Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village is literally a real-life version of the world in Spirited Away

This time visiting the Miao Village, here’s a summary of the guide: High-speed train directly to "Kaili South Station," turn right after exiting to catch the dedicated shuttle bus to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village 💺 Official bus costs 35 RMB/person (departing on the hour), carpooling options around 40 RMB/person, about an hour’s ride. 🎫 Ticket Guide: Free admission with student ID during summer vacation! Adult ticket 110 RMB (includes 4 sightseeing bus rides) ⚠️ Book in advance on "Yi Ma You Guizhou," as there are crowd control measures during peak season. 🏨 Accommodation Choices: ▫️ Want panoramic views → Stay halfway up the mountain (recommended "Xunmei Half-Mountain") ▫️ For convenience → Stay on the main street (but it can be noisy) ▫️ For comfort → Choose new hotels outside the scenic area ❗️ Always ask before booking: Do they help carry luggage? Dragging suitcases on stone paths can be really frustrating… 📸 Hidden photo spots: 1️⃣ Yunting Panoramic Restaurant (reservation required, minimum spend 98 RMB) 2️⃣ Stone steps beside Wind and Rain Bridge No. 5, walk 50 meters uphill 3️⃣ Terraced field viewing platform, most beautiful at twilight blue hour 4️⃣ Alley behind the Miao Museum, avoid the crowds ✨ Miao costume rental tips: Basic style 30 RMB/hour, heavily embroidered style 50 RMB, recommend doing your own makeup + just styling hair to save half the cost! 🍜 Must-try foods: ▪️ Hand-pounded glutinous rice cake (freshly made, warm and sticky) ▪️ Huinong sour soup noodles (people line up as early as 6 AM) ▪️ Caotang Tea House (sour soup beef + scenic seats are a perfect match) ▪️ Mao tofu (the most authentic in the small alleys) 🌙 Late-night bonus: After 10 PM, when the tour groups leave, the Miao Village truly awakens. Lanterns light up one by one, Miao songs drift from the taverns, follow locals to the alley barbecue stalls, order some grilled black-haired pork with a cup of rice wine—this lively atmosphere is the soul of the Miao Village. 🌟 One last honest word: There is certainly a commercial side here, but if you’re willing to walk a few more stone paths and chat with the embroidery grandmas, you can still feel the warmth of the Miao people’s 600-year history. The morning cooking smoke and late-night rice wine are more touching than any photo.