Langdeshang Miao Village or Upper Langde Miao Village is located about 27 kilometers from Kaili. It is near the town of Leishan in southeast China's Guizhou Province. This small Miao village has become a popular stopping point for tourists. Langdeshang Village attracts travelers mainly for its three distinctive features: The first feature is that it is an excellent example of traditional Miao architecture; the second feature is that the village brims with a strong ethnic atmosphere that is demonstrated by the Welcome Ceremony that welcomes the tourists to the village; and the third feature is the picturesque landscapes. Most travelers know Langdeshang Village for its ethnic culture; however, the natural scenery in this part of the country alone is worth a trip.
Langdeshang Village has become like a museum. They preserve a large number of old wooden Diaojiaolou buildings that are buildings on stilts. This is a traditional style of construction. These wooden buildings are generally held together by means of wooden joints. Planks and beams are held together without metal nails or bolts or glue. Instead, interlocking joints are employed such as tenon ("peg and hole") joints and other more articulated joints (think of a jigsaw puzzle). The wood cottages in the village are multi-storied and are built on an incline. There is indeed method in this seeming madness, and it demonstrates how artfully the Miao people have adapted to their surroundings since ancient times.
The Langde Miao villagers in Langdeshang keep their centuries-old traditions and customs. A distinguished practice is the Welcoming Ceremony. Visitors to Langde Shang Village will be greeted with a drink of the "block-the-way" wine that is a local tradition for greeting guests. The welcoming ceremony continues as the guests pass the tables. Villagers will then set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing songs. Guests will be finally led to the Lusheng ground where the Lusheng Show is performed to enjoy the Lusheng Show. The lusheng is a kind of flute.
Travelers who have visited Langdeshang Village are likely to remember the quiet, refreshing and beautiful surroundings. The village is beside a river and is surrounded by rolling mountains. By the rivers are stone mill wheels which remain as they have for centuries.
Fun activities you can do in the area are walking around, renting a private vehicle and getting away from the tour groups to stay with the local families, photography, and swimming in the river.
