourism revenue. Paper produced through this traditional method is highly durable and resistant to wear. The paper holds unique value in Miao sacrificial ceremonies, calligraphy, and painting.
In Shiqiao, you can watch Miao artisans use Tang Dynasty-era techniques to transform tree bark into strong, durable paper. You can even embed flowers and leaves to create one-of-a-kind artistic sheets.
With arrangements by our local guide, you can try your hand at sheet-forming and pressing. Try to create your own flower-decorated paper as a unique and meaningful souvenir.
When is The Best Time to Visit Kaili?
Sisters' Meal FestivalIn terms of weather comfort, the best period to visit Kaili is from April to October, when temperatures are pleasant (20–25°C) and rainfall is relatively low. It is ideal for village hikes and cultural exploration.
However, the true essence of Kaili lies in its ethnic villages. And the highlight of these villages is their traditional festivals. Therefore, I believe the absolute best times to visit are late February, late April, and early November.
Sisters' Meal Festival- Sisters' Meal Festival (usually late April, e.g., April 30 – May 2, 2026): Known as the "Oldest Oriental Valentine's Day". Days are filled with grand parades and Lusheng dances, while evenings see young people singing love songs to find their match. While celebrated in Xijiang and Langde, the most magnificent parades are held in Taijiang County and Shidong Town (about 1 hour from Kaili).
- Lusheng Festival (usually late February, e.g., March 4–9, 2026): One of the most lively Miao festivals. Villagers of all ages gather in the Lusheng square. Men play various melodies on their Lusheng flutes, while women dance around them. The grandest celebrations are in Zhouxi Village, just 30 minutes from Kaili.
- Miao New Year (usually early November, e.g., Nov 4 – Dec 20, 2026): The most important Miao festival, equivalent to the traditional Spring Festival. Villages dressed in their newest and most beautiful clothes, and flock to the Lusheng grounds. The entire village is immersed in a sea of song and dance. The most spectacular celebrations can be witnessed at Xijiang Miao Village.
How to Connect the Villages with Kaili and Other Guizhou Destinations？
Guiyang and Kaili tour mapA 3 day stay in Kaili is ideal for exploring the ethnic villages in depth. While you can take a high-speed train from Guiyang to Kaili in just half an hour, reaching the individual villages requires taxis or buses.
Since most villagers don't speak English and bus schedules can be irregular, I recommend booking a customized Guizhou tour with us. With a private vehicle and an experienced guide, your trip will be smoother and more enriching.
After exploring Kaili, you can head to nearby Rongjiang to catch a match of the wildly popular "Village Super League" football match.
Below is a classic Guizhou itinerary starting from Guiyang and including Kaili:
Day 1–2: Guiyang City Attractions + Huangguoshu Waterfall
Huangguoshu WaterfallArrive in Guiyang. If time allows, visit Qingyan Ancient Town in the city. Then head to the landmark Jiaxiu Pavilion in the evening to enjoy the night view from the top.
On day 2, take a 2-hour drive to Huangguoshu Waterfall. Since you'll return to Guiyang that evening, focus on the essential sections: the Grand Waterfall and Doupotang (approx. 3–4 hours). On the way back, stop at Balinghe Bridge to admire one of Guizhou's highest bridges.
Day 3–5: Kaili + Xijiang Miao Village + Rongjiang + Zhaoxing Dong Village
Rongjiang Village Super LeagueDay 3: Travel about 2 hours from Guiyang to Kaili. If time permits, visit the Minority Museum to learn about Miao and Dong culture. Then drive 40 minutes to Xijiang Miao Village to experience the welcome ceremony, a long-table banquet, and traditional dance performances. Enjoy the spectacular night view before returning to Kaili for the night.
Day 4: Drive about 2 hours from Kaili to Rongjiang. In the afternoon, experience the energetic "Village Super League" football match. Before or after the game, explore the local market and taste regional snacks.
Day 5: Take a 1-hour drive from Rongjiang to Zhaoxing Dong Village to explore its drum towers and listen to the famous Dong Grand Choir. Return to Rongjiang for the night.
Day 6: Departure
From Rongjiang, you can take a high-speed train to popular destinations such as: Kunming (4 hours), Chongqing (4 hours) or Guilin (1 hour).
You can also customize your Guizhou itinerary based on your preferences.
Where to Stay in Kaili
Kaili hotelsWhen staying in Kaili, you have two main accommodation options:
- Stay in ethnic minority villages nearby, such as Xijiang Miao Village. This allows you to be closer to nature and the countryside, with a quieter environment. However, most hotels are built on hillsides, requiring a 5–10 minute walk to your lodging. Additionally, many accommodations are boutique guesthouses converted from traditional stilted buildings. It is ideal if you are seeking an immersive rural experience.
- Stay in downtown Kaili. The city offers numerous luxury international hotel brands. It is suitable if you prioritize comfort and convenience.
Based on our on-site research, we recommend the following hotels in Kaili downtown and nearby Miao Village:
- Hampton by Hilton Kaili (Kaili Downtown): Located in the city center with convenient transportation. Especially suitable for families seeking standardized services and a comfortable experience. Several well-known sour fish soup restaurants are within walking distance.
- Shangyunqi Inn (Xijiang Miao Village): Located halfway up the mountain in Xijiang Miao Village. This inn offers breathtaking panoramic views of terraced fields, sea of clouds, and thousands of glittering lights right from your window.
If you're visiting a Miao village during the Lusheng Festival (typically in late February, e.g., March 4–9, 2026), I recommend staying at a hotel in Zhouxi Village (the most lively and central celebration site).
Wecci Hotspring Holiday Hotel (Zhouxi Village): Situated in Zhouxi Town on the outskirts of Kaili (about a 30-minute drive from the city center), nestled in the mountains and known for its natural hot springs. An ideal place to relax after a day of hiking in the Miao villages.
What to Eat in Kaili? Sour Fish/Beef Soup is the Top Choice
Sour Fish SoupLocated in a mountainous region, ancient Guizhou residents faced shortages of salt and medicine. They developed a method of "using sourness to replace salt" to enhance the flavor of food. This is why sour soup-based dishes remain a staple throughout much of Guizhou.
As the birthplace of Guizhou's iconic sour fish soup, Kaili is the perfect place to try this dish. Tender fish fillets are dipped and cooked in a red sour broth for a delicious experience. If you're not a fan of fish, you can also try sour beef soup. The local yellow beef has a firm texture that pairs perfectly with the tangy broth.
For the most authentic sour soup experience, we recommend these two restaurants:
- Kuaihuolin Lianghuanzhai/快活林亮欢寨: A time-honored restaurant with over 30 years of history, frequently visited by locals.
- Dongzhai Chuniang/侗寨厨娘: Here you can not only enjoy authentic cured fish and oil tea but also savor your meal accompanied by the mesmerizing melodies of the Dong Grand Choir, a true feast of food and culture.
Explore Guizhou with China Highlights
Whether you're visiting Kaili specifically to explore the Miao and Dong ethnic cultures or including it as part of a broader Guizhou itinerary, China Highlights can design your trip according to your personal needs and preferences. contact us now to start planning your Guizhou journey!
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