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| Xijiang village |
Another long-dreamed destination in China can be crossed of the list-
Guizhou province with it`s minority villages hidden amidst misty hills and rice terraces!
Time: Mid-November
Destination: KAILI and village hopping around it!
(it takes about 2- 2,5 h by bus or by train to get to Kaili from Guiyang - the capital of Guizhou province)
SHIQIAO VILLAGE
1h ride from Kaili; no entrance tickets
The village felt as real as it gets - we had the whole village to ourselves...
..and is famous for its handmade paper (really beautiful!!!)
I was so excited about the traditional art of paper making...just had to try it myself - here`s the outcome :) (pity that it takes 1 to 2 days to dry...otherwise could have taken it with me)
Fascinating Miao minority hair styling art (this woman told it takes her 1 h to do her hair!!!)
nice bridge!
cool bridge (we followed right after)
This guy was "fishing"- fetching fish with his bare hands - turns out rice fields are full of life!
Lunch time
MATANG VILLAGE
30 min ride from Kaili, no entrance tickets (at least not in November)
No tourists here either :)
This village is home to Gejia minority and is famous for batik and embroidery.
...we followed the noise and "crashed" a local gathering that turned out to be a funeral..
part of the funeral
Village also has nice paths leading into the hills, so we couldn`t miss an opportunity to take a little hike in the fields :)
Ginger!!! (it was the 1st time for me to see how ginger looks in its "natural habitat" ;)
XIJIANG VILLAGE
40 min ride from Kaili; entrance ticket 100 RMB; few tourists in November; worth staying a night or two like we did (plenty of accommodation available) to wonder around the village and terraced hills!
Xijiang village is told to be the largest Miao ethnic minority village in the world.
The main street - unlike other two villages this one is definitely seeing many more tourists (in November it all looked pretty low-season: many hotels, restaurants and shops were closed and we only saw few Chinese tourist groups, but during peak tourist season it sure would get crowded)
...anyway, Chinese tourists rarely wonder away from the main streets (and their guide!), so just start going uphill (whichever direction you may chose) and you`re on your own :)
Picture perfect for a nice hike or leisurely stroll!
...if you wonder a bit higher!
Miao costume, dance and music show at the ticket office area and official entrance to the village
Miao minority traditional costumes are a true work of art!
Miao dance and music show in the performance square inside the village
(there is a morning show and the afternoon show @ 5 PM; free)
(there is a morning show and the afternoon show @ 5 PM; free)
I loved the local customs :)
Tradition in daily life!
Sweet and sour (and spicy) fish soup will keep you warm in November!
Guizhou surprised us by a new taste - its spicy fish soup (suantangyu) tasted like Thai Tom Yum soup - amazing discovery of a completely new taste in China!
And it`s the most traditional Miao dish!
Locals returning from a wedding!
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