Miao ethnic people in Guizhou

The Miao people are one of the largest ethnic minority groups in Guizhou, and visiting their traditional villages is easily one of the most enriching experiences you can have in the region. Notable villages include the Langde Miao Village, Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, and the Basha Miao Village.

Step back in time in the historic Langde Miao Village, where you'll enjoy regular traditional performances and a special welcome ceremony. These activities let you interact with the locals in a respectful and meaningful way, and we think it will be the highlight of your trip.

The Basha Miao Village is notable because they're the only ethnic group in China that can legally own guns and are sometimes called "the last gunman tribe." You'll be treated to regular gunfire salutes and enjoy delicious foods, like sour fish soup, when you visit. Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is the largest Miao village in China and an excellent place to really learn about the culture.

Splendid Huangguoshu Waterfall

The Huangguoshu Waterfall is the largest waterfall complex in Asia, and it's easily one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Guizhou. Lined with well-maintained hiking trails and multiple viewing platforms for those perfect pictures, it's an excellent place for families and senior travelers.

We recommend checking out Water Curtain Cave for an entirely new perspective on the falls or visiting the Guan Bao Ting waterfall viewing platform to see the falls from above. If you're visiting during the rainy summer months between June and August, make sure you check the forecast in advance. While the rain makes the falls fuller and more impressive, it can also occasionally cause flooding.

Fanjingshan Mountain

Outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely want to put Fanjingshan Mountain on their must-see list. This UNESCO World Heritage site has an otherworldly beauty with unique karst rock formations and sacred Buddhist temples.

The scenery is one of the biggest draws, and another is the animal and plant life. This mountain is full of fantastic creatures like the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey and the Chinese giant salamander. You can hike or take the cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. It's truly a sight to behold and one of our absolute favorite things to do in southwestern China.

Zhaoxing Dong Village

The Zhaoxing Dong Village is another remarkable ethnic minority village in Guizhou and is largely known as the most beautiful Dong village in China. It's a great place for families with kids, with tons of activities for all ages.

Have fun visiting the Drum Towers and learning their history and continued importance for the Dong people. The architecture is stunning and will give you a genuine appreciation for the region. You can also listen to traditional Dong music, enjoy cultural performances, and participate in kid-friendly activities like traditional Miao indigo dyeing. Zhaoxing Dong Village is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Miao people celebrate Lusheng Festival

Guizhou's rich cultural heritage and ethnic minorities mean that it has some of the most interesting festivals and traditions in all of China. Festivals like Miao's New Year, where travelers can enjoy Miao dance and singing, will be the highlight of your trip.

Other notable festivals include the Sisters' Meal Festival, where glutinous rice treats are served and you can experience traditional folk dancing, and the Lusheng Festival, a celebration of regional music. Additionally, you can immerse yourself in Guizhou traditions any time of year by learning traditional handicrafts, like papermaking techniques, weaving beautiful bamboo birdcages, and learning the art of batik dyeing. These experiences are one of the highlights of traveling to Guizhou and offer an authentic glimpse into the local culture.

Sky Bridge in Guizhou

If you're interested in what's beyond the stars, Guizhou is a great place to visit. It's home to FAST, the world's most sensitive and biggest single-dish radio telescope. Visit Pingtang, Guizhou, and take a tour of the telescope center.

FAST is also close to the Pingtang Sky Bridge, which towers 332 meters high, or about 110 stories. It's the tallest concrete bridge tower and spans across a 500-meter-deep gorge. You'll enjoy rare glimpses of the karst landscape, and it's ideal for students and architectural engineering lovers.

Admire beautiful Xiaoqikong Scenic Area

The Xiaoqikong Scenic Area in Libo is like something out of a fairy tale, with bright turquoise rivers, picturesque ancient stone bridges, and green forests. It's a great place for families to spend the day, as there are plenty of short hikes for all ages and fitness levels.

Make sure to visit the limestone bridges and secret waterfalls on your wander through this idyllic part of Guizhou. Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit because you'll see the flowers in bloom and the changing of the leaves.

Guizhou sour soup fish

Guizhou's culinary traditions are something truly special. You'll find signature dishes that you can't get anywhere else, like sour soup fish and Dong-style cured meat, served alongside generous portions of sticky rice. Don't be afraid to sample the street snacks and village banquets, especially home-cooked lunch.

Treating yourself to Guizhou's delicious food is one great way to immerse yourself in local life. Plus, a lot of the food is seasonal, so you're bound to find something fresh and authentic on your visit.
Find more information about what to eat in Guizhou in this article: Top 10 Guizhou Foods

Zhenyuan Ancient Town

Zhenyuan Ancient Town is one of Guizhou's oldest attractions, with over 2,000 years of history. It's a free, 5A-rated scenic area with well-preserved examples of Qing and Ming architecture and winding ancient cobblestone streets.

Take a cruise on the Wuyang River to see the town aglow at night, visit Zhenyuan's museums for a deeper understanding of the culture, and shop for beautiful silver souvenirs while you're there.