[2025 Leishan Attraction] Travel Guide for Gage Ancient Alley (Updated Apr)

🍃Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving: From Guiyang, take the Guixin Expressway to Kaili City, then switch to Provincial Road S208. The journey takes about 3 hours (220km). Parking lots are available in the scenic area, but arrive early during peak season. 2. Public Transportation: - High-speed Rail: Guiyang North Station to Kaili South Station (about 41 mins, CNY 58.5), then take the direct shuttle to the scenic area (about 1 hour). - Bus: Guiyang Bus Station to Kaili Bus Station, then transfer to a bus to Xijiang. 🍃Recommended Itinerary Morning - 7:00-10:00: Depart from Guiyang, experience the Welcome Wine ceremony (10:30-12:00, at the entrance), a traditional Miao greeting custom. - 10:30-12:00: Visit the Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the Miao village (recommended to return at dusk for night views). - 12:00-13:30: Lunch recommendations at Miao Family Restaurant: Sour Fish Soup, Miao-style cured meat, and rice wine. Afternoon - 14:00-15:30: Visit the Miao Ethnic Museum (open 9:00-17:30) to learn about history and culture; stroll across the Wind and Rain Bridges (No. 3 and 4 bridges are most distinctive). - 15:30-17:00: Free activities: - Traditional song and dance performance (starts at 14:00, Round Square) - "Xijiang Wedding Parade" (18:00-18:50, interactive event on main street) - Handicraft experience (spinning, silver crafting at Drum Square or Muxiu Silver Workshop) Evening - 17:30-19:00: Return to the Observation Deck to capture the sunset and twinkling village lights. - 19:00-21:00: After dinner, join the bonfire party or watch the Miao folk song duets (at No. 3 Wind and Rain Bridge, starts at 20:00). Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences 1. Observation Deck: Stunning views both day and night, recommended to visit twice. 2. Miao Ethnic Museum: Displays costumes, silverware, and history, free admission. 3. Gage Ancient Alley: Experience murals and Miao embroidery heritage, immerse in alley culture. 4. Drum Storage Hall (hilltop): Former Miao chief's residence, requires uphill walking, recommended for those physically fit. 5. Free activities: Welcome Wine ceremony, parade, song and dance performances, bench dance (at Necklace Square). Note the schedules! Food Recommendations - Must-try dishes: Sour Fish Soup, Miao-style cured meat, spicy fried sticky rice, sour rice noodles. - Recommended restaurants: Miao Family Restaurant, Qianhu Miao Family (authentic sour fish soup), street food stalls (rice cakes, rice wine). Accommodation Tips - Guesthouses in Miao Village: Recommended near hillside or observation deck (like Xijiang Mingyue Hotel), convenient for sightseeing, CNY 100-500 per night. - Advance booking: Limited rooms during peak season (March-November), booking through platforms recommended. Tickets and Fees - Admission + Shuttle: CNY 100/person peak season, CNY 80/person off-season, shuttle CNY 20 (mandatory, large scenic area). - Discounts: Half-price for students and military personnel with valid ID, free admission for Guangdong residents during certain periods (subject to official announcements). Important Notes 1. Attire: Comfortable walking shoes (many stone paths require walking). 2. Sun protection/warmth: Strong UV rays in Guizhou, sun protection in summer; thick coats needed in winter. 3. Cultural respect: Don't photograph residents or enter homes without permission. 4. Environmental protection: No littering, be careful with fire near wooden Miao buildings.

At 5 a.m., I was awakened by birdsong outside the window. The moment I pushed open the wooden window, the morning mist was rising from the Baishui River valley, and over 1,300 stilt houses looked like a fleet of ships floating on a sea of clouds. This was my third day waking up in a Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village homestay, and I was still speechless from the magical realism of this beauty. As a travel blogger who has visited over 30 ancient villages in Southwest China, the vitality of this world's largest Miao settlement is far beyond your imagination. A Secret Way to Avoid the Crowds The north gate of the scenic area is routinely occupied by tour groups at 9 a.m. every day, but seasoned travelers know that the west gate is the hidden entrance. Walk through the rarely-used Twelve-Gate Wine Corridor, where Miao girls with jingling silver ornaments won't actually make you drink from a bullhorn cup, but you can capture some excellent photos. I recommend contacting your homestay butler in advance to help transport your luggage. Hiking lightly through the terraced paddy field trails, the fern-picking grandmothers you encounter when your trousers are damp with morning dew will be your first taste of Miao hospitality. The Survival Rule of Stilt House Homestays Don't be fooled by the cookie-cutter internet-famous homestays near the viewing platform. The real charm is hidden on the mountainside of Dongyin Village. The "Fengxiang Pavilion" where I stayed required climbing 487 bluestone steps, but opening the window offered an exclusive, unobstructed 270° view of the terraced paddy fields. The owner, Awang, is a 13th-generation Miao silversmith. After nightfall, he demonstrates the ancestral technique of bonding silver pieces with sweetgum sap by the fire pit. This wisdom, older than soldering, allowed me to touch the true soul of the Miao people. Private List of Photo Spots * Morning Mist in the Pastoral Sightseeing Area (5:30-6:30 a.m.): Aerial photography of the stilt house cluster awakening from the milky white mist * Lusheng Field in Yedong Village (4 p.m.): Backlit shots of copper drum-patterned batik cloth fluttering in the wind * Oil-Paper Umbrella Street in Gage Ancient Alley (Rainy Days): Capture girls dancing on the bluestone slabs alongside 600 hanging oil-paper umbrellas A Culinary Adventure More Authentic Than "A Bite of China" When the sour aroma of sour soup fish wafts through the cracks of the wooden stilt houses, you know it's time to put down your camera. "Houjiazhuang," a local favorite, hides the most impressive Miao food customs: the dark cuisine using *niubie* (stomach juice) as a soup base is admirable for the brave, but I recommend the *mao la guo* sour soup fermented with Leigong Mountain spring water. Paired with the sweetness of freshly caught paddy field fish, the sour and spicy layers are three times richer than those of internet-famous restaurants. On market days, remember to visit the riverbank market and look for grandmothers in Miao costumes. For 5 yuan, you can buy black glutinous rice balls dyed with maple leaves. Cultural Experience Pitfalls to Avoid While the three daily performances at the Lusheng Field are lively, it's more worthwhile to spend 30 yuan to participate in the "Ancient Papermaking" workshop passed down through the Miao King's family. The paper made from pounded paper mulberry bark can be preserved for thousands of years. When you personally print specimens of Leigong Mountain plants, the 75-year-old inheritor of intangible cultural heritage will say, "We Miao people have no written language, but the memories of the mountains and forests are hidden in the paper's texture." As night falls, thousands of lights flow down the mountainside like a silver river. I suddenly understood why the Miao people insist on building their houses on 70° slopes—they are not conquering nature, but rather engaging in an everlasting love affair with the mountains in the humblest of postures. Such a Xijiang is worth turning off your filters and measuring its wrinkles and brilliance with your footsteps. Tips: 1. After arriving at Kaili South High-Speed Railway Station, turn right at the exit to the passenger transport station. The fare to the scenic area is 25 yuan per person. 2. Prepare non-slip shoes for the rainy season in June and July. The Fish Burning Festival takes place in Guping Village in September. 3. When toasting at a long table banquet, don't touch the bullhorn cup with your hand. A light sip will prevent the "high mountain flowing water" effect.

The short holiday is coming! A five-day tour of Guiyang and Huangguoshu Waterfall, exploring the beautiful scenery of Guizhou! A super detailed guide will help you set off with ease. 🌟 / 🚩Suggested itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive in Guiyang → 24-hour free airport transfer → Check in to hotel and relax ✈️ Head to Guiyang, enjoy the 24-hour free airport transfer, check in to the hotel, have a good rest, and get ready for the wonderful journey ahead! DAY 2: Huangguoshu Waterfall—Tianxing Lake (Tianhe Lake Scenic Area) 💦 Explore the spectacular Huangguoshu Waterfall and experience the magnificent water flow; then head to Tianxing Lake to enjoy the tranquil scenery of Tianhe Lake Scenic Area. DAY 3: Libo Xiaoqikong Scenic Area—Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area—Water Forest (upper section)—Broken Bridge Waterfall—Xijiang Miao Village 🌳 Travel through the natural wonders of Libo Xiaoqikong, visit the Zhangjiang River scenery, stroll through the water forest, and admire the magnificent Broken Bridge Waterfall; stay overnight at Xijiang Miao Village and experience the Miao culture. DAY 4: Xijiang Miao Village—Century-old stilt houses—Rural scenery—Xijiang Ancient Street—Gage Ancient Alley—Xijiang Miao Village Museum—Observation deck 🏡 Explore Xijiang Miao Village in depth, visit the century-old stilt houses, enjoy the rural scenery, wander through the ancient streets and alleys, visit the Miao Village Museum, and finally climb to the observation deck to overlook the entire Miao Village. DAY 5: Depart from hotel → Transfer to Guiyang station 🛤️ End your pleasant trip, head from the hotel to Guiyang station, and return home with wonderful memories. / Some tips: - Price of local products 🏷️: The prices of dried local products in Guiyang vary. It is recommended to compare prices at multiple stores and choose the most cost-effective ones. - Photo spots 📸: Landmark buildings such as Jiaxiu Tower and the White House are great places to take photos. The night view is even more beautiful! - Local customs 🎭: Experience local appellation customs, such as calling grandfather "Taiye" and grandmother "Taitai", and experience the unique culture. - March weather 🌦️: Although the weather is getting warmer, there is occasional rain. Remember to bring an umbrella and a thick coat just in case. / 🎉 A trip to Guiyang and Huangguoshu Waterfall is a journey of beautiful scenery and delicious food. Look forward to your wonderful trip!

Visit Guiyang-Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou and enjoy a fun trip for seniors! No shopping, in-depth tour, and photo opportunities with stilted buildings and traditional costumes in Xijiang Miao Village. Don't miss out! / 📅Itinerary: D1: Arrive in Guiyang → Airport transfer → Check in to hotel Welcome to Guiyang! We offer 24-hour free airport transfer. Check in to a comfortable hotel and get ready for an exciting trip! D2: Tianxingqiao Scenic Area → Tianxing Lake → Huangguoshu Waterfall Explore Tianxingqiao Scenic Area and marvel at the natural wonders. Stroll along Tianxing Lake and then head to Huangguoshu Waterfall to admire the magnificent waterfall. D3: Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area → Xiaoqikong Scenic Area → Upper Section of the Water Forest → Duanqiao Waterfall → Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village Explore Libo Zhangjiang Scenic Area, check in at Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, explore the Water Forest, and admire Duanqiao Waterfall. In the evening, head to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village to experience Miao culture. D4: Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village - Century-old Stilted Buildings → Xijiang No. 1 Wind and Rain Bridge → Rural Scenery → Xijiang Ancient Street → Gage Ancient Alley → Xijiang Miao Museum Explore Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, visit century-old stilted buildings, stroll along Xijiang No. 1 Wind and Rain Bridge, enjoy the rural scenery, visit Xijiang Ancient Street, explore Gage Ancient Alley, and finally visit Xijiang Miao Museum to learn about Miao culture. / **Notes**: 📸 Photo spots: Doupotang Waterfall is very wide, Yinlianzhuitan Waterfall is beautiful, and Tianxingqiao Scenic Area is mysterious. Don't miss them! 🍜 Food: Zhi's Beef Noodles are rich and tender, and Sour Soup Beef is appetizing and refreshing. There are also local snacks waiting for you to try. 🎭 Customs: The Bouyei and Miao cultures are rich. Visit a silverware workshop and experience the unique ethnic customs. ✈️ Airport transportation: There is a direct bus from Guiyang Airport to Huangguoshu Waterfall, which is convenient, fast, and time-saving. / If you like my guide, give it a thumbs up👍 and save it🌟. Take your friends on a trip to Guizhou and never get lost!🚗

Guizhou! Thousands of Miao Village! Wabi-sabi style B&B is so good to stay in… ✨My dears👫, I found an amazing homestay in Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village! 🌄Great view 🛏️Wabi-sabi style rooms 🍱Delicious meals🍜 It's so good that I don't want to check out~ - 🏠【Wabi-sabi style room】 The room is decorated in the Wabi-Sabi style🎨, and any photo you take will give you the feeling of a blockbuster movie📷. Moreover, the whole house is equipped with smart home system, which is super convenient to operate🤖. The bedding is from a famous brand and is super comfortable to sleep on 🛏️. Lelabo toiletries 🧴 and a Dyson hair dryer are also provided. There is also a super comfortable bathtub for bathing 🛁! - 💁♀️【Very considerate service】 The one-to-one butler service is super considerate💁! Before you check in, we will explain the attractions and food guide of Miao Village to you clearly📋. The dining is also superb! Breakfast is from 7am to 11:30am, and there is everything including pasta🍝, hot dry noodles, local rice noodles🍜, fruit🍇, hibiscus soup, milk🥛, coffee☕ to satisfy all tastes. There is also exquisite afternoon tea☕, and goodnight sweet soup from 9pm to 11pm. This treatment is so enjoyable! - 🌟【Many check-in spots around】 It is only 100 meters away from the observation deck, and you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Miao village from the room. There are also a lot of fun things to do around. There are wonderful cultural performances 🎭 and large-scale celebration ceremonies 🎉 at the Lusheng Field every day. In the Gage Ancient Lane, you can experience the rich ethnic culture such as oral epic ancient song singing 🎤, love song duets, and Miao embroidery intangible cultural heritage inheritance; Youfang Street is full of Miao specialty shops, where you can find a lot of souvenirs 🎁. - 📍Guizhou-Qianhu Miao Village

Visiting the night of Xijiang, the deepest impression I gave was to the ancient alleys of Yingge. After I went in, I saw a few children playing. I held up the camera and hurriedly fixed the photo. The photo was not good, but it was my favorite. I was also very fond of being seen by my peers. I liked this kind of humanity. I liked this feeling. The little girl turned and ran away, disappeared into the night, and the little boy stood on the side of the road with a lovely smile. It was very naive and very happy. Xijiang is just like us now, we are yearning for a bustling, but wanting to find a trace of tranquility, we may not do it, and Xijiang you will get a silence in the alley. The night is like the happy childhood of those children, and the night of this charming Xijiang.